Gold Karat Guide: Understanding 14K, 18K, and 22K Gold Differences
Gold jewelry, especially premium lab-grown diamond studded jewelry, has always been a symbol of beauty and elegance. When purchasing lab-grown diamond jewelry in Chennai, you may come across terms like 14kt, 18kt, and 22kt gold. Understanding these terms can help you make an informed decision and choose the best gold for your needs. But how can you differentiate between them, especially if you're not an expert?
In this blog, we’ll guide you through simple methods to identify 14kt, 18kt, and 22kt gold without the need for technical knowledge. Whether you're buying engagement rings, solitaire rings, or diamond-studded jewelry, these tips will help you navigate the world of gold purity, specifically for premium lab-grown diamond jewelry available in Chennai.
What Does ‘Karat’ Mean in Gold?
Karat (kt) measures the purity of gold in a piece of jewelry. The higher the karat number, the purer the gold. Premium lab-grown diamond jewelry is often set in 14kt, 18kt, or 22kt gold, depending on the desired aesthetic, durability, and budget.
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14kt Gold: 58.33% pure gold.
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18kt Gold: 75% pure gold.
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22kt Gold: 91.66% pure gold.
Now, let’s break down simple ways to differentiate these karats of gold in your lab-grown diamond jewelry.
1. Check the HUID for Authenticity
The HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) is an official stamp indicating the purity of gold and is mandatory for every piece of jewelry weighing over 2 grams. When purchasing premium lab-grown diamond jewelry in Chennai, it's essential to check for the HUID to verify the authenticity and purity of the gold.
How to Identify the Karat Using the HUID:
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14kt Gold: Look for “14K” or “585”.
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18kt Gold: Look for “18K” or “750”.
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22kt Gold: Look for “22K” or “916”.
Each piece of jewelry with the HUID comes with a 6-digit number, which you can input into the BIS Care App (a government-verified app) to check the purity of the gold. The app also provides information about when the jewelry was hallmarked and the hallmark center where it was certified.
By checking for the HUID and using the BIS Care App, you can be confident in the authenticity and purity of the gold in your lab-grown diamond jewelry. All our lab grown diamond jewellery comes with HUID.
2. Check the Gold Color
Gold’s color can provide insight into its purity. As the gold karat increases, the color becomes richer and more vibrant. Higher-karat gold will have a deeper, richer yellow tone due to the higher gold content.
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14kt Gold: Lighter, paler yellow due to a larger proportion of alloys mixed in.
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18kt Gold: Richer, deeper yellow, with a good balance of gold and durability.
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22kt Gold: Very bright and vibrant yellow, the highest purity gold with a classic gold look.
If you’re shopping for premium lab-grown diamond jewelry or engagement rings, you may notice that 18 karat gold and 14 karat pairs beautifully with lab-grown diamonds, But if you're looking for closed setting diamond jewellery it is possible in 18 karat and 22 karat only enhancing the overall luxury appearance. This due to the fact that 14 karat gold is very hard making it impossible for any craftsman to set diamonds in the metal.
3. Perform a Simple Scratch Test
A quick scratch test can help identify the softness of gold. Pure gold (like 22kt) is softer than 14kt or 18kt gold because it contains less alloy metal.
How to Do the Scratch Test:
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Take the gold jewelry and scratch it gently on an unglazed ceramic plate.
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Observe the streak: Pure gold (like 22kt) will leave a yellowish streak, while 14kt gold will leave a lighter-colored streak.
This simple test can help you differentiate between 14kt, 18kt, and 22kt gold jewelry, especially when shopping for diamond-studded rings or other fine jewelry in Chennai.
4. Conduct a Magnet Test
Gold is non-magnetic, so using a magnet can help identify if the jewelry contains any non-gold alloys.
How to Perform the Magnet Test:
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Take a strong magnet and move it near the gold jewelry.
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If it sticks to the magnet, the jewelry contains non-gold metals, meaning the gold purity is lower than 22kt.
While the magnet test won’t tell you the exact karat of the gold, it will help you rule out fake gold or low-purity alloys in your lab-grown diamond jewelry.
5. Weight and Density Test
Gold is a dense metal, so higher-karat gold will weigh more than lower-karat gold. 22kt gold, for example, is much denser than 14kt gold.
How to Conduct a Weight Test:
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Weigh the jewelry on a precision scale. 22kt gold will be heavier than 14kt gold for the same volume.
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This method can give you a general idea of the gold purity, especially when paired with lab-grown diamonds in your jewelry.
6. Professional Acid Test
The acid test is the most reliable way to determine gold purity, though it’s typically done by professionals. Jewelers apply special acids to the gold to measure how it reacts and determine the gold karat.
If you're purchasing premium lab-grown diamond jewelry in Chennai, you can always ask the jeweler to perform an acid test to confirm the purity of the gold.
Why Choose 14kt, 18kt, or 22kt Gold for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry?
When selecting lab-grown diamond jewelry in Chennai, the gold karat plays a crucial role in the overall appearance and durability of your jewelry. Here's how each karat works with diamonds:
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14kt Gold: Ideal for everyday wear, affordable yet durable for daily use. Great for engagement rings or solitaire rings that need to withstand constant wear. Its highly advised to go with rose gold for 14kt and not yellow gold since the yellow gold looks very pale when compared to the 22kt yellow gold.
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18kt Gold: Offers a perfect balance of purity and strength. It’s ideal for luxury jewelry like engagement rings or diamond-studded necklaces, offering a rich, beautiful shine.
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22kt Gold: Perfect for luxury or traditional jewelry. Though softer, it complements lab-grown diamonds beautifully and is especially popular in Chennai for wedding jewelry and customized rings.
Conclusion: How to Differentiate Between 14kt, 18kt, and 22kt Gold in Your Jewelry
Differentiating between 14kt, 18kt, and 22kt gold doesn’t require professional expertise. By following these simple methods—checking for hallmarks, observing the color, performing a scratch test, conducting a magnet test, and even doing a weight test—you can easily identify the purity of your premium lab-grown diamond jewelry.
If you're looking for lab-grown diamond jewelry in Chennai, always ask for the hallmark and ensure you are purchasing from a trusted jeweler. This will guarantee you get the highest quality diamond jewelry set in the perfect gold karat for your taste and budget.
At our store in Chennai, we specialize in premium lab-grown diamonds set in 14kt, 18kt, and 22kt gold, offering you luxurious designs that are affordable, durable, and sustainable. Whether you're shopping for engagement rings, solitaires, or other diamond-studded jewelry, we have something to match every style.
