What is 18 karat gold?

Here's some information about 18 karat gold:

• Composition: 18 karat gold is an alloy containing 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. The "karat" (often denoted as "k" or "kt") is a measure of gold purity, with 24 karat being pure gold. You can find more information about gold%20purity.

• Durability: The addition of other metals to pure gold increases its durability and resistance to scratches and dents compared to higher karat gold like 24k. Because pure gold is quite soft, it would easily bend and scratch, therefore, jewelers prefer to alloy pure gold with other metals.

• Color: The color of 18k gold can vary depending on the type of metals it's alloyed with. Common variations include yellow gold (alloyed with silver and copper), white gold (alloyed with nickel, palladium, or zinc and often rhodium plated), and rose gold (alloyed with more copper). See more details about gold%20color.

• Value: 18k gold offers a good balance between gold content, value, and practicality. While not as pure as 24k gold, it still holds significant intrinsic value due to its high gold content.

• Uses: 18k gold is widely used in jewelry making, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Its durability and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for both everyday wear and special occasion pieces. You can learn more about the uses%20of%20gold in the jewelry industry.

• Hallmarking: Pieces made of 18k gold are typically hallmarked with "18k," "750" (which indicates 75% gold content), or similar markings to indicate its purity. More details about hallmarking can be found on related resources.