What is 18k Gold?

As a trusted jewelry maker, we always use the ‘karat’ to designate purity. 24 karat is 100% pure gold, with lower karats (such as 18k gold and 14k gold) incorporating other metals to improve the durability.

18k gold that we are using to make the luxury jewelry is about 75% pure gold, less durable than 14k gold because it contains more pure gold. The more pure gold present in a metal, the softer the metal will be. This is why 24k gold is the softest option and is prone to scratches and dents. 18k gold, comparing to 24k gold, is much better, that is why most luxury brands like to design the jewelries with 18k gold, and more people like it.

When you shop in the jewelry stores, you will notice that most jewels are labeled in 10k, 12k, 14k, 18k and 24k. The gold contents inside them are different:

24k: 100% pure gold
18k: 75% pure gold
14k: 58.3% pure gold
12k: 50% pure gold
10k: 41.7% pure gold

Among them, 18k is the most popular, because its softness is very suitable to make the jewels. The big brands, like Cartier, Bvlgari and Van Cleef & Arpels, all use 18k as the main gold material.

18 karat gold comes in yellow, white, and rose. The only difference between these options (other than the obvious difference of color) is the mix of metals alloyed with pure gold. At bavotjewelry.com, all styles can be made in either 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold or 18k rose gold (Cartier names it pink gold).

18k gold is a great choice to many people who love jewelry, especially the brides and grooms. One advantage of choosing 18k gold is its purity, which gives 18k gold a richer, more vibrant color. The 18k gold percentage is also less likely to trigger any skin conditions or reactions one may have because the presence of other metals and alloys is minimal. If you are prone to metal allergies, 18k gold is a great option for you!