14, 18, 22 and 24 Karat Gold: What's the Difference?
We explain in plain language how 14, 18, 22 and 24 karat gold differ in purity, colour, durability and resale value, and which karat suits which purpose.
The first question to ask when you look at a piece of gold jewellery is what karat it is. The karat directly determines the colour of the gold, how durable it is and how much you will receive if you sell it later. Two bangles of the same weight can be worth very different amounts if their karats differ.
In this article we compare the four karats you meet most often in Turkey, 14, 18, 22 and 24 karat, and explain when each one makes sense.
What does karat mean?
Karat shows how much pure gold a piece contains. The system works out of 24: 24 karat is almost entirely pure gold. In a 22 karat piece, 22 parts out of 24 are gold and the rest is other metals such as silver and copper.
In the jewellery trade this ratio is usually expressed as fineness. Fineness tells you how many parts per thousand are pure gold, and it is usually this number you see in the hallmark on the piece.
| Karat | Fineness (hallmark) | Pure gold content | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 karat | 995 / 999 | About 99.5% and above | Gram gold, bars |
| 22 karat | 916 | About 91.6% | Bangles, quarter, half and full coins |
| 18 karat | 750 | 75% | Diamond and gemstone jewellery |
| 14 karat | 585 | 58.5% | Everyday jewellery, necklaces, earrings, rings |
24 karat: pure gold and investment
On the market you find 24 karat gold as gram gold and bars. The purest gold is also the softest. It scratches and bends easily, so it is not well suited to jewellery.
For savers, however, it is the simplest option. Its value is tied directly to the price of pure gold and its craftsmanship cost is very low. You can follow the current gram gold price on our live market screen.
22 karat: the karat of bangles and coins
In Turkey, the karat most people think of when gold is mentioned is 22 karat. Bangles and all Turkish gold coins, the quarter, half, full coin and Ata Lira, are made in this karat.
22 karat stays highly pure while gaining enough hardness for jewellery. Its colour is a deep, warm yellow. Because it can be worn and keeps most of its value when sold, it is the preferred karat for both adornment and saving.
18 karat: the karat of fine jewellery
18 karat gold is 75% gold. The other metals in the alloy make it noticeably harder, which matters for holding stones securely in their settings. That is why 18 karat is mostly used for diamond and gemstone jewellery.
Depending on the metals in the alloy, 18 karat gold can be made in yellow, white or rose tones.
14 karat: the karat of everyday wear
A little more than half of 14 karat gold is pure gold. It is more durable than the other karats and resists scratches and dents well. Its colour is a lighter yellow.
It is a practical choice for fine chains, earrings and rings worn every day, and it is also more affordable than the same model in 22 karat.
How much is each karat worth when you sell?
When you sell a piece, the jeweller values it on the pure gold it contains. So the lower the karat, the less you receive per gram.
For example, a 10 gram 22 karat bangle contains about 9.16 grams of pure gold. A 14 karat necklace of the same weight contains 5.85 grams. Even though the two pieces weigh the same, their resale values differ markedly.
Also, the craftsmanship fee you pay when buying jewellery is not refunded when you sell. If your aim is purely to save, it makes more sense to choose products with low craftsmanship. You can see the current value of different karats with our calculators.
Which karat should you choose?
It depends on what you are buying gold for:
- For saving, 24 karat gram gold or 22 karat Turkish gold coins stand out.
- To wear and save at the same time, a 22 karat bangle is a balanced choice.
- For jewellery with stones, 18 karat is right for keeping the stone secure.
- For comfortable everyday wear, 14 karat is more durable and economical.
If you are unsure, we can look at the piece together in our store and show you its hallmark and karat on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell what karat a piece is?
Look for the hallmark on the inside surface of the piece or near the clasp. 585 means 14 karat, 750 means 18 karat and 916 means 22 karat. If the hallmark cannot be read, a karat test at a jeweller is the most reliable way.
Which is more valuable, 22 or 24 karat?
For the same weight, 24 karat gold is more valuable because it contains more pure gold. But 24 karat is very soft and not suitable for jewellery. 22 karat is preferred for jewellery and coins.
Does 14 karat gold tarnish?
Used properly, 14 karat gold does not tarnish easily. Long contact with perfume, sea water and cleaning chemicals can dull its surface. A simple clean with warm soapy water usually brings back its shine.
Can jewellery be made from 24 karat gold?
It can, but it is not common. 24 karat gold is so soft that fine pieces scratch and lose their shape easily, and stones cannot be held securely. That is why 24 karat is mostly used for gram gold and bars, while jewellery uses 22, 18 and 14 karat.
What karat is a quarter gold coin?
The quarter coin is 22 karat and weighs about 1.75 grams. Other Turkish gold coins such as the half, full coin and Ata Lira are also struck in 22 karat.
At Erya Gold Kuyumculuk you can follow live buying and selling prices, and reach our store in Ümraniye with any question.
