10k vs 14k vs 18k vs 24k Gold — What’s the Difference?
Karat measures purity: how much of the metal is actually gold. It’s the single biggest factor in what your jewelry is worth — here’s the whole scale, plainly.
★★★★★ Rated 4.9 stars from 1,028 Google reviews
The scale
| Karat | Pure gold | Stamp | Commonly used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10k | 41.7% | 417 / 10K | Budget & durable jewelry, class rings |
| 14k | 58.3% | 585 / 14K | Most US jewelry — the standard |
| 18k | 75% | 750 / 18K | Fine & European jewelry, high-end watches |
| 22k | 91.7% | 917 / 22K | Coins (Gold Eagles), Indian & Middle Eastern jewelry |
| 24k | 99.9% | 999 / 24K | Bullion bars & coins — too soft for most jewelry |
Higher karat = more gold per gram = more money per gram. A 14k chain must weigh about 1.8× a 24k piece to hold the same gold.
Why it matters when you sell
Two chains that look identical can differ 40% in value on karat alone. That’s why we test and stamp-check every piece in front of you — and why the weight × purity × spot formula is the only honest way to price gold. Unstamped pieces get acid/XRF-tested at the counter, free.
Not ready to sell? Borrow against it instead — pawn loans at 3% per month, no credit check, and your first loan is free up to $500. Renew from your phone with the MobilePawn app.
Questions we hear
- My jewelry says 585, not 14k. What is it?
- 585 is the European millesimal stamp for 14k — 58.5% gold. Same for 750 = 18k and 417 = 10k.
- Is white or rose gold worth less?
- No — color comes from the alloy metals mixed in. 14k white, yellow, and rose gold all hold the same gold percentage and pay the same.
- What about 14k gold-filled?
- Gold-filled (stamped GF) has a thin gold layer over base metal — worth a small fraction of solid 14k. We’ll identify it free.
Text a photo to 857-867-6468 and get a ballpark before you come in. Or visit: 1107 Commonwealth Ave, Boston · Mon–Fri 11–6:30 · Sat 11–4:30.