Gold: 24k, 18k, 14k, 10k
The value of gold is increasing, making it more than just a piece of jewelry. It’s now an asset.
When you’re shopping for a piece of jewelry, you may be looking for a specific style or design. But purchasing the right karat is just as important. Here are some tips to help you make a perfect choice.
Gold: Know Your Karats
Gold karat (k): Gold is measured in karats with the maximum being 24. When a piece of jewelry is said to be 24 karats, that means it is pure gold, and 24 out of 24 parts of the metal is gold. Important note: The karat (k) measurement for gold is different than carats (c) used for diamonds. Consider the following when selecting the gold karat (k) of your piece:
- 24k gold isn’t recommended for jewelry as it bends easily and won’t retain its shape. It also scuffs easily and, because it’s prone to wear, will quickly look worn.
- 18k gold is made of 75% gold, 25% alloy metal. 18 karat is less likely to provide any irritation for those with nickel allergies and it elicits a rich yellow hue. However, it is easy to scratch and expensive.
- 14k gold is made of 58.3% gold, 41.7% alloy. This karat is the most popular weight for engagement rings and other wearable jewelry. It’s durable, provides a great gold color, and is fairly affordable.
- 10k gold is the most durable and least expensive of all weights. At 41.7% gold and 58.3% alloy, the gold color is paler but is much more difficult to scratch or bend. However, due to the higher level of alloy, if you are allergic to copper, silver, nickel, zinc, or iron, it may cause irritation or outbreaks.
Don’t Compromise.
Did you find the perfect piece, but you’d like it in a different karat? No problem. American Jewelry and Loan has an on-site expert jeweler that can create a piece to your exact specifications- using the karat of your choice at a fraction of the price of big box jewelry stores.
Your Custom Piece (At the Perfect Karat) Is Waiting.
It’s exactly what the industry doesn’t want you to know.
Don’t forget, it’s also an investment that brings you cash when you need it. Your high-value jewelry can be used for pawn over and over again. That makes it a solid investment in style- and peace of mind.
