Understanding Gold Carats: What’s Best for Your Jewellery?
Gold is a timeless metal, synonymous with luxury, sentiment, and style. But not all gold is created equal—and when you're choosing or designing a piece of jewellery, understanding the differences between gold carats (like 24ct, 22ct, 18ct, and so on) is key to creating a piece that’s both beautiful and durable.
Let’s break down what each carat means, what it’s best used for, and why higher purity isn’t always better when it comes to wearable jewellery.
What Does “Carat” Mean in Gold?
The carat (ct) system measures the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 parts out of 24—so 24ct is 100% gold. But gold in its purest form is very soft, which is why it’s often mixed (alloyed) with other metals like silver, copper, or zinc to make it more suitable for everyday wear.
Breakdown of Gold Carats
24ct Gold (99.9% Pure)
Colour: Bright, rich yellow.
Pros: Highly valuable and hypoallergenic.
Cons: Extremely soft, scratches and bends easily.
Best Used For: Investment pieces, cultural or ceremonial jewellery (not ideal for daily wear).
22ct Gold (91.6% Pure)
Colour: Slightly muted yellow compared to 24ct, but still rich.
Pros: Very pure and has a beautiful colour.
Cons: Still too soft for fine details, prong settings, or daily-wear jewellery.
Best Used For: Wedding jewellery in South Asian or Middle Eastern cultures; heavy bangles or chains that aren't subjected to rough wear.
18ct Gold (75% Pure)
Colour: Warm yellow tone; slightly toned down by alloy metals.
Pros: Durable yet luxurious; perfect for heirloom-quality pieces.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than lower carats.
Best Used For: Engagement rings, wedding bands, fine pendants, and earrings—especially those meant for frequent wear.
14ct Gold (58.5% Pure)
Colour: Slightly lighter yellow.
Pros: Hard-wearing, cost-effective, and holds up well to daily wear.
Cons: Less lustre and prestige than higher carats.
Best Used For: Everyday rings, bracelets, and casual fine jewellery.
10ct Gold (41.7% Pure)
Colour: Pale yellow, often with a more subdued appearance.
Pros: Very durable and affordable.
Cons: May tarnish slightly over time; less “gold-like” in look and feel.
Best Used For: Sturdy, budget-friendly jewellery like men’s bands, casual rings, and bracelets.
9ct Gold (37.5% Pure)
Colour: Subtle yellow with more of a pale tone.
Pros: Extremely strong, affordable, and great for everyday use.
Cons: Less gold content means it doesn’t have the rich warmth of higher carats.
Best Used For: Practical everyday pieces—especially in rings, bangles, and earrings.
Why 24ct and 22ct Aren’t Ideal for Most Jewellery
While 24ct and 22ct gold might sound like the “best” options due to their purity, they come with key drawbacks:
Softness: Pure gold is malleable, meaning it can bend, scratch, or lose shape easily. This is a major issue for settings that hold gemstones.
Durability: Everyday jewellery needs to withstand knocks, wear, and exposure to soaps, sweat, and water—something 24ct and 22ct struggle with.
Limited Design Options: The softness limits the types of designs and intricate settings that can be achieved.
That’s why most fine jewellery—especially pieces designed for long-term wear—is crafted in 18ct, 14ct, or 9ct gold, offering a great balance of strength, colour, and affordability.
So, Which Gold Should You Choose?
Final Thoughts
Gold is a gorgeous, adaptable metal—but choosing the right carat for the right purpose ensures your jewellery not only looks stunning, but also lasts for generations.
At Nowlan Jewellery Co., we work with a range of gold alloys to custom-craft or remodel your jewellery based on how you live, wear, and love it. Whether you're after the luxury of 18ct or the practicality of 9ct, we’ll guide you to the perfect gold for your style and lifestyle.
Have old gold you want to transform? Read our blog post about using your old gold to create a new handmade piece of jewellery here!