Gold Karat Differences
Difference in gold percentage
K stands for karat (not to be confused with carat, which is the weight measure for gemstones) and refers to the percentage of gold in an alloy. To illustrate: 24K gold is 100% pure, 18K contains 75% gold and 25% alloyed metals, and 14K is 58% gold and 42% alloyed metals. Simply put, the 14-karat and 18-karat system makes it easier for the average person to determine the amount of pure gold in a piece.
How can you tell the difference with your gold jewelry on your own? Jewelers usually engrave the karat on an inconspicuous part of the jewelry, such as on the clasp of bracelets and necklaces, or on the inner band of rings.
