What exactly is solid gold, and what are the different types? In this blog post, we are taking a deep dive into solid gold and covering everything you'll want to know about it. At Simple & Dainty, we are committed to carrying a variety of beautiful gold jewelry options from gold vermeil, gold filled, and now solid gold! With these options come various pros and cons as we have highlighted in our blog post comparing all the Types of Gold Jewelry Explained: Plated, Vermeil, Filled, & Solid Gold | Simple & Dainty.

Solid gold is our most luxurious option, and some customer favorites include: Tiny Initial Necklace, Opal Signet Ring, Twisted Lace Chain Bracelet, and Triple Diamond Flat Back Earring. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about solid gold, if it's right for you, and why we love it! 

What is solid gold?

Solid gold jewelry is made from gold, both internally and externally. The great thing about solid gold is that the metal is consistent throughout and won't fade or wear down over time! 

The gold used in jewelry is measured in karats, representing the percentage of pure gold in the piece relative to 24k gold. Gold purity is measured in parts of 24, with each karat representing 1/24th of the weight as gold. 

It's important to differentiate solid gold from pure gold, the purest gold is 24 karats, which means it is 99.999% gold with no other metals mixed in. Most solid gold jewelry is made of karat gold, which is an alloy of gold mixed with other metals for improved strength and durability. The choice of other metals in the mixture depends on the desired color of the gold alloy, whether it's yellow, rose, or white. The shade of gold also varies between 10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, and 24k.

The most common solid gold jewelry is 14k and 18k due to their desirable qualities however 10k solid gold is also becoming increasingly popular lately.

We have decided to use 14k gold in our jewelry designs because we feel that it is the best combination of durability and affordability! Below we will answer some of the common questions people have regarding solid gold jewelry.

What are the pros and cons of solid gold?

Pros of Gold Jewelry: 

• Durability and Tarnish Resistance: Pure gold (24K) is highly resistant to tarnish, rust, and corrosion, ensuring that gold jewelry can endure for generations with proper care. Generally, higher karat gold exhibits greater tarnish resistance, although all solid gold possesses this quality.
• Versatility: Gold is a versatile metal that can be crafted into a wide range of jewelry designs, from simple and delicate pieces to intricate and elaborate ones. It is a perfect choice for everyday wear and is equally suitable for formal occasions.
• Hypoallergenic Nature: Pure gold (24K) is hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for individuals with sensitive skin or metal allergies. However, lower-karat gold may contain alloy metals that have the potential to trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Value and Long-Term Investment: Gold is a precious metal that typically retains its value over time. Although it may be expensive initially, its longevity makes it a long-term investment, resulting in a lower cost per wear over its lifetime.

Cons of Gold Jewelry: 

• Cost: Gold jewelry is known for its high cost, especially in higher purities like 18K and 22K. The price is influenced not only by the gold content but also by factors such as design, craftsmanship, and brand reputation. 
• Softness and Durability: Pure gold (24K) is relatively soft, making it susceptible to scratches and dents. To enhance its durability, gold is often mixed with alloy metals, resulting in various karats like 22K, 18K, 14K, and 10K. The addition of these metals can alter the color and may impact the hypoallergenic properties, which we’ll discuss later.

What are the color differences for various karats of gold?

The color of gold varies depending on its karat, with different karats resulting in distinct shades. Here's an overview of the color differences for various karats of gold: 

• 24K Gold (99.9% Pure Gold): 24K gold is the purest form of gold, and it has a rich, vibrant yellow color. Since it contains no other metals, it exhibits a lustrous, warm, and intense yellow hue.
• 22K Gold (~91.7% Pure Gold): 22K gold contains a higher percentage of pure gold than lower karats. It retains a bright yellow color but may have a slightly paler appearance compared to 24K gold due to the presence of other metal alloys.
• 18K Gold (~75% Pure Gold): 18K gold is a popular choice for jewelry. It has a softer and more subdued yellow color compared to 24K and 22K gold. The presence of a higher proportion of alloy metals (such as copper, silver, and zinc) gives it a slightly lighter and more pastel-like tone.
• 14K Gold (~58.3% Pure Gold): 14K gold is widely used in jewelry due to its durability and more affordable price. It has a fainter yellow color than higher karats, leaning towards a light, pale yellow or sometimes a subtle hint of rose or white, depending on the specific alloy composition.
• 10K Gold (~41.7% Pure Gold): 10K gold is the least pure of the commonly used karats. Its color can vary significantly based on the specific alloy used, but it typically appears less yellow and more towards a pale yellow, rose, or white tone. 

In addition to traditional yellow gold, gold jewelry is also available in other colors, including white gold and rose gold. White gold is created by alloying gold with white metals like nickel, palladium, or zinc, giving it a silvery-white appearance. Rose gold is achieved by blending gold with copper, resulting in a warm pinkish-red hue. Remember that the exact color of gold may vary slightly depending on the specific metal alloys used and the manufacturing process.

What is 14k gold?

14k gold refers to a gold alloy that is made up of 14 out of 24 parts or 58.3% pure gold and 10 parts or 41.7% other metals such as copper, silver, nickel, or zinc. The term "14k" stands for 14 karats, which is the unit used to measure the purity of gold. 

Why do we use 14k gold?

We're excited to be offering new jewelry styles in solid 14k gold! This is a new chapter for our small business and we want to tell you a little bit about why we chose to use 14k gold for our pieces. Here are some of the reasons we landed on 14k gold:

1. Gold Content and Color: 14k gold contains 58.3% pure gold, offering a higher gold content than 10k gold (41.7%). This higher gold percentage contributes to a richer, more pronounced gold color in jewelry. It provides a good balance between durability and gold content, making it visually appealing and valuable; the perfect piece to wear for years and pass down through generations.
2. Durability: Compared to 18k gold, which is softer due to its higher gold content, 14k gold is more durable. It is less prone to scratches or dents, making it suitable for everyday wear. This makes 14k gold jewelry more resistant to wear and tear over time, offering long-lasting beauty.
3. Affordability: While 18k gold is associated with luxury and higher prices due to its higher gold content, 14k gold provides a more cost-effective option without compromising on quality. It offers a good balance between affordability and high gold content, making it a popular choice for many consumers.
4. Availability and Variety: 14k gold is widely available and offers a wide range of designs and styles to choose from. Its popularity means there is a diverse selection of 14k gold jewelry available, allowing you to find pieces that suit your style and preferences.

Overall, 14k gold strikes a balance between gold content, durability, and affordability. It provides a visually appealing gold color while offering a good level of durability for everyday wear. Whether you're looking for an everyday earring, statement huggie, or minimal chain necklaces 14k gold is a versatile and widely appreciated option. Despite all of the pros of 14k gold, there are a few cons that you should be aware of:

1. Lower Gold Content: 14k gold contains a lower percentage of pure gold compared to higher karat gold. Some individuals may prefer a higher gold content for its perceived value or to achieve a deeper, more intense gold color.
2. Allergies: Although generally considered more hypoallergenic than lower karat gold alloys or base metals, 14k gold still contains alloyed metals that can cause allergic reactions in individuals with highly sensitive skin or metal allergies. It's important to be aware of the silver, copper, or nickel that may be mixed with pure gold.
3. Price: Unfortunately solid gold is much more expensive than gold-filled or gold vermeil, making it less accessible. The price of gold jewelry is influenced by its weight, typically priced per troy ounce (31.1 grams), design and craftsmanship also impact cost, with intricate pieces or renowned designers commanding higher prices. Brand reputation can also increase the cost, as luxury brands often charge a premium for their name, even if the gold content is similar to non-branded pieces. 

Does 14k gold tarnish?

Yes, 14k gold can experience some tarnishing over time with wear since it contains a combination of metals in addition to pure gold. While pure gold itself is highly resistant to tarnish, the presence of other metals in these alloys can contribute to tarnishing over time. Gold alloys with lower karat values, such as 10k, 14k, and 18k, have a higher likelihood of experiencing some degree of tarnishing compared to pure 24k gold. Tarnishing can be removed with our polishing cloth. 

10k, 14k, and 18k gold alloys contain a combination of gold and other metals like silver, copper, or nickel. These alloying metals, particularly copper, are more prone to oxidation and can react with environmental elements, leading to a slight dulling or discoloration of the gold's surface. This is easily resolved with proper care and cleaning. See our tips for cleaning jewelry here: How to Care for Your Jewelry | Simple & Dainty 

Is 14k gold real?

Yes, 14k gold is real gold! While 14k gold is not pure gold (24k gold is considered pure), it is still classified as real gold because it contains a significant percentage of gold.

When to choose solid gold? 

Solid gold jewelry is a great choice when you're looking for a piece that you plan to wear every day and can keep for a lifetime.

Solid gold holds its value over time and serves as an investment, making it ideal for heirloom pieces, gifts on special occasions, or everyday wear. Although it may involve a higher initial cost, the longevity of solid gold jewelry is worth it, as these pieces can be passed down through generations, carrying sentimental value and maintaining their worth.

Another benefit of solid gold jewelry is its sustainability. At the end of its life, solid gold can be recycled and transformed into new pieces, making it an eco-friendly choice.

If you want some of the same qualities of solid gold without the high price tag, gold filled or gold vermeil are great options! You can read more about both in blogs we wrote here: Gold Filled 101, What is Gold Vermeil?

Solid gold jewelry is the perfect choice for those seeking a durable, long-lasting piece that holds its value over the years!