Understanding Gold Purity: From 9K to 24K
Gold purity is measured in karats (K), which indicates how much pure gold is present in the alloy. Here's a breakdown of every karat we work with:
9K Gold — 37.5% Pure Gold
9K gold contains 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% alloy metals. It is the most durable of all gold alloys, making it ideal for everyday jewelry. Its lower gold content gives it a slightly paler tone compared to higher karats.
10K Gold — 41.7% Pure Gold
10K gold is composed of 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% alloy. It is highly durable and resistant to scratching, making it a popular and affordable choice for fine jewelry.
14K Gold — 58.3% Pure Gold
14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloy. It strikes the perfect balance between durability and richness of color, and is one of the most popular choices for fine jewelry worldwide.
18K Gold — 75% Pure Gold
18K gold is composed of 75% pure gold and 25% alloy. It offers a rich, warm color with excellent durability. This is the standard for luxury fine jewelry and the karat we use most at Tessories.
22K Gold — 91.7% Pure Gold
22K gold contains 91.7% pure gold and only 8.3% alloy. It has a deep, vivid golden color and is softer than lower karats. Often used in high-end and traditional jewelry.
24K Gold — 99.9% Pure Gold
24K gold is pure gold with no alloy. It has a brilliant, deep yellow color but is very soft and not suitable for everyday jewelry. It is often used in gold plating and investment pieces.
Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest and most precious of all jewellery metals, prized for its natural white lustre, exceptional density, and remarkable durability. Unlike white gold, platinum is naturally white and never requires rhodium plating to maintain its brilliant, cool-toned finish.
Most fine platinum jewellery is crafted from 95% pure platinum (marked "950"), alloyed with a small amount of metals such as ruthenium or iridium for added strength. Its density makes platinum pieces feel reassuringly substantial, while its hypoallergenic nature makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
Over time, platinum develops a soft, satiny patina that many collectors treasure. This can be polished back to a high shine by a jeweller whenever desired. As a heirloom-quality metal, platinum is a favorite for engagement rings and pieces meant to last a lifetime.
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Gold Colors: Yellow, Rose & White Gold
The color of gold is determined by the metals mixed into the alloy. Here's what makes each gold color unique:
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the most classic and traditional form of gold. Its warm, rich tone comes from a blend of pure gold with silver and copper.
- 18K Yellow Gold: 75% gold, 12.5% silver, 12.5% copper
- 14K Yellow Gold: 58.3% gold, 29% silver, 12.7% copper
Rose Gold
Rose gold gets its romantic blush tone from a higher proportion of copper in the alloy. The more copper, the deeper the pink hue.
- 18K Rose Gold: 75% gold, 22.5% copper, 2.5% silver
- 14K Rose Gold: 58.3% gold, 35.7% copper, 6% silver
White Gold
White gold achieves its cool, silvery appearance through the addition of white metals such as palladium or nickel. It is often rhodium-plated to enhance its bright white finish.
- 18K White Gold: 75% gold, 25% palladium or nickel alloy
- 14K White Gold: 58.3% gold, 41.7% palladium or nickel alloy
Precious Metal Finishes: Vermeil, Silver & Rhodium
Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is a thick layer of gold plated over sterling silver. To qualify as true vermeil, the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick and 10K or higher in purity. Vermeil offers the look of solid gold at a more accessible price point, and is a sustainable, hypoallergenic option for those with sensitive skin.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. It is one of the most versatile and timeless metals in jewellery making. Sterling silver may naturally tarnish over time but can be easily polished to restore its bright shine.
Rhodium Plating
Rhodium is a rare, precious metal from the platinum family. A thin layer of rhodium is often applied to white gold and silver jewellery to enhance brightness, add a mirror-like finish, and provide extra protection against scratches and tarnish. Rhodium plating may wear over time and can be re-applied by a jeweller.
