A Guide to Gold Carats: Choosing the perfect gold for your jewellery
Welcome to our February blog!, where we love sharing insights into the beautiful world of handmade jewellery!
If you've ever shopped for gold jewellery, you’ve probably seen numbers like 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct, and 24ct – but what do they mean?
Let's break it down so you can find the perfect piece for you and your lifestyle.
What Are Gold Carats?
The term carat (ct) refers to the purity of gold in a piece of jewellery.
Since pure gold is soft, it is often mixed with other metals (like silver, copper, or palladium) to make it more durable. The higher the carat, the purer the gold – but also the softer and more prone to scratches it can be.
Zarek Ring
Gold purity is measured out of 24 parts, meaning:
- 9ct gold is 9 parts gold out of 24 (37.5% pure gold) and the Hallmark is 375
- 14ct gold is 14 parts gold out of 24 (58.5% pure gold) and the Hallmark is 585
- 18ct gold is 18 parts gold out of 24 (75% pure gold) and the Hallmark is 750
- 22ct gold is 22 parts gold out of 24 (91.6% pure gold) and the Hallmark is 916
- 24ct gold is 24 parts gold out of 24 (99.9% pure gold) and the Hallmark is 999
* The Hallmark is the traditional stamp on your jewellery piece.
So, when you see “9ct” or “18ct” gold, it simply tells you how many parts of gold are in the metal mixture! 
Gold Carat Breakdown:
9ct Gold (37.5% Pure Gold – 9/24 Parts Gold)
This is the most durable and affordable option, perfect for everyday wear. Since it's mixed with a higher percentage of other metals, it has a slightly lighter colour than higher carat gold. It’s great if you love gold jewellery, want something tough enough for daily use, but have a limited budget.
14ct Gold (58.5% Pure Gold – 14/24 Parts Gold)
A great balance between durability and richness in colour, 14ct gold is a popular choice for fine jewellery. It has a warmer tone than 9ct but is still strong enough for rings, bracelets, and other frequently worn pieces. This carat gold is used widely in the US.
18ct Gold (75% Pure Gold – 18/24 Parts Gold)
If you're looking for something luxurious but still wearable, 18ct gold is a fantastic choice. With its deep, rich gold colour and higher purity, it’s the standard carat for engagement rings, necklaces and high-end jewellery. It’s softer than 14ct but still durable enough for regular wear.
22ct Gold (91.7% Pure Gold – 22/24 Parts Gold)
This is where gold starts to feel truly opulent. 22ct gold has an intense yellow hue and is often used in traditional and cultural jewellery, especially in South Asian and Middle Eastern designs. However, because of its softness, it’s not ideal for everyday rings or bracelets that might get knocked around.
24ct Gold (99.9% Pure Gold – 24/24 Parts Gold)
The purest form of gold, 24ct is incredibly soft and has a bright, almost orange-gold colour. It’s mostly used for investment purposes, collectible pieces, or delicate jewellery that isn’t exposed to much wear and tear.
Harmony Sculptural Heart Ring
Which Gold Carat Should You Choose?
- For everyday wear: 9ct or 14ct gold is best.
- For fine jewellery that’s durable: 14ct or 18ct is ideal.
- For special occasion pieces: 18ct or 22ct gold adds a touch of luxury.
- For investment or statement jewellery: 22ct or 24ct gold offers maximum purity and value.
At Ana Verdun London, we love crafting timeless, handmade jewellery in a range of gold carats to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a durable piece to wear every day or a stunning, high-carat heirloom, we’ve got something special just for you.
Got any questions about gold carats? Drop us a message – we’d love to help!