When it Comes to Gold, Purity is Everything
At Hopman Jewelers, we know gold isn't just a trend—it's a tradition. But not all gold is created equal. If you've ever wondered what those little "K" stamps mean on your jewelry, you're not alone. Let’s break down gold purity so you can make the best choice for your next treasure.
What Does "Karat" Mean?
Karat (with a “K”) measures the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 karats—think of it as 24 out of 24 parts being pure gold. But because gold is naturally soft, it’s often mixed with other metals like copper, silver, or nickel to make it more durable for everyday wear. The lower the karat, the more alloy it contains.
24K Gold – 100% Pure Gold
Pros: The purest form of gold. Luxuriously rich in color with a warm, buttery hue.
Cons: Extremely soft and prone to scratching or bending. Rarely used for fine jewelry in the U.S. but popular in coins, bars, and some cultural jewelry.
Best For: Collectors, cultural pieces, or heirloom items that won’t see everyday wear.
18K Gold – 75% Pure Gold
Pros: A beautiful balance between purity and strength. Rich color, more hypoallergenic than lower karats.
Cons: Still softer than lower-karat options. May require more care and occasional maintenance.
Best For: Fine jewelry, luxury pieces, engagement rings with a little extra glow.
14K Gold – 58.3% Pure Gold
Pros: The most popular choice in the U.S. Durable, affordable, and still shines with plenty of that golden charm.
Cons: Slightly less rich in color than 18K but nearly indistinguishable to most eyes.
Best For: Engagement rings, wedding bands, and everyday jewelry—because life gets busy, and gold should keep up.
10K Gold – 41.7% Pure Gold
Pros: The most affordable and durable gold. Great for high-wear items and budget-conscious buyers.
Cons: Less vibrant color, more alloy means a higher chance of skin sensitivity in some wearers.
Best For: Everyday jewelry, gifts for younger wearers, or those who work with their hands.
What About White Gold?
Now that you're fluent in karats, let’s talk about color—specifically, the ever-elegant white gold.
White gold isn’t a different purity of gold—it’s a different alloy. It’s made by mixing pure gold with white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver. This creates a cooler tone that resembles platinum, but with a more approachable price tag.
Most white gold jewelry is coated in rhodium, a rare metal that gives it a brilliant, mirror-like finish and adds durability. Over time, this rhodium layer may wear off, but don’t worry—it can be easily reapplied to restore its shine.
Why Choose White Gold?
Timeless Look: Perfect for modern tastes and vintage-inspired settings alike.
Diamond’s Best Friend: White gold enhances the sparkle of diamonds, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
Flexible Style: It pairs effortlessly with silver and platinum pieces for a seamless mixed-metal look.
Things to Consider:
Maintenance: White gold may need periodic rhodium re-plating to maintain its bright white finish.
Allergies: Some white gold contains nickel, so if you have sensitive skin, ask about hypoallergenic options (we’ll help you find them!).
So, Which Gold is Right for You?
It all depends on your lifestyle, budget, and taste. At Hopman Jewelers, we help you find the karat that complements your needs—whether you're investing in a timeless piece or treating yourself to a little golden glow.
Whether you love the warmth of yellow gold or the crisp sophistication of white gold, each piece tells a story—and we’re here to help you write yours.
Stop in, try on different karats, and see the difference for yourself. Whether you’re a 10K kind of gal or an 18K classic, we’ve got the sparkle for your story.
Visit Hopman Jewelers today and let our experts help you strike gold—your kind of gold.
At Hopman Jewelers, we know gold isn't just a trend—it's a tradition. But not all gold is created equal. If you've ever wondered what those little "K" stamps mean on your jewelry, you're not alone. Let’s break down gold purity so you can make the best choice for your next treasure.
What Does "Karat" Mean?
Karat (with a “K”) measures the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 karats—think of it as 24 out of 24 parts being pure gold. But because gold is naturally soft, it’s often mixed with other metals like copper, silver, or nickel to make it more durable for everyday wear. The lower the karat, the more alloy it contains.
24K Gold – 100% Pure Gold
Pros: The purest form of gold. Luxuriously rich in color with a warm, buttery hue.
Cons: Extremely soft and prone to scratching or bending. Rarely used for fine jewelry in the U.S. but popular in coins, bars, and some cultural jewelry.
Best For: Collectors, cultural pieces, or heirloom items that won’t see everyday wear.
18K Gold – 75% Pure Gold
Pros: A beautiful balance between purity and strength. Rich color, more hypoallergenic than lower karats.
Cons: Still softer than lower-karat options. May require more care and occasional maintenance.
Best For: Fine jewelry, luxury pieces, engagement rings with a little extra glow.
14K Gold – 58.3% Pure Gold
Pros: The most popular choice in the U.S. Durable, affordable, and still shines with plenty of that golden charm.
Cons: Slightly less rich in color than 18K but nearly indistinguishable to most eyes.
Best For: Engagement rings, wedding bands, and everyday jewelry—because life gets busy, and gold should keep up.
10K Gold – 41.7% Pure Gold
Pros: The most affordable and durable gold. Great for high-wear items and budget-conscious buyers.
Cons: Less vibrant color, more alloy means a higher chance of skin sensitivity in some wearers.
Best For: Everyday jewelry, gifts for younger wearers, or those who work with their hands.
What About White Gold?
Now that you're fluent in karats, let’s talk about color—specifically, the ever-elegant white gold.
White gold isn’t a different purity of gold—it’s a different alloy. It’s made by mixing pure gold with white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver. This creates a cooler tone that resembles platinum, but with a more approachable price tag.
Most white gold jewelry is coated in rhodium, a rare metal that gives it a brilliant, mirror-like finish and adds durability. Over time, this rhodium layer may wear off, but don’t worry—it can be easily reapplied to restore its shine.
Why Choose White Gold?
Timeless Look: Perfect for modern tastes and vintage-inspired settings alike.
Diamond’s Best Friend: White gold enhances the sparkle of diamonds, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
Flexible Style: It pairs effortlessly with silver and platinum pieces for a seamless mixed-metal look.
Things to Consider:
Maintenance: White gold may need periodic rhodium re-plating to maintain its bright white finish.
Allergies: Some white gold contains nickel, so if you have sensitive skin, ask about hypoallergenic options (we’ll help you find them!).
So, Which Gold is Right for You?
It all depends on your lifestyle, budget, and taste. At Hopman Jewelers, we help you find the karat that complements your needs—whether you're investing in a timeless piece or treating yourself to a little golden glow.
Whether you love the warmth of yellow gold or the crisp sophistication of white gold, each piece tells a story—and we’re here to help you write yours.
Stop in, try on different karats, and see the difference for yourself. Whether you’re a 10K kind of gal or an 18K classic, we’ve got the sparkle for your story.
Visit Hopman Jewelers today and let our experts help you strike gold—your kind of gold.