14K vs 18K vs 22K Gold Necklaces: What’s the Difference?
If you’re buying a gold necklace (or planning to), one of the first things you’ll notice at a jewelry store is the karat label. The most popular ones are 14K, 18K, and 22K. At first glance, these numbers can feel confusing and leave you with many questions. Does a higher number always mean better quality? Is one type of gold more suitable for everyday wear than another? The truth is, each gold purity has its own strengths, and the best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal style. Let’s break it down so you can choose the gold necklace that’s right for you. What Does Gold Karat Mean? Gold karat (K) measures how much pure gold is in a piece of jewelry. Pure gold is 24K, meaning it contains 100% gold. However, pure gold is very soft, so it’s often mixed with other metals like silver, copper, or zinc to make it stronger and more durable. Here’s how it works: 14K gold = about 58% pure gold 18K gold = about 75% pure gold 22K gold = about 9...