Gold Karat Differences: 14, 18, 22 Karat

What does karat mean?

Pure gold is a very soft metal; made into jewellery on its own it scratches, bends and loses its shape easily. That is why jewellery gold is alloyed with metals such as silver, copper, zinc or palladium. “Karat” tells you how many of the alloy’s 24 parts are pure gold. For example, 18k means 18 of 24 parts are gold and 6 are other metals. The fineness hallmark on the piece (such as 585, 750, 916) shows the same ratio in parts per thousand.

Gold karat table

14k or 18k?

Because 14k gold is harder, it resists scratching and bending better in everyday wear; it also costs less than 18k. Its colour is slightly lighter and cooler. 18k gold has a richer yellow colour, is more valuable and is often chosen for stone-set jewellery; however, in fine chains and thin rings it can lose its shape more easily than 14k.

When choosing, think about this: will you wear the piece every day, or only on special occasions? For a ring, fine necklace or earrings worn every day, 14k is a practical balance. If holding value and colour depth come first, 18k stands out.

Why is 22k used for bangles?

Because of its high purity, 22k gold is traditionally used in Türkiye for bangles, Ata lira coins and wedding gifts; most of its value comes from its gold content and it is easy to resell. However, because it is soft, it is not suitable for finely crafted earrings, fine chains or piercing jewellery; it scratches and bends quickly.

Yellow, white and rose gold: the difference

Karat is independent of colour: a 14k piece can be yellow, white or rose. The other metals in the alloy determine the colour.

• Yellow gold: A balanced mix of gold with silver and copper; the classic look.
• White gold: Whitened with metals such as palladium or nickel and usually plated with rhodium. The rhodium plating can wear over time and may need renewing. If you have a nickel sensitivity, choose nickel-free (palladium) white gold.
• Rose gold: The pink tone comes from a higher proportion of copper in the alloy. Because of the high copper content, irritation can occasionally occur on very sensitive skin.

Solid gold, gold plating and vermeil: the difference

Karat information applies only to solid gold. In gold-plated jewellery, a thin layer of gold is applied over a base metal (usually brass or steel); this layer wears over time with friction, sweat and perfume. Vermeil is a thicker gold plating over silver. If you see a phrase such as “14k plated” on the label, it means only the plating is gold, not the piece itself. For details, see our solid gold, vermeil and plating guide.

Which karat for piercings and sensitive skin?

For a new piercing or a healing hole, professional piercer standards recommend nickel-free solid gold of 14k and above. In alloys of 10k and lower, the proportion of non-gold metal rises, so the risk of irritation increases; plated jewellery is not suitable during healing. If you are torn between gold and titanium: at our studio titanium jewellery is 350 TL, and 350 TL is added to the piercing price when titanium jewellery is used for the piercing. The price of gold piercing jewellery is set separately depending on the chosen design. For a material comparison, see our nickel allergy and piercing jewelry and the titanium piercing jewellery guides.

How can you tell real gold?

• Hallmark: Look for a fineness hallmark such as 585, 750 or 916 on the clasp, inner surface or ring of the piece. A hallmark alone is not conclusive proof, but it is the first check.
• Documentation: A reliable seller states the karat and weight on the invoice or certificate.
• Jeweller’s test: For a definitive result, a jeweller can do a touchstone test, an acid test or an electronic measurement.
• Magnet: Gold is not attracted to a magnet; if the piece sticks, there is another metal inside. However, not sticking does not on its own prove it is real gold.

Caring for gold jewellery

Solid gold does not tarnish, but it can look dull from dirt, creams and soap residue. Cleaning it with warm water, a few drops of mild soap and a soft brush, then drying it with a soft cloth, is enough. Chlorinated pool water and bleach can damage the alloy, so taking jewellery off before swimming is a good habit. On white gold pieces, the jewellery can look slightly yellowish as the rhodium wears; a jeweller can re-plate it. For earring-specific advice, see our how to choose gold earrings guide.

If you cannot decide between gold, titanium or steel, you can ask us on WhatsApp or drop by our studio in Ümraniye Çarşı. For general information about jewellery materials, see our jewelry guide page.

Official and reliable sources

• APP: Jewellery material standards
• NHS: Contact dermatitis (a skin reaction caused by contact with metal)

FAQ

Does 14k gold tarnish?

Solid 14k gold does not tarnish or rust. Over time it can look dull from dirt and cream residue; cleaning it with warm soapy water brings back the shine. “Gold” jewellery that tarnishes is usually plated.

What does 585 mean?

585 is the fineness hallmark showing that the piece contains 585 parts per thousand of pure gold, which corresponds to 14k. 750 indicates 18k and 916 indicates 22k.

18k or 22k: which should you choose?

It depends on how you will use it. 22k is purer and more valuable and is preferred for thick pieces such as bangles; 18k is harder and more durable in stone-set or finely crafted jewellery.

Why does white gold turn yellow?

White gold is usually plated with rhodium. As the plating wears over time, the slightly yellowish colour of the underlying alloy shows through. Re-plating with rhodium at a jeweller restores the original colour.

Can gold jewellery be used for a new piercing?

Yes, but it must be nickel-free solid gold of 14k and above. Plating, vermeil and low-karat gold are not recommended, as they can cause irritation during healing.

Is 8k gold real gold?

8k gold does contain real gold, but only 33.3%; the rest is other metals. It is more affordable and harder, but its value and colour differ from higher karats; irritation can occur on sensitive skin.

This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.