Why Isn’t Pure Gold Used in Jewellery?

Pure gold, also known as 24-karat gold, is gold in its most natural and unalloyed state. While it’s highly valued for its beauty and rarity, pure gold is extremely soft, making it impractical for most jewellery. This softness means it can easily scratch, bend, or lose its shape with everyday wear. For this reason, jewelers typically mix pure gold with other metals to create more durable and wearable alloys. The result is gold jewellery in varying karat weights, which blend strength with the desirable qualities of gold.

The most common types of gold used in jewellery are 10 karat, 14 karat, and 18 karat gold. The difference between them lies in the amount of pure gold they contain. 18 karat gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals, while 14 karat gold contains 58.3% gold, and 10 karat gold has 41.7% gold. The remaining percentage is made up of metals like copper, silver, nickel, or zinc, which give the gold its strength and different shades of color, such as yellow, white, or rose. Each karat option offers a balance between durability, price, and gold content, allowing customers to choose what best suits their needs.

Some companies do use pure 24 karat gold in jewelry, especially in regions where soft gold is highly prized for its luxury. However, due to its softness, pure gold jewellery is not suitable for pieces worn daily, like rings or bracelets. It’s more commonly used in collectible items, decorative pieces, or ceremonial jewelry that won’t endure much wear. Jeff Walters Jewellers specializes in custom designs, using the finest gold alloys to create beautiful, long-lasting jewellery that fits your lifestyle and taste perfectly.