Rose gold, a metal alloy valued for its pinkish hue, exists in varying karat weights, most commonly 14k and 18k. These numbers denote the proportion of pure gold within the alloy. For instance, 14k indicates that the metal is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals, while 18k means 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals.
The karat weight influences several key characteristics, including the metal’s color, durability, and value. Higher karat weights, like 18k, exhibit a richer, more saturated rose tone due to the greater percentage of pure gold. However, pure gold is a soft metal, so higher karat alloys are inherently less durable and more susceptible to scratches and dents than lower karat options. The gold content also dictates the material’s inherent worth; alloys with more gold are typically more valuable.