We hear it all the time, the ranking of gold pieces. The ranking determines a lot about a piece of gold, but few really understand what is means by 10k and higher gold rankings. We will discover the 5 types of gold and what their rankings actually mean.
10 K
10 K gold is the lowest denomination that can be considered gold. It does have a level of pure gold, but it is a mere 41.7%. The additional 58.3% is a mix of metals containing nickel and copper. The addition of these metals helps strengthen a 10 K gold piece, so it is far less malleable than pure gold. When melted down, the additional metals will come away from the pure gold.
14 K
With 14 K gold, the numbers are reversed. 14 K has 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% additional metals. This gold denomination is slightly more malleable, but still considered strong gold. 14 K is often found in simple department store gold pieces and not noted as very expensive. General necklaces and bracelets are often 14 K gold. They maintain their luster, but can tarnish due to the evidence of other metals.
18 K
With 18 K gold, you begin to move into the more luxurious gold pieces. 18 K gold is 75% pure gold and just 25% other metals. Everyday jewelry and some of the finer pieces are comprised of 18 K gold. It lasts a long time and does not tarnish like the less quality forms of gold.
22 K
22 K gold is almost pure. Its composition is 91.6% pure while the remaining 8.4% is comprised of various additional metals. This notation remains somewhat strong, so everyday jewelry can be made of 22 K, but most often this is reserved for finer pieces and those that will be worn less often.
24 K
The most coveted pieces of gold jewelry are 24 K. 100% pure gold is what you can expect with 24 K. This type of gold is far more malleable than any other type making it not the most practical for everyday use. However, if you want a piece of jewelry to remain beautiful for years without tarnishing, 24 K is the perfect type.
Gold jewelry is a status symbol, but more than that, these pieces can be passed down from generation to generation. Gold is timeless and remains beautiful virtually forever. If you have been looking for a piece of jewelry to give to someone you love, carefully consider how often they will wear it, your budget, and what the person really means to you.
Finding the right piece of jewelry is not always about how it looks in the case. It is important to carefully inspect each piece to determine its quality and overall durability. The more refined gold piece you give, the longer it will last, but the more fragile it will be. Carefully considering all your options will help you make an informed decision and ultimately make the piece more special for the recipient.
