10K, 14K or 18K gold: what are the differences? The complete guide to choosing your jewelry.
If you've ever considered buying a gold ring, necklace, or bracelet, you've probably been faced with this question: what do carats mean? Is 18K gold jewelry always better than 10K? And most importantly, which one is right for you?
In this article, we explain everything about 10, 14, and 18 karat gold. An essential guide from Bijouterie MD to help you make an informed purchase, whether for yourself or as a gift.
What is a carat in jewelry?
The carat (denoted "K") measures the purity of gold in a piece of jewelry. Pure gold contains 24 carats. Therefore:
- 10K Gold: contains 41.7% pure gold
- 14K Gold: contains 58.5% pure gold
- 18K gold: contains 75% pure gold
The remainder is composed of alloy metals (silver, copper, zinc) which influence the color, strength and price of the jewelry.
10K Gold: The perfect balance between durability and affordability.
10-karat gold is often seen as the best choice for everyday jewelry. Cheaper than 14K or 18K, it is also more scratch-resistant thanks to its high proportion of alloyed metals.
This is the quality we offer at Bijouterie MD , particularly in our collections of:
Want to keep up with current trends? Also check out our article: Jewelry Trends 2025: 10K Gold and 925 Silver in the spotlight.
14K gold: a good compromise for a precious piece of jewelry
14K gold offers a good balance between purity and durability. Less hard than 10K, it is more malleable and offers a slightly richer shine. It is a frequent choice for engagement rings or anniversary gifts .
Unsure about a symbolic piece of jewelry? Discover: Eternal love through jewelry.
18K gold: the nobility of pure gold, but more delicate.
18K gold is the closest to pure gold, which makes it naturally more precious... but also softer. It can scratch more easily, making it less suitable for intensive daily wear.
At Bijouterie MD, we have chosen to offer mainly 10K gold in order to offer a good compromise between beauty, durability and budget .
Which color of gold should I choose?
The alloy used also influences the color of the gold :
- Yellow gold: classic and warm, perfect for fair skin.
- White gold: modern, elegant, similar to platinum
- Rose gold: romantic, very popular in women's jewelry.
Want to know which metal suits you best? Read: The Art of Choosing: 10K Gold or 925 Sterling Silver?
And if you're still hesitating...
If you're still unsure about the type of jewelry or the quality of gold to choose, our complete guide is here to help: Expert guide to choosing the perfect ring.
And don't forget: all our 10K gold jewelry is imported from Italy , carefully selected for its impeccable finish and durability. Our jewelry store in Beloeil offers you quality service, online or in person.
Conclusion: a choice depending on your style and usage.
There's no such thing as a "best" karat universally; only the karat best suited to your budget, style, and daily life. 10K gold remains an excellent option for everyday jewelry that's both elegant and durable.