Different Types Of Gold Metal Classified Based On Purity (22kt, 18kt, 14kt Etc…)

Jewellery has always been a sign of status, appearance and prestige. It is made up with precious particles such as shells, stones, bones, rare metals etc.

This has been a form of luxury from ancient times till today and will continue to be. During the ancient times, jewellery used to be hand-made hence making it rare and each piece used to be unique to that blacksmith. Nowadays, jewellery is mass-produced to provide to the huge population of jewellery lovers hence making it less rare than it used to be.

The most common metal used to design and craft jewellery pieces is gold. Gold currently has the biggest market cap in the world. India is the biggest gold consumer in the world.

24k being the purest but the most delicate.
22k – slightly lesser purity but more durable than 24k.
18k – 75% pure comparatively more durable than the above types.
14k – 58% pure as an average value but way more durable than the 18k.

22k Gold jewellery implies that 22 parts of the jewellery amounts to gold and the balance 2 parts are some other metals used for structure and durability. This kind of gold is commonly used in jewellery making.

In 22k gold, out of the 100%, only 91.67% is pure gold. The other 8.33% comprises metals such as silver, zinc, nickel and other alloys. It is the addition of metals that makes the texture of gold harder hence making the jewellery more long-lasting and durable.

However, you must know that this can be used to make plain gold jewellery but 22k gold isn’t preferable for diamonds and heavy studded jewellery.

18k Gold is 75% gold mixed with 25% other metals like copper or silver etc.

Usually, studded jewellery and other diamond jewellery such as diamond rings is made with 18k gold. The 18 Karat gold is less expensive compare to its superior options such as 24k and 22k gold.

This one is slightly dull in colour. Recognizing 18k jewellery is rather simple – you will see the item stamped with 18K, 18Kt, 18k or similar variations.

Despite being the more affordable option compared to its superior options, 14k gold looks every bit as classy as any of the other metals.

14k gold is an excellent choice for an engagement ring or any other piece of fine jewellery that will be daily worn and will have to through hardships like environmental changes such as rain, dirt and temperature variations.

As a beautiful and durable metal 14k gold is also reasonably priced. The colour of gold you decide on should primarily be based on personal preference, skin tone and current fashion.