Options made of lower-karat gold are stronger and more durable. If the gold jewelry you're buying is to be worn occasionally, then you can go for 18K or even 22K. But if it's going to be everyday wear jewelry, 14K might be a more practical option.
Because of its softness, 22K gold is more susceptible to scratches, dents, and other forms of wear and tear when worn daily. That's why many high-end jewelry designers often choose 18K or 14K gold for pieces that will be subject to frequent use.
It is not recommended to wear gold in the shower as it can lose its shine over time due to water corrosion and the products we use in the shower. Even if you wear your chains in the shower, you need to take them to a jewelry store to bring back their shine.
22K gold is preferred in case of jewellery. It is because 24K gold is malleable in its pure state and jewellery made with this kind of gold will break easily. Thus, most people prefer 22K over 24K gold as it also helps them to get better value when sold.
Yes, you can wear gold jewelry every day. Gold is a durable and timeless metal that can withstand daily wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for everyday jewelry. However, taking good care of your gold jewelry is essential to ensure it lasts long and looks great.
These substances after contact with gold jewelry having silver and copper alloys can produce chemical reaction to produce silver chloride and copper sulfide, which can lead to creation of deep black chemical salts. This chemical reaction can discolor the 22K gold jewelry and make it black.
Solid Gold (10k, 14k)
Solid gold is a great choice if you're looking for a lifetime piece you can wear everyday and everywhere - yes, even in the shower! Polish with a soft cloth.
Options made of lower-karat gold are stronger and more durable. If the gold jewelry you're buying is to be worn occasionally, then you can go for 18K or even 22K. But if it's going to be everyday wear jewelry, 14K might be a more practical option.
The types of gold are (according to the Karat) –
24k being the most pure but the most delicate. 22k – slightly lesser purity but more durable than 24k. 18k – 75% pure comparatively more durable than the above types. 14k – 58% pure as an average value but way more durable than the 18k.
22K gold is the most durable as it contains other metals such as zinc, nickel, copper, etc. 24k gold is less stable than 22k gold as it is too delicate to resist wear and tear.
10K, 14K, 18K and even 22K Solid Gold is not a concern when it comes to getting your necklace wet. Whether it is a gold link chain such as gold curb chain or a gold rope chain or something else, as long as it is pure solid gold, you can swim with your gold.
22 karat gold is also known as 916 gold because it contains 91.67% pure gold. The texture of this gold is harder and more durable than 24k gold due to the traces of metal composition. As a result, 22k is used to make appropriate jewellery.
If you prefer to get as close to pure gold as possible, 22K gold is your best choice. It will be expensive but also offer a very rich yellow hue that is the closest to pure gold.
It has more durability than 24K and therefore makes it an ideal choice for items such as wedding rings or other everyday jewelry. 22k gold is tarnish resistant due to the presence of other metals in its alloy, which helps keep it looking shiny and beautiful for much longer.
Over time, gold jewelry can become dirty or tarnished. Clean your gold jewelry regularly using a mild soap and water, or take it to a professional jeweler for a more thorough cleaning. When cleaning your 22k jewellery at home, use a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild detergent mixed with warm water.
Solid gold is the best quality of gold there is - it's great to wear everyday, won't fade, and is hypoallergenic. However, since the entire piece of jewelry is made of gold, it is very expensive and unaffordable to many people.
2. 22-carat gold is an alloy of gold containing a small amount of copper or silver. Therefore, it is hard and more ductile as compared to pure gold. So, the ornaments are generally made from 22-carat gold.
The different numbers of karat refer to the levels of pure gold that are included in the mix. Pure gold is 24 karats and most valuable because it is 100% pure gold. Because pure gold is very soft, jewelry makers add other metals to increase durability.
It explains the difference between 22K, 18K and 14K gold in terms of purity, durability, color and price. I learned that 22K gold is the most pure and softest form of gold, but it is also more expensive and less suitable for everyday wear.
When it comes to figuring out what kind of jewelry is sweat- and water-resistant (whether it's rings, necklaces, earrings, or even a medical bracelet), check that it's solid gold, gold filled, or sterling silver. These metals are also hypoallergenic, which means it won't make your skin break out, itch, or turn green.
Since gold is relatively malleable, 24k gold is rarely used for jewelry that you might wear every day, like a wedding or engagement ring, since it's likely it would become misshapen. Adding an alloy like copper, iron, silver, zinc, or nickel makes it more affordable and much more durable and suitable for daily wear.
Everyday Wear
10K gold is made so that it's durable enough for daily activities without losing its charm. Like any other gold jewelry, remove it before engaging in activities where there is a risk of damage, such as household chores, yard work, or other physical labor.
"If you're wearing jewelry made of solid gold, gold fill, or sterling silver, the sweat and oils from your skin won't damage it," explains Lisa Rueff, a yoga teacher, jewelry designer, and founder of Collective Hearts, a jewelry brand that also hosts charity wellness events in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Avoid Wearing Your Gold Jewelry
Pure gold, also known as 24-karat (K) gold, does not react with salt or chlorine. However, 24K gold is soft and likely be easily damaged, which is why most gold jewelry comprises an alloy of gold with other precious metals, including silver, copper, nickel, and palladium.