United News of Bangladesh

Grasping the real worth of gold starts with understanding what 'gold carat (karat)' means – a measure that reveals how much pure gold lies beneath its polished surface. This proportion of gold blended with other metals ultimately shapes the metal’s quality, character, and purpose. It distinguishes the brilliance of fine jewellery from the strength of everyday pieces. Let’s explore this spectrum by comparing the different types of gold carats (karats) to see how purity levels influence both beauty and practicality. What is Carat (Karat)? Essence of Gold’s Measurement Gold’s fineness – more commonly referred to through its carat value – serves as a precise indicator of purity. Since genuine gold is naturally soft and malleable, it cannot endure frequent wear or pressure without losing its shape. To strengthen it for practical use in jewellery, utensils, and coinage, gold is typically blended with small portions of other metals like silver, copper, or nickel. These combinations add durability, colour tone, and overall value, creating a delicate balance between beauty and resilience. Each carat represents one twenty-fourth of the total composition – meaning every unit reflects 4.1667% purity. For instance, a 14-carat piece contains fourteen parts gold mixed with ten parts alloy, while a 24-carat piece stands as the benchmark of purity, free from any metallic additions. Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2025: Safe Haven or Risky Bet? Comparative Analysis of Different Types of Gold Carats (Karats) Gold’s purity scale varies widely, giving each carat grade its own visual tone, strength, and value. The following comparison explores how different carat levels influence the metal’s appearance and its suitability for daily wear and investment. Type Durability Color Tone Gold Fraction Hallmark Purity (%) Common Uses 24K Very soft, scratches and bends easily Bright, rich yellow/orange hue 24/24 999 99.9 or Higher Investment (coins, bars), electronics, medical devices, ceremonial items 22K More durable than 24K, but still soft Rich, vibrant yellow, slightly less intense than 24K 22/24 916 91.6 Traditional jewelry, special occasion pieces, bangles, necklaces 21K Moderate/Soft; more durable than 22k Very rich, deep yellow tone 21/24 875 87.5 Traditional jewelry (like bangles and necklaces) 20K Moderate Durability; softer than 18k Rich, deep yellow tone, close to pure gold's appearance 20/24 833 83.3 High-quality, vintage, and special jewelry 18K Good balance of purity and durability; prone to scratches Rich, warm yellow; available in white and rose gold 18/24 750 75.0 Fine jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, and high-end watches, suitable for daily wear with care 15K Durable Warm, rich yellow tone, but still slightly less intense than 18k 15/24 625 62.5 Historically used in vintage jewelry; less common in modern production 14K Highly durable, resistant to wear and tear Warmer yellow, but slightly paler than 18K; available in white and rose gold 14/24 583 58.3 Most popular for everyday jewelry (engagement rings, earrings, bracelets), active lifestyle wear 12K Durable Medium yellow color 12/24 500 50.0 Often used in industrial applications, older jewelry, and items like watch cases 10K Most durable and resistant to damage Light/pale yellow, less vibrant 10/24 417 41.7 Budget-friendly, sturdy pieces for heavy use, like simple chains and rings 9K Highly Durable/Hard; resistant to scratches Lighter yellow tone; can tarnish slightly more than higher carats 9/24 375 37.5 Widely used for everyday jewelry; popular for wedding bands and items needing resilience 8K Very Durable/Hard, but can be brittle; prone to tarnishing Pale yellow, less rich than higher carats 8/24 333 33.3 Budget-conscious jewelry and items 6K Very Durable/Hard, can be more brittle Very pale yellow; often needs surface treatment or plating to achieve a richer color 6/24 250 25.0 Primarily found in extremely budget-friendly or mass-market items; Uses are very limited Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal