What Does the Carat Weight of Gold Mean? 9k, 14k and 18k Explained

You’ve probably seen it on a piece of jewellery: a small stamp reading “750” or “585”. Or maybe someone mentioned 18 carat gold. But what does it actually mean? And does it really make a difference?

The answer is: yes, absolutely. And it’s easier to understand than you might think.

What is carat in gold?

Carat indicates how much pure gold is in an alloy. Pure gold is 24 carat, but it is far too soft to make jewellery from. That’s why gold is always mixed with other metals such as silver, copper, or palladium. This mixture is called an alloy.

Carat	Gold content	Hallmark
9k	37.5%	375
14k	58.5%	585
18k	75%	750
24k	99.9%	999

What are the differences in practice?

9 carat gold is the most affordable. However, it is very brittle and discolours and oxidises over time. The colour is also slightly less warm than higher carat gold.

14 carat gold offers a good balance between price and colour and is widely worn in the US and increasingly popular in Europe. Note however: 14 carat rose gold is also very brittle. From personal experience, I have seen 14 carat rose gold jewellery break after 20 years of wear. For this reason, I do not use 14 carat rose gold in my jewellery.

18 carat gold has the richest, warmest gold colour and is the standard in the Belgian and European jewellery sector. Perfect for rings, earrings, and necklaces worn with care.

Which carat should I choose?

• For a good balance between price and quality: 14k
• For a wedding ring or engagement ring with rich colour: 18k
• For a very special piece with the finest lustre: 18k

When in doubt, I almost always recommend 18k. It is the gold standard, and for good reason.

What do those hallmarks mean?

The small numbers on your piece of jewellery are legally required in Belgium. They prove the authenticity and the gold content. See “750”? Then you know: this is 18 carat gold.

Questions about your jewellery or a new design?

In my studio in Oud-Heverlee I work exclusively with quality gold. Feel free to drop by for advice.