Understanding Karat Gold: A Guide from Lippa’s Estate and Fine Jewelry

Gold has captivated hearts and adorned royalty for thousands of years—but not all gold is created equal. If you’ve ever wondered what makes 14K, 18K, or 24K gold different, or which is best for your next heirloom piece of jewelry, Lippa’s is here to guide you through the glow.

What Does “Karat” Mean?

Karat (abbreviated as “K”) is a measure of gold’s purity. Pure gold is 24 karats, meaning it’s made of 100% gold. But because pure gold is soft and malleable, it’s often mixed with other metals like silver, copper, or zinc to increase strength and durability.

Here’s a closer look at the most common karatages you’ll find in estate and fine jewelry:

24K Gold – 100% Pure Gold

• Color: Deep yellow, almost “orange” in color, radiant, and rich
• Properties: Softest and most malleable
• Best For: Investment pieces or jewelry not subject to daily wear
• Found In: Primarily in Asian or Middle Eastern jewelry, rarely used in vintage Western estate pieces

24K gold is a rarity in estate jewelry due to its softness—but it’s treasured for its unmatched purity and cultural significance.

18K Gold – 75% Pure Gold

• Color: Vivid yellow with a luxurious finish; also available in white and rose varieties
• Properties: Durable enough for daily wear while retaining high gold content
• Best For: Engagement rings, fine vintage pieces, European estate jewelry

18K gold is a hallmark of luxury. Many of our European estate pieces are crafted in 18K, reflecting old world elegance and fine craftsmanship.

14K Gold – 58.3% Pure Gold

• Color: Softer yellow than 18K, also widely used in white and rose gold
• Properties: Highly durable, less likely to scratch or bend
• Best For: Everyday jewelry, vintage American pieces, rings, bracelets, and watches

14K gold strikes a beautiful balance between quality and resilience. At Lippa’s, many of our mid century and American estate pieces are crafted in 14K gold, perfect for those who want both beauty and practicality.

10K Gold – 41.7% Pure Gold

• Color: Slightly paler in hue; may tarnish over time
• Properties: Very hard and durable
• Best For: Budget friendly options, sturdy pieces

Though less common in fine estate collections, Victorian jewelry is typically made from 10 karat gold because it offered a practical balance between beauty, durability, and affordability during a time of social and industrial change. As the Victorian era progressed, jewelry became increasingly popular among the growing middle class, who desired elegant pieces but could not always afford high karat gold. With only 41.7% pure gold, 10K gold was more affordable than 18K or 22K, yet still had the appearance of fine jewelry. It was also more durable, making it suitable for the detailed craftsmanship and everyday wear that characterized many Victorian designs. Additionally, the rise of mass production during the Industrial Revolution made 10K gold a convenient material for manufacturing attractive yet cost effective pieces on a larger scale. These factors made 10K gold a common and practical choice in Victorian jewelry.

Choosing the Right Karat for You

At Lippa’s our expert team helps you find the perfect piece not just by style, but by substance. Whether you’re looking for an 18K Edwardian ring with timeless elegance or a durable 14K gold bracelet for everyday wear, understanding karat helps you make a confident and informed choice.

Quick Tip: The higher the karat, the richer the gold color, but also the softer the metal. Think about lifestyle, purpose, and personal preference when choosing.

Discover the Beauty Behind the Karat

Each piece in our estate collection tells a story crafted in gold that has stood the test of time. Visit us in store or browse online to explore our curated selection of 10K, 14K, 18K, and rare 24K gold jewelry.

What is White Gold?

White gold is a type of gold alloy that has a silvery-white appearance, created by mixing pure gold with white metals such as palladium, nickel, or silver. Because pure gold is naturally yellow and very soft, it needs to be combined with other metals to enhance its strength and alter its color. In the case of white gold, the added white metals dilute the yellow tone, giving the alloy a paler, more neutral hue. However, white gold in its raw form often still has a slightly yellowish tint, so it is usually coated with a thin layer of rhodium which is a bright white metal from the platinum family that enhances its shine and gives it a brilliant white finish. Over time, this rhodium plating can wear off, revealing the natural color of the white gold underneath, which may require replating to restore its original look. Replating is relatively inexpensive and easy to do to return the bright white finish to your piece of jewelry. White gold is popular in modern jewelry for its elegant appearance and is often used as a substitute for platinum due to its similar look. White gold is typically made in either 14 K or 18 K.

Nickel Allergy Warning

Some people are allergic to nickel, which may cause the skin to turn “black or discolored”. If you are allergic to nickel you will want your jewelry to be made of platinum to avoid an “allergic reaction” to the nickel in white gold

What is the difference between Karat and Carat?

The terms “karat” and “carat” are often confused because they sound the same, but they refer to different things. “Karat” (abbreviated as “K”) is a measure of the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 karats, so a piece of jewelry that is 18K gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals. On the other hand, “carat” (abbreviated as “ct”) is a unit of weight used for gemstones.. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. While “karat” indicates how much pure gold is in a piece of metal, “carat” tells you how heavy a gemstone is. Understanding the distinction is important when buying jewelry, as they describe entirely different qualities.