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Polacheck’s Jewelers Explains Gold Karats and Why 18K Is the Standard for Fine Jewelry October 29, 2025 (0 comments)
Calabasas, CA--Polacheck's Jewelers has shared a post explaining how gold purity is measured in karats and why 18K gold is regarded as the benchmark for fine jewelry.
[Image via Polacheck's Jewelers/Facebook]
According to the Facebook post, karat (K) refers to the percentage of pure gold in a piece. 24K represents 100% pure gold, but it is too soft for everyday wear. To make gold durable, it is alloyed with other metals.
The jeweler's breakdown outlines the key characteristics of each gold grade:
- 14K Gold (58.3% pure): Offers maximum durability and a lighter tone, making it ideal for everyday jewelry.
- 18K Gold (75% pure): Known for its warm, rich color and balance between strength and luxury. Strong enough for daily wear, yet refined enough for heirloom pieces, making it the choice of many fine jewelers.
- 22K Gold (91.6% pure): Recognized for its deep, saturated yellow hue, but requires gentle wear due to its softness. Often used for traditional and cultural designs.
- Gold-Plated Jewelry: Uses a thin layer of gold over a base metal. It tarnishes quickly and is not suitable for long-term or investment pieces.
The post notes that 18K gold achieves the ideal mix of color, durability, and value, making it the most popular standard in fine jewelry craftsmanship.
Check out the visual post here on Facebook.