Difference between 22k and 24k Gold (2024)

FAQs

Difference between 22k and 24k Gold? ›

Ans: In contrast to 22k gold, which contains 8.3% other metals like copper or silver and 91.7% gold, 24k gold is considered pure gold because it contains 99.9% gold. Due to its extreme malleability and softness, pure gold is less suitable for some jewellery applications where durability is an issue.

Purity: 24K signifies 99.9 % purity and 22K is approximately 91 percent pure gold, with the other 9% consisting of other metals such as copper, silver,zinc, etc. Durability: While 24K gold is brilliant in colour, the jewellery (if made) with 24K gold won't be as durable as 22K gold jewellery.

Pure gold is notated as 24K – this is the highest karat level for gold meaning it is 100% pure gold. 18K gold is 75% purity level, 14K is 58.3% purity level, and 10K is 41.7% purity level. As you can see, the higher the karat number, the more pure gold comprises the metal.

22k gold is widely used to make regular jewellery and ornaments. Two parts of other alloys are mixed with 22 parts of gold which make the gold texture harder. This makes the jewellery durable and ideal for regular wear purposes.

24 carat gold, being pure, is softer, while 22 carat strikes a balance with added alloys. For durable jewellery, 22 carat is often preferred, combining elegance with resilience.

Disadvantages: 24k gold is very soft, so it can bend extremely easily. Common uses: 24k gold is not used for jewelry very often. Instead, it's used more for collecting wealth.

24K (100% pure gold)

Pure gold can be easily scratched and bent, so it's impractical for daily wear (yet the most expensive).

Even with just 8% of alloyed metal, 22K gold is somewhat more durable and stronger than pure gold. However, as this combination is still the softest type of mixed metal jewelry, care must be made when wearing it. 22K gold is not the best type of gold to use when creating heavy-studded jewelry.

Thus, whenever you're purchasing gold for investment purposes primarily, it is advisable to opt for higher purity such as around 22k as it carries an intrinsic value and will be hypoallergenic compared to 18k or 14k gold. If you prefer to get a pure set of gold, then 22k should be your best choice.

999 pure gold jewelry is mainly found in Asian countries like China, Thailand, Viet Nam and tends to be very yellow soft and pliable due to the fact that there are no other alloys added like copper, silver or nickel to change its color , it is pure . 999 gold and will aesthetically reflect that yellow pure color.

Is it OK to wear 14K gold everyday? ›

Durability and Everyday Wear

14k gold's composition—an ideal blend of pure gold and other durable metals—makes it significantly harder and more resistant to dents and scratches than its 24-karat, pure-gold cousin.

'375' gold is just one of many different types of hallmarks. If a gold product bears the hallmark '375', then your gold has been tested and classed as 9 carat or 37.5 per cent pure. The remaining 62.5 per cent of the item is composed of different metals such as nickel, copper, or in some cases silver.

Look For Hallmarks In Your Gold Jewelry

A piece of gold jewelry is typically engraved with a hallmark; most real gold has a hallmark that shows its purity which is its karat. Karat is the unit that is used to measure the purity of gold. When the karat is higher, the piece of gold is purer.

22K gold is the most durable as it contains other metals such as zinc, nickel, copper, etc. 24k gold is less stable than 22k gold as it is too delicate to resist wear and tear.

You can easily identify 24Karat gold because it has a distinct bright yellow color. Most popular forms of gold available in jewellery is of 22KT which contains 91.67 percent purity mixed with alloys such as zinc, copper, cadmium or silver to make it stronger and more durable to wear. It has a softer shiny yellow color.

24-carat gold is pure gold. Pure gold or 24-carat gold is not used for making jewellery or ornaments. this is because pure gold is very soft and can't be used for making ornaments. so, some amount of other metal (cooperation or silver) is added to make gold a bit harder.

Since 24k is the purest form of gold, it is more expensive than 22k or 18k gold. Therefore, 24k is suitable for investment purposes and not for making jewellery as it is too delicate.

The reason for this is the exceptional softness of gold. 24 karat gold is so soft, that it could easily be deformed and lose its firm grip on a jewel and allow it to slip or fall out of your ornament. Hence, order to have an ornament that is stronger. Most jewellers use 22 karat gold which is an alloy.

Thus, whenever you're purchasing gold for investment purposes primarily, it is advisable to opt for higher purity such as around 22k as it carries an intrinsic value and will be hypoallergenic compared to 18k or 14k gold. If you prefer to get a pure set of gold, then 22k should be your best choice.