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24 kt is pure gold, with no other metals. 18 kt is 18 parts gold and 6 parts total of silver and copper. (75.0% gold) 14 kt is 14 parts gold and 10 parts total of silver and copper. (58.3%) 10 kt is 10 parts weight of gold to 14 parts of other metals. (41.6%)
Because Gold is so much heavier than
other metals, actual amount of gold, by volume, in different alloys is much less.
10 kt = 41% by weight and 24% by volume. 14 kt = 58.55 by weight and 39% by volume. 18 kt = 75% by weight and 61% by volume.
Which is best?
We always produce items, which are designed to be Heirlooms and as such are made to last for many generations. Whether it is 10, 14 or 18 kt, it is certainly not going to wear out. My favourite is, however, 18 kt gold. It is hardest wearing, looks good and is almost 40% heavier than 10 kt gold, so feels as gold should, - solid, and heavy!
10 kt and 14 kt alloys also make very nice items.
It usually comes down to price, with 10kt gold being around half price of 18 kt gold.
The choice is yours!!
The Author, a Scot, is Stuart Noble, the founder and Chief Executive of the Scottish Heirloom Company, manufacturing jewelers, specializing in the production of Scottish Family Crest Jewellery. You can publish this article if the author's byline is included and all links are hyperlinked.
