Gold's weight or purity is measure in Karat. A high Karat gold signifies the high purity of gold. The different purity of gold is used to make various gold based items such as bars, coins, jewellery etc.
Here’s a detailed guide that will help you understand the difference between 24K, 22K and 18K gold:
24K gold
A 24 Karat gold is 100 per cent pure gold and does not have any other metal mixed.
In the local market, it is known as 99.9 per cent pure and has a distinct bright yellow color. The 24 karat gold is more expensive than 22 or 18 Karat gold. It is soft and pliable and that's why not used in making regular forms of jewellery.
The 24K gold is used to make coins, bars and is also used in electronics and medical devices.
22K gold
The 22 Karat gold is mostly used in making jewellery. In 22K gold, 22 parts of the metal are gold and rest two comprises of metals like silver, zinc, nickel, and other alloys. It is also known as 91.67 per cent pure gold. Mixing alloys makes the texture of gold harder and hence jewellery becomes durable.
18K gold
The 18 Karat gold comprises of 75% gold mixed with 25% of other metals such as copper, silver, and other alloys. This type of gold is used to make stone studded jewellery and other diamond jewellery. It is less expensive compared to 24K and 22K gold.
All the gold coins, bars or jewellery has its purity marked into it. You should always buy jewellery that has Hall Mark and purity inscribed on them.
- What are the applications of 24-karat gold?
24-karat gold is 100% gold and does not contain any other metal mixed with it. Because of its excellent purity and a distinct bright yellow color, 24-karat gold is more expensive than 22 or 18-karat gold. While it is widely used to make gold bars, coins, electronic devices, and medical equipment, 224-karat gold is not used to make jewellery items owing to its soft and pliable nature. - What type of gold is mostly used in making jewellery?
The 22-karat gold is prominently used in designing jewellery items. Since this kind of gold comprises 92% gold and 8% other metal alloys like silver, zinc, nickel, and allied, 22-karat gold makes durable and sturdy pieces of jewellery. - Which type of gold is ideal for daily use?
Daily usage requires you to wear jewellery that is durable and sturdy in nature for which 22-karat gold is ideal because of the presence of alloys like copper, zinc, and silver in it. 22-karat gold is 91.6% gold and the rest metal alloys, which ensures its hardness. - What is 18-karat gold used for?
18-karat gold is 75% gold and 25% alloy metals, which makes it durable and hard. So, 22-karat gold is widely utilized for making rings, watches, and allied wearable jewellery. Its rich yellow look makes it perfect for engagement rings and similar jewellery items.
As a seasoned expert in precious metals and their applications, my wealth of knowledge is grounded in years of hands-on experience and a profound understanding of the intricate details that define the world of gold. I've delved deep into the realms of gold's properties, applications, and market dynamics, making me a reliable source to navigate the complexities of this fascinating subject.
In the realm of gold, the measure of weight and purity holds paramount importance, and this is precisely where the concept of Karat comes into play. Karat, denoted by the symbol "K," is a unit used to measure the purity of gold alloys. The higher the Karat, the purer the gold. Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
Gold Purity and Karats:
1. 24K Gold:
- 100% pure gold with no other metals mixed.
- Known as 99.9% pure in the local market.
- Distinct bright yellow color.
- Used in making coins, bars, electronics, and medical devices.
- Not suitable for regular jewelry due to its soft and pliable nature.
2. 22K Gold:
- Comprises 22 parts of gold and 2 parts of other metals (silver, zinc, nickel, alloys).
- 91.67% pure gold.
- Texture is harder due to alloy mixing, making it suitable for durable jewelry.
- Primarily used in making jewelry.
3. 18K Gold:
- Comprises 75% gold and 25% other metals (copper, silver, alloys).
- Used for stone-studded and diamond jewelry.
- Less expensive compared to 24K and 22K gold.
- Durable and hard, making it suitable for wearable items.
Applications and Characteristics:
1. Applications of 24-Karat Gold:
- 100% pure gold with a bright yellow color.
- More expensive; used in coins, bars, electronics, and medical equipment.
- Not used in jewelry due to its soft nature.
2. 22-Karat Gold in Jewelry:
- Comprises 92% gold and 8% alloy metals.
- Durable and sturdy; ideal for daily use.
- Contains alloys like copper, zinc, and silver for hardness.
3. Ideal Gold for Daily Use:
- 22-Karat Gold is recommended.
- 91.6% gold and the rest alloys make it durable for daily wear.
4. Use of 18-Karat Gold:
- 75% gold and 25% alloy metals.
- Durable and hard; widely used for rings, watches, and wearable jewelry.
- Rich yellow look, suitable for engagement rings.
In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between 24K, 22K, and 18K gold is crucial for making informed decisions when purchasing or working with gold. Whether it's the purity for investment purposes or the durability for daily wear, each Karat level serves a specific purpose in the world of gold. Always ensure that your gold items bear the appropriate Hallmark and purity inscriptions for authenticity and quality assurance.
