What the "K" means when you buy gold, such as 24k, 18k and 14k?

While you are shopping for your next gold jewellery, engagement or wedding ring, you may come across terms such as 24k, 18k and 14k. No worries, let us explain to you! The K stands for karat, or the measurement of the purity of gold that is used in the jewellery.

24k yellow gold means 99.9% pure gold (there is no 100% pure gold as there will always be a little impurity while refining the gold). 18k means 75% gold and 25% is made up of other alloys.

Let us delve into the percentages of gold, and what it means for you below.

Gold type	Karats	Gold	Silver	Copper	Zinc	Palladium
Yellow	9k	37.5%	42.50%	20%
Yellow	10k	41.70%	52%	6.30%
Yellow	14k	58.30%	30%	11.70%
Yellow	18k	75%	15%	10%
Yellow	22k	91.70%	5%	2%	1.30%
Yellow	24k	99.99%
White	9k	37.5%	62.5%
White	10k	41.7%	47.4%		0.9%	10%
White	14k	58.30%	32.20%			9.50%
White	18k	75%				25% (or Pt)
White	22k	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Rose	9k	37.5%	20%	42.5%
Rose	10k	41.70%	20%	38.3%
Rose	14k	58.30%	9.2%	32.5%
Rose	18k	75%	9.2%	22.2%
Rose	22k	91.7%		8.40%

Diamond love pendant in 18k white gold

Usually, white, rose and yellow gold jewellery for everyday wear will be 18k gold, as the mixture of other alloys will strengthen the gold. 18k gold is most popular for wedding and engagement rings if you're looking for one.

24k gold luxury bracelet

24k gold is softer than 18k gold, and could be bent more easily. But 24k is common in pure gold jewellery, as well as 22k gold. Therefore, if you are looking for yellow gold jewellery for everyday wear or investment, choose 24k or 22k. If two gold pieces are exactly the same design, then 24k will be more valuable.

Luxury Ruby ring in 14k yellow gold

14k gold is also popular, and is slightly cheaper as less gold is used, while more alloys are added to also strengthen the gold. If you prefer to spend less budget on gold, opt for 14k.