Gold has fascinated civilisations for centuries — symbolising wealth, power, and beauty. Yet when you step into a jewellery store, you’ll quickly notice that not all gold is the same. Some pieces are labelled 24K, 22K, 18K, or 14K, and each carries a different shine, price tag, and durability.
But what exactly do these “carats” mean? Why do they matter when buying or investing in gold? And how do you know which carat suits you best?
This blog unpacks everything you need to know about gold carats in an easy-to-follow Q&A format.
Q1: What does “carat” mean in gold?
The word carat (K or kt) refers to the purity of gold. Pure gold is considered 24 carats, meaning it is 100% gold with no other metals mixed in. However, pure gold is very soft and malleable, which makes it impractical for daily use in jewellery.
To increase strength, gold is often alloyed (mixed) with other metals like silver, copper, nickel, or zinc. The carat number tells you how much pure gold is present in the alloy out of 24 parts.
- 24K gold → 24 parts gold out of 24 = 99.9% pure
- 22K gold → 22 parts gold + 2 parts other metals = 91.6% pure
- 18K gold → 18 parts gold + 6 parts other metals = 75% pure
- 14K gold → 14 parts gold + 10 parts other metals = 58.3% pure
So, the lower the carat number, the less pure but more durable the gold.
Q2: How is a gold carat different from a diamond carat?
This is a common confusion.
In gold, carat refers to purity.
In diamonds or gemstones, carat refers to weight (1 carat = 200 mg).
So, when someone says “a 2-carat diamond ring in 18K gold,” the diamond’s size is measured in carats, while the gold setting’s purity is measured in carats.
Q3: Why is 24K gold not commonly used in jewellery?
While 24K gold has the highest purity and brilliant yellow shine, it is also:
- Soft and bendable → not ideal for daily-wear jewellery like rings or bangles.
- Easily scratched or dented.
- Less capable of holding gemstones because it lacks hardness.
That’s why jewellers often recommend 22K for traditional jewellery and 18K or 14K for modern or gemstone-studded designs.
Q4: What are the most common gold carat types?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 24K Gold (99.9% pure): Used mostly for coins, bars, and investment purposes.
- 22K Gold (91.6% pure): Popular in Asia for heavy jewellery, especially wedding ornaments.
- 18K Gold (75% pure): Common in designer and gemstone jewellery; offers a balance of purity and durability.
- 14K Gold (58.3% pure): Widely used in Western countries for engagement rings and everyday wear.
- 10K Gold (41.7% pure): Lowest purity still legally considered gold in some regions; very durable and budget-friendly.
Q5: How do you calculate gold purity in percentage?
A simple formula:
Percentage Purity=(Carats of Gold÷Total Carat Scale)×100%
For example:
18K gold → (18 ÷ 24) × 100 = 75% pure
14K gold → (14 ÷ 24) × 100 = 58.3% pure
Q6: Which carat of gold is best for jewellery?
It depends on your purpose and lifestyle:
- Wedding & heavy ornaments: 22K gold is ideal for its traditional appeal and decent durability.
- Daily wear & gemstone jewelry: 18K or 14K gold is better since it resists scratches and firmly holds stones.
- Investment pieces: 24K gold coins or bars are preferred due to maximum purity.
So, the “best” carat isn’t universal—it depends on whether you value purity, durability, or affordability more.
Q7: How does gold carat affect price?
The higher the carat, the more expensive the gold per gram because it contains a greater percentage of pure gold.
For example (hypothetical values for illustration):
- If 24K gold costs $60 per gram,
- 22K may cost around $55,
- 18K may cost $45,
- 14K may cost $35.
However, making charges, design intricacy, and brand name also influence final jewellery prices.
Q8: How does colour change with carat?
Yes, carat influences not only purity but also colour tone:
- 24K → Rich, bright yellow.
- 22K → Slightly lighter yellow.
- 18K & 14K → Available in different shades like yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold, depending on alloy metals.
This is why 18K gold is especially popular in rose and white gold jewellery.
Q9: Is a higher carat always better?
Not necessarily. A higher carat means higher purity, but not always practicality.
24K: Best for investment, not daily wear.
22K: Good for ceremonial jewellery, but still soft.
18K & 14K: Excellent for durability, daily wear, and gemstone settings.
So, “better” depends on use-case, lifestyle, and cultural preferences.
Q10: How do you test the carat of gold?
To avoid fraud, gold jewellery is usually stamped with a hallmark showing its purity (like 22K, 18K, etc.). Testing methods include:
- Hallmark certification (most reliable).
- Acid test: Chemicals react differently with different gold purities.
- Electronic gold testers.
- XRF (X-ray fluorescence) machines: Used by professional jewellers.
Always buy from trusted, certified jewellers to ensure authenticity.
Q11: Which gold carat is best for investment?
For long-term investment, 24K gold bars or coins are recommended because:
- They carry the highest purity.
- Easier to resell globally.
- Offer maximum return value.
For jewellery as an investment, 22K is also a good choice, since it retains high purity while being wearable.
Q12: Which countries prefer which gold carats?
- India, the Middle East, and Asia: 22K gold is most popular for jewellery.
- Europe & USA: 18K and 14K are widely used, especially for engagement and wedding rings.
- China: 24K gold is favoured for investments and gifts.
This variation is based on culture, tradition, and lifestyle.
Q13: What are the pros and cons of different gold carats?
24K Gold
✅ Purest form
✅ Highest resale value
❌ Too soft for daily wear
22K Gold
✅ Good purity + traditional value
✅ Popular in wedding jewelry
❌ Still delicate for heavy stones
18K Gold
✅ Durable + gemstone friendly
✅ Available in multiple colors (rose/white/yellow)
❌ Lower purity compared to 22K
14K Gold
✅ Affordable
✅ Excellent durability
❌ Duller yellow color
❌ Lower resale value
Q14: How to choose the right carat for you?
Ask yourself these questions:
- 1. Will I wear this daily or occasionally?
Daily → 18K or 14K
Occasional/traditional → 22K
- 2. Is this for investment or fashion?
Investment → 24K
Fashion → 18K or 14K
- 3. Do I prefer purity or durability?
Purity → Higher carats (22K–24K)
Durability → Lower carats (18K–14K)
Conclusion
Understanding gold carats is essential before purchasing any piece of jewellery or investment product. While 24K represents pure gold, it’s too soft for everyday wear. 22K balances purity and usability, making it ideal for traditional jewellery. 18K and 14K are stronger, versatile, and perfect for daily wear or gemstone settings.
In short, the “best” carat depends on your lifestyle, purpose, and cultural preferences. If you want purity, go for 24K or 22K. If you need durability and practicality, 18K or 14K will serve you better.
Next time you step into a jewellery store, you’ll know exactly what those numbers mean — and more importantly, which carat is right for you.