- Understanding Different Gold Karats
- 6 Different Types of Karats Used For Daily Wear Jewellery
- The Bottom Line: Which Karat Gold is Best for Daily Wear?
Gold shares an inescapable bond with Indian culture due to its timeless beauty and opulence. But not all gold types are the same. If you plan to buy new gold daily wear jewellery, you should know which karat gold is best for everyday wear jewellery. The gold karat defines how durable, shiny, and valuable your gold ornament is. This blog answers all your questions about different kinds of gold karats, how durable they are, and how resistant they are to daily wear and tear.
Understanding Different Gold Karats
Before discussing different types of gold karats, let’s understand what a gold karat means. Karat simply refers to the purity of the gold. Gold in its purest form is too soft and brittle to turn into ornaments. Therefore, pure gold is often mixed with other precious metals such as silver, copper, nickel and zinc to add toughness and durability to gold jewellery. The karat is a measure of the quality of pure gold present in an ornament.
Breakdown of Gold Karats-
- 24 Karat– 99.99% pure gold
- 22 Karat– 91.67% pure gold
- 18 Karat– 73% pure gold
- 14 Karat– 58.3% pure gold
- 10 Karat– 41.7% pure gold
- 9 Karat– 37.5% pure gold
The higher the carat, the higher the gold purity. But, higher purity isn’t always an indication that the gold is best suited for daily wear gold jewellery. Here’s why-
6 Different Types of Karats Used For Daily Wear Jewellery
Gold jewellery comes in different karats. The jewellery piece with a higher karat is shinier and more appealing. However, when it comes to choosing the karat for daily wear jewellery, a lower karat often outweighs the lustre of higher gold purity.
24K Gold
24K gold is the purest form of gold with little to no impurity. 24 karat gold is super soft and brittle; it is not generally used for creating jewellery pieces. Many people buy 24K gold coins and biscuits with the BIS hallmark as an investment for future security (1).
22K Gold
Though 22K gold has a slightly lower purity than 24K gold, it is most widely used to create gold ornaments due to its sparkling lustre and enhanced durability. However, 22K gold remains incredibly soft and intricately carved pieces can get scratches or the delicate corners may bend or twist when little pressure is applied. Many reputed jewellery stores offer necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets made using 22k gold purity, but these pieces are delicate; means they are intended for occasional use and require special care and attention.
18K Gold
Let’s delve into the best karat gold for daily wear jewellery. 18K gold with 75% jewellery is the best combination of gold purity and durability for everyday use(2). Here, gold is mixed with other precious metals such as silver, copper, and nickel, which increases the hardness and durability of the gold ornament. Also, these metal alloys impart a distinct sheen to gold. For eg, a higher concentration of copper alloy imparts a warm pinkish tone to the jewellery, which is then sold as rose gold.
18K jewellery is more resistant to scratches, bends or everyday damage, making it the most suitable gold carat for everyday jewellery such as rings, bangles, and neckchains. While 18K gold is resistant to scratches, it’s still crucial to take precautions, especially if you engage in sports or adventure activities.
14K Gold
If we talk about the economical yet charming gold jewellery with a satisfactory warm hue, 14K gold jewellery is the most popular choice. 14K gold jewellery with 58.3% gold purity offers a balance between charming appeal and durability. The higher concentration of alloy imparts 14K gold an exceptional strength while retaining a modest warm hue in the ornament. 14K gold makes an excellent choice for making bracelets, bangles, rings and earrings that are intended to be worn every day. These ornaments are highly resistant to scratches, damages and daily wear and tear.
10K Gold
10K gold is the most durable yet least vibrant gold used for making gold jewellery. Due to its lowest gold purity, 10K jewellery carries a low value. With the highest score for durability, it can withstand the harsh tests without facing noticeable damage. It makes a perfect pick for people who indulge in sports or adventure activities a lot. However, a higher concentration of nickel and other alloys may cause rashes and metal allergies in people with sensitive skin. If you are looking for budget-friendly and durable gold jewellery, 10K gold jewellery may be the best pick for you.
9K Gold
9K gold jewellery has an unmatched durability with least charming appeal and value. 9K gold jewellery is highly resistant to scratches, bends, and everyday damage and is widely available at jewellery stores as stackable, lightweight jewellery.
The Bottom Line: Which Karat Gold is Best for Daily Wear?
For most people, 18K gold is the best karat gold for daily wear jewellery due to its ideal balance of purity, durability, and appearance.
If you prefer something more economical and extra durable, 14K gold is also an excellent option.
- Avoid 24K and 22K gold for daily use—they are too soft.
- Choose 18K or 14K gold for everyday comfort and longevity.
- Always consider your lifestyle, skin sensitivity, and budget.
Before buying, it’s also wise to check the live gold price and ensure proper hallmark certification.
If you’re looking for high-quality everyday gold jewellery, explore Gemlay’s collection of 22K, 18K, and 14K gold jewellery, designed to combine beauty, durability, and trust—all available online at competitive prices.