If you've ever looked at a piece of gold jewelry and seen a small number stamped on it, that's the karat mark. It tells you how pure the gold is. But "pure" doesn't always mean "better." Here's what you need to know.
What Is a Karat?
A karat is a unit of measurement for gold purity. Pure gold is 24 karats, meaning it's 100% gold. But pure gold is too soft for jewelry, so it's mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more wearable.
The Common Karats
10K Gold — 41.7% gold. The most durable and affordable option. It has a slightly lighter gold tone and holds up extremely well to daily wear. Many vintage pieces are 10K because they were made to be worn every day.
14K Gold — 58.3% gold. The most popular karat in the U.S. It strikes the best balance between gold content, durability, and color. Most of the pieces in The Vault are 14K.
18K Gold — 75% gold. Richer in color and softer to the touch. Often found in European and estate pieces. It's more luxurious but slightly more prone to scratching.
24K Gold — 99.9% gold. Rarely used in jewelry because it's too soft. You'll see it in gold bars and some traditional pieces, but not in everyday wear.
Does Higher Karat Mean Better?
Not necessarily. Higher karat means more gold content, but it also means softer and less durable. A 10K cross that's survived 40 years of daily wear is a testament to how tough lower-karat gold can be. The "best" karat depends on what matters to you: richness of color or durability.
How to Find the Stamp
On rings, check the inside of the band. On chains, look near the clasp. On pendants, check the bail (the loop at the top). The stamp might say "10K," "14K," "585" (which means 14K), or "750" (which means 18K).
Every piece in The Vault includes its karat. No guessing. No surprises.