Introduction
One of the most important things to consider when buying gold chains is to select the correct karat. The purity of the gold is called Karats and each type 10k, 14k and 18k have got their own benefits. Knowing these differences can allow you to make a wise purchase to suit your lifestyle, budget and style.
What Does Karat Mean?
Karat (k or kt) is a measure used to determine the proportion of pure gold to other metals in an object of jewelry:
- 24k gold, which is 100 percent pure is too soft to use in most jewelry.
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10k gold = 41.7% pure gold + 58.3% alloy metals
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14k gold = 58.3% pure gold + 41.7% alloy metals
- 18k gold = 75% pure gold + 25% alloy metals
10k Gold Chains: Long lasting and cheap
Pros:
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Durable and abrasion free.
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Most affordable option
- Best suited to everyday use and active living.
Cons:
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Less vibrant yellow tone
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More alloy metals in it, which can be irritable to the sensitive skin.
- Best use: Men who live an active lifestyle or who want their jewelry to last a long time at a low cost.
Perfect Balance with 14k Gold Chains
Pros:
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Sturdier and more filled with gold.
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More vivid and cheerful look.
- Fine jewelry produced using karat.
Cons:
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A little higher than 10k.
- Fit: Trendy and good and muscular.
Gold chains 18k: A symbol of status.
Pros:
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Rich, deep yellow tone
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High gold purity
- Fewer alloy metals (hypoallergenic).
Cons:
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Weaker and easily scratched.
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Higher cost
- Best use: Special events, investment goods or consumers who are likely to be quality conscious.
How to Select the correct Karat
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Cost-Essential Consumers: 10k will be selected as it is an efficient and cost effective amount.
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Fashionable Daily Wearers: 14k is the way to go with a balance between elegance and power.
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Luxury Seekers: 18k has the best gold feel.
- Request your jeweler to stamp and certify karat so you know you are getting what you are paying.
Numerous commonly asked questions (FAQs)
1. Is 10k gold real gold?
Yes, 10k gold is actual and is recognized by the law of the U.S. as gold, only it contains less amount of gold.
2. So, what karat should be used on day-to-day basis?
14k is the most common one that people wear during the day because it is not that expensive and carries both strength and gold.
3. Is gold with a better karat more readily scratched?
Yes, 18k gold is softer and it is more apt to scratches than 10k or 14k.
4. Is 18k gold worth the extra cost?
You need color richness and increased gold content, then 18k is worth the expense.
5. Will I know whether a gold chain has karat or not?
Seek out the stamp (e.g., 10k, 14k, 18k) but in all cases validate this with a reputable jeweler.
