Gold jewelry is very popular and it comes in a variety of qualities. One such distinction to be aware of is the difference between 22K and 24K gold. Knowing the difference can help you decide which type of gold is most suited for your needs. There are many benefits to both types, ranging from durability and shine, to malleability and pricing, so let’s take an in-depth look at how they differ.
What is 22K Gold?
22K gold, also known as 22-karat gold, is an alloy made up of 22 parts pure gold and two parts other metals. While 22K gold is 100% real gold, it’s usually alloyed with other metals such as copper or silver to make it more durable for everyday wear. 22K gold does not tarnish easily, making it a popular choice for jewelry pieces that are designed to last the test of time.
22K gold jewelry is known for its beautifully rich yellow luster and can be found in many different cultures around the world. Its high purity level makes 22K gold popular among designers who enjoy experimenting with unique metal combinations. 22K gold stands out because of its elegance and impressive shine, while still being surprisingly affordable compared to its 24K counterpart.
What is 24K Gold?
24K Gold is highly desired globally for its luxurious, precious qualities. 24K Gold has the highest level of purity among gold alloys, with an incredible 99.9% of 24K gold being 24 karat gold entirely free of any other elements or metals. 24K Gold maintains its signature golden-yellow color exceptionally well and makes a great choice for jewelry due to its durability, malleability, and beautiful luster it projects when worn. 24K Gold has become increasingly popular as a raw material in fashion design and jewelry crafting due to its strong investment potential; it is without a doubt one of the most sought-after materials due to its desirability and quality that transcend time.
Difference between 22K Gold and 24K Gold
22K gold and 24K gold are both different grades of the same metal alloy. 22K gold is typically composed of 91.6% pure gold, with the remaining 8.4% made up of other metals to give it durability and color pigments. On the other hand, 24K gold constitutes 99.9% pure gold and no other metals are added to it. As a result, 22K contains more color tones than 24K, owing to its mixture of multiple minerals which adds depth and vibrancy to its color pallet, making 22K a favorite among many for jewelry design. Additionally, 22K is generally more durable than its 24K counterpart as the presence of other materials generally makes 22k’s content harder and less susceptible to damage over time.
Conclusion
The difference between 22k and 24k gold is the amount of impurities present in the metal. 22k gold contains about 91% pure gold, while 24k gold is about 99% pure gold. The higher purity of 24k gold makes it more suited for things like jewelry, where it will not react with other elements. 22k gold is a bit harder, making it better for items that need to withstand wear and tear, such as coins or tools. When shopping for gold items, be sure to pay attention to the karat rating so you know what you’re getting.
