The designation of gold jewelry as either 14k or 18k indicates the purity of the gold content within the alloy. These numerical prefixes represent the proportion of pure gold to other metals, expressed as parts per 24. Thus, 14k gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals, while 18k gold comprises 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals. For example, a piece of jewelry stamped “14k” signifies that it is 58.3% pure gold, whereas “18k” denotes 75% purity.
The choice between different gold purities impacts several key characteristics of the finished piece. Higher gold content, as found in 18k items, typically results in a richer, deeper yellow hue. It also tends to be more malleable and less durable than lower karat gold. Conversely, 14k gold offers increased strength and resistance to scratches and wear due to the greater presence of alloyed metals. Historically, the selection of karat weight has been influenced by factors such as budget, desired color, and the intended use of the jewelry piece.
