Gold and its karat

Caratage is a measure of purity of precious metals such as gold. Its abbreviation varies according to language, but in French, we use "ct" or "K" after the number to identify the carat. In jewelry, this classification system allows to establish the proportion of pure gold in an alloy that includes other metals such as copper, silver and zinc (see table). There is no such thing as 100% pure gold, but in the precious metals industry, 24K gold is called pure. If our jewelry is made with10K gold, it means that its purity is 10 parts in 24. This means that the other 14 parts of its alloy are made of other metals. 14K and 18K have 14 and 18 parts pure gold respectively. 

If we calculate in percentages, 18K gold consists of 75% pure gold, 14K of 58.5% and 10K almost 42%. Now let's relate this to weight. If I have 24 grams of a 10 k gold, I have 10 grams of pure gold in my hands. 

Although there is no such thing as 100% pure gold, the Royal Canadian Mint 's gold refinery was the first to purify gold to 99.9%. It reached this figure in 1979 and surpassed it 3 years later with results of 99.99%. Since 1997, the designation 5-9 (99.999%) has been the highest purity standard in the world, a mark of faith established by the Royal Canadian Mint, which remains the only place in the world capable of achieving these results.

 The higher the karat of yellow gold, the brighter and more saturated it appears, whereas with rose gold, the opposite is true. Pink gold appears paler because there is less copper in the alloy. This distinction can be seen with the naked eye. However, the distinction is not as pronounced as some jewellers would have you believe with their advertising. It is very difficult to guess the karat of a piece of yellow or rose gold when you cannot compare it. It is easier to look at the hallmark inside the jewel to find out its karat. For white gold, the karat has no importance on the brilliance because the jewellery is treated with rhodium.

10K and 14K gold jewellery is very popular in Western countries with a 95% market share. Price is not the only factor. Even though their alloy is less pure than 18K, 10K and 14K gold jewellery has the necessary hardness and elasticity to counteract deformation and degradation. On the other hand, 18K jewellery gold represents the ideal alloy between the amount of pure gold and the other metals to preserve the stainless and non-allergenic qualities of the gold while increasing its rigidity.

Now that you know all about karats, what will you choose between 10K, 14K and 18K gold jewellery? It is true that 18K gold jewellery is a worthwhile investment when the occasion calls for it, for example a engagement ring or a wedding band. However, the quality of 10K and 14K gold makes it possible to offer solid jewellery for all occasions that will remain beautiful for a long time. Like all jewellers in the world, we love gold, but above all we love to accompany you in the most important moments of your life and guide you towards the best choices.