Are you thinking about buying an engagement ring?
Are you looking to sell your inherited jewellery?
Are you considering investing in a gold bar?
If any of the above apply – or you’re just here out of curiosity – there’s one thing you need to get to grips with: carat.
Whatever your reason for exploring the world of gold, you need to know about the different types of carat and their qualities, or you could end up shortchanged, scammed or worse… with a very unimpressed fiancé holding a suspiciously dull-looking ring.
There are seven main gold carat types you should know about. Each has its own level of purity, strength, value and cultural cachet.
We’ve included what you need to know about each – plus – we’ve thrown in a lesser-known fact you probably don’t need to know about, but might come in useful at a pub quiz one day.
1. 24 carat gold: 99.9% pure
What you need to know: 24 carat is as pure as gold gets – usually stated as 99.99%. It’s buttery yellow, beautiful and very soft. As a result it’s rarely used for everyday jewellery in the UK because it’s malleable and prone to scratching. It’s more commonly found in investment coins and bars. However sometimes you’ll find it in ceremonial or cultural jewellery, especially in India, China and parts of the Middle East.
Best for: Investment, collectable or occasional-wear pieces, as well as electronics and medical devices.
Lesser-known fact: Why limit 24 carats just jewellery and bars? What about a hotel? Well that’s exactly what one hotelier in Vietnam thought. In 2020, the world’s first gold-plated hotel, the Dolce Hanoi Golden Lake, was unveiled. This opulent establishment features 24 carat plating throughout its premises, including bling bathtubs, toilets, walls and cutlery. In its gold-adorned rooms guests can also indulge in gold-covered steaks, and swim in a rooftop infinity pool complete with gold tiles.
2. 22 carat gold: 91.6% pure
What you need to know: 22 carat is still very pure but as it contains just enough alloy it makes it much more usable in jewellery, especially pieces which don’t see daily wear – such as Indian bridal sets and heirloom jewellery.
Best for: High-end jewellery and most gold leaf.
Lesser-known fact: In some of Dubai’s malls there are gold ATMs which let you buy 22ct gold bars on the spot.
3. 21 carat gold: 87.5% pure
What you need to know: A rarity in the UK in the modern jewellery world, 21 carat gold often shows up in older or imported pieces. It’s not commonly produced anymore but if you find it, you’ve likely uncovered something a bit special.
Best for: Collectibles or vintage finds.
Lesser-known fact: In Saudi Arabia, 21 carat is the traditional standard for wedding jewellery. There is a strong cultural preference for this carat – possibly down to its rich yellow hue and balance between purity and durability.
4. 18 carat gold: 75% pure
What you need to know: 18 carat gold is the sweet spot for fine jewellery in the UK – giving all the luxury without the fragility. It’s a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings thanks to its rich colour and decent wearing.
Best for: Everyday luxury pieces which last.
Lesser-known fact: Solid 18 carat gold medals were awarded at the 1904, 1908 and 1912 Olympic Games. Nowadays, they are required to be made from at least 92.5% silver, and must contain a minimum of six grams of gold.
5. 14 carat gold: 58.5% pure
What you need to know: 14 carat is one of the most popular caratages for jewellery in the US. It still looks premium but has all the benefits of being affordable too. As it’s harder and less prone to scratching it’s a practical choice for frequently worn jewellery.
Best for: Durable, lower-cost jewellery.
Lesser-known fact: One of the more extravagant uses of this carat was at the 2023 Grammy Awards, where actress Megan Fox sported a manicure featuring solid 14ct white gold nails embellished with 150 white diamonds.
6. 10 carat gold: 41.7% pure
What you need to know: In the US, 10 carat is the legal minimum accepted standard of gold caratage. It’s much paler in tone, but it’s extremely tough and very affordable.
Best for: Budget pieces or high-stress jewellery.
Lesser-known fact: If 10 carat gold is making your skin itch, don’t blame the gold. It’s (usually) the extra metals (like nickel or copper) in the mix which can cause irritation. If your jewellery’s giving you grief, try levelling up to a higher carat. The purer the gold, the fewer the alloys and the more likely your skin will be happier.
7. 9 carat gold: 37.5% pure
What you need to know: In the UK, France Austria, Portugal and Ireland, 9 carat is the lowest caratage permitted to be called gold. It can withstand hard knocks which makes it suited to everyday wear. Surprisingly 9 carat gold can still be worth a surprising amount, particularly in large quantities, and during periods (like at the moment) where the gold price is high. If you own 9 carat jewellery and would like to find what it’s worth, use our online calculator.
Best for: Affordable, hardwearing jewellery.
Lesser-known fact: On 9 carat gold pieces in the UK, you will often see it stamped with 375 hallmarks, indicating that it is 37.5% pure.
So remember – look out for hallmarks, don’t be afraid to ask questions and always go with a buyer you trust.
As one of the UK’s top gold buyers, we lock in your price the moment it’s agreed right through to collection or delivery. Whether it’s 9ct, 18ct, 22ct or anything else, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Get in touch if you’d like a valuation.
