The Ultimate Guide to 24K Gold
Among the different types of gold, 24K gold is the purest. While 10K, 14K, and 18K gold are
made from alloys of gold mixed with other metals, 24K gold is 100% pure gold. It has a rich, bright and powerful color that captures the eye immediately.
Despite being extremely valuable and beautiful, 24K gold is not commonly used for engagement rings. 24K gold is such a soft metal that it bends and scratches easily, which makes it an impractical metal for a ring that either you or your fiance-to-be will wear daily. Gold alloys are harder and therefore better for jewelry - especially rings.
Diamonds and gemstones are not well suited for setting in pure gold. Being fully aware of your options, including the advantages and disadvantages of 24k gold, is vital to making a well-informed purchase.
Delighted happy couple with their gold setting engagement ring
Gold Purity Chart
First and foremost, a "Karat" is not to be confused with a "Carat" which is the measurement of a diamond size. Rather, "Karat" means the percentage of gold in a jewelry item.
A ring with a higher gold karat will feel heavier on your finger, as well as have a richer yellow hue.
Gold jewelry comes in different purities, each with their own properties, pros and cons. As a consumer, there isn’t necessarily a 'best' gold type, only the one that is right for you. In that case, what's a
better alternative to 24k gold?
Most high-end jewelry is made of 18K gold, which is 75% pure. Rich in color, it is very malleable and easy to work, and it has the signature yellow coloration traditionally associated with gold. It’s an excellent gold alloy that looks great, has a nice heft to it, and is suitable for everyday wear. The majority of
high-end bridal designer lines are made of higher karat gold or platinum.
Individuals who are extremely active or want to make the most of their budget may find better-suited options. The 58.3% purity level of 14K gold makes it an excellent choice for jewelry that is durable and can withstand daily wear and tear. Historically, 10K gold was popular because of its affordability and hardness, since it is 41.7% pure.
Vatche 1508 Venus Solitaire Engagement Ring
If you need any help choosing a
gold diamond engagement ring, or determining what your best options are, we are just a quick chat, email or call away.
We pride ourselves on offering you a friendly and knowledgeable diamond and jewelry consultant who will answer questions in a pressure-free way and assist you in choosing the right item.
Price of 24K Gold
The most expensive type of gold is 24K gold. The price can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors in the market. Although alluring, it's worth noting that there are also beautiful options with lower karat ratings - and they are also more durable.
Due to the fact that this type of gold is rarely used for jewelry, it is difficult to directly compare it with the prices of 14 or 18 karat gold.
Here at Whiteflash, we do not offer 24K gold as a choice of metal for our settings. We only want the best for our customers, without sacrificing durability and value.
Advantages and Disadvantages Of 24K Gold at a Glance
To make sure you as the buyer can be as informed as possible, we’ve outlined the advantages and disadvantages of 24K gold below.
Advantages:
- Gold can be a good financial investment. There is a ready market for buying and selling pure gold.
- 24K gold is inert. Since it will never react with any other element, the metal’s integrity and color will never be compromised. Pure gold is hypoallergenic, so there is a lower risk of skin irritation.
- When matching diamonds to 24k bands, you can typically opt for a lower color grade to save some money. It is not necessary for the diamonds to be colorless in order to appear very white because of the contrast against the darker yellow metal.
Disadvantages:
- While 24k gold is a pure metal, it's too soft and easy to scratch to be a practical choice of metal for jewelry you and your fiancé will wear often.
- Pure gold is very prone to scratching and deformation when worn as jewelry.
- As opposed to what most people associate with jewelry gold, pure gold has a much darker color. As a result,it may not be as attractive against many skin tones
- Pure gold contains almost twice as much gold as 14K gold (the most popular gold alloy for jewelry in the United States), which means it is much more expensive to produce jewelry using this material.
- Pure 24 karat gold is not as available in the jewelry market and therefore can be difficult to source and selection is very limited.
When is 24K Gold the Right Choice?
Valoria Rounded Pave Diamond Wedding Ring
What's right for you ultimately comes down to factors such as your budget, style, and taste. Though you might be attracted to 24k gold for its shine and color brilliance, wearing soft jewelry every day would compromise its beauty, value, and shape.
China and other Asian markets, however, tend to favor 24K gold. Many traditional Chinese wedding jewelry items are made from 24K gold, such as bracelets, gold bars, and other collectible pieces.
If you're concerned about a gold engagement ring lasting a lifetime, consider purchasing one that is made mostly of pure gold but contains other alloying elements for durability.