- Home
- /
- Diamond Knowledge
- /
- 18K Gold
18K Gold 18K Gold
Gold Standard for Fine Jewelry
📜 History and Stories
Since ancient times, pure gold (24K), due to its softness, has not been able to satisfy the needs of everyday jewelry. In pursuit of a balance between beauty and practicality, goldsmiths began to mix gold with other metals to create alloys. 18K gold, an alloy containing 75% pure gold, gradually became the industry standard for fine jewelry in Europe.
It retains the noble color and value of gold, yet is hard enough to set precious gemstones, making it ideal for fine jewelry such as engagement rings, necklaces and bracelets.
🎨 Composition and Color of 18K Gold
18K gold consists of **75% pure gold** and **25% an alloy of other metals**. By adjusting the composition of this 25% alloy, different colors of 18K gold can be created to satisfy a wide range of aesthetic needs.
Yellow Gold
75% Gold + Silver + Copper
pink gold
75% Gold + Copper (Higher proportion)
white gold
75% Gold + Palladium/Silver + (Rhodium plated)
🔬 Characteristic Comparison
| characterization | Description (18K Gold) |
|---|---|
| Purity Marker | Au750 or 750 |
| Gold content | 75% |
| durometer | Moderate, much higher than 24K gold |
| characterization | Rich in color and suitable for setting gemstones. |
| Durability | Ideal for everyday wear |
18K gold vs. 14K gold
💰 Purity & Value
The value of karat gold is directly linked to its gold content. 18K gold contains 75% of gold, so its value and price are usually higher than 14K gold, but more affordable than 24K pure gold.
Comparison of the purity of different karat golds
Pros and Cons of 18K Gold
✅ Benefits
- Perfectly balanced: The perfect balance between purity, durability and value.
- Rich color: The gold content of 75% allows it to maintain its full gold color.
- Suitable for inlay: Hard enough to safely set all kinds of precious stones.
- Hypoallergenic: Compared to 14K gold, it has a lower alloy content and is usually less allergenic.
❌ Disadvantages
- Higher price: It is more expensive than 14K or 10K gold.
- Relatively soft: Although harder than 24K gold, it is softer than 14K gold and care should still be taken to avoid deep scratches.
💖 Symbolism
💍
Eternal Promise
Ideal for engagement and wedding rings due to its durability and value, symbolizing everlasting love.
👑
Success and Wealth
Gold has long been a symbol of wealth and success.
✨
Taste and Quality
Choosing 18K gold represents the pursuit of quality and exquisite craftsmanship.
🛡️ Care and Wear
Although 18K gold is durable, it requires proper care to maintain its luster.
🧪
Stay away from chemicals
Avoid contact with bleach and pool chlorine.
🧼
Regular cleaning
Clean with mild soapy water and a soft brush.
📦
Separate storage
Put it in a soft cloth bag to prevent scratching with other jewelry.
✨
Professional Polishing
It is regularly professionally polished and inspected by a jeweler.