What is the difference between 14, 18 and 24 carat gold?

Gold is a precious metal used for both investment and jewellery. Its purity is expressed in carats, a unit that indicates the proportion of pure gold in the alloy. The higher the number of carats, the more pure and malleable the gold is.

1.   24 carat gold: pure gold

• ​Composition: 99.9% gold.
• Characteristics: It is the purest gold available on the market, with an intense yellow color and very malleable.
• Use: Mainly used for investment in the form of ingots or gold coins, but also in some cultures for traditional jewelry.
• Advantages: Does not oxidize, high value, ideal for wealth storage.
• Disadvantages: Extremely soft, scratches and deforms easily, making it not suitable for everyday jewelry.
  
  

2.   18K gold: the standard in jewellery

• Composition: 75% gold, 25% alloys (silver, copper, palladium, etc.).
• Characteristics: A good balance between purity and robustness, it retains a bright golden color while being more resistant than 24 carat gold.
• Use: Very common in high jewelry and luxury watchmaking.
• Advantages: More durable than 24 carat gold, while maintaining a prestigious appearance.
• Disadvantages: More expensive than 14 carat gold and remains relatively soft compared to the alloys less rich in gold.

3.   14 carat gold: robustness and accessibility
​

• Composition: 58.5% gold, 41.5% alloys.
• Characteristics: Less pure than 18 or 24 carat gold, but more resistant to shock and scratches.
• Use: Ideal for everyday jewelry such as wedding rings and bracelets, often used in mainstream jewellery.
• Advantages: Cheaper, stronger, less easily tarnished.
• Cons: Slightly less intense than 18 or 24 carat gold.

​
4. How to choose?

The choice between these different gold purities depends on several criteria:

• Usage: If the goal is an investment, 24 carat gold is preferable. For a luxury jewel, 18 carat gold is an excellent choice. For a durable everyday jewel, 14 carat gold is the most suitable.
• Budget: 14 carat gold is more affordable, while 18 and 24 carat gold are more expensive due to their higher pure gold content.
• Durability: 14 carat gold is the strongest, while 24 carat gold is the most fragile.
• Aesthetic: 18 and 24 carat gold have a more intense and luxurious color than 14 carat gold.

Conclusion

14, 18 and 24 carat gold differ in their purity, strength and use. 24-carat gold is ideal for investment, 18-carat gold for fine jewellery, and 14-carat gold for a balance between beauty and solidity. The choice therefore depends on the needs and preferences of each!