18K, 21K and 22K Gold Explained
Purity, colour, durability and value: how to choose the right karat for the piece you have in mind.
What karat means
Karat measures how much of an alloy is pure gold, out of twenty-four parts. 24K is 99.9% gold; 22K is 91.6%; 21K is 87.5%; 18K is 75%. The rest is silver, copper, zinc or palladium, which is what gives each alloy its colour and strength.
22K and 21K: the Gulf classics
Rich, deep yellow and closest to the investment value of pure gold. Traditional bridal sets, bangles and coins are usually 22K; statement rings and everyday Gulf jewellery are often 21K, a touch harder and more scratch-resistant while keeping the warm colour.
18K: the fine-jewellery standard
At 75% gold, 18K is hard enough to hold diamonds, zircons and delicate Italian or Spanish work, and it is the only karat that can be made convincingly white or rose. Most of our Italian bracelets, bangles and earrings are 18K.
Which should you choose?
For value and tradition, 21K or 22K. For daily wear, gemstones, white gold and slender designs, 18K. Whatever the karat, a Mazimo piece is hallmarked, certified and priced on its exact weight.
- Investment and bridal: 22K
- Statement rings worn often: 21K
- Diamonds, white gold, fine chains: 18K
Keep reading.
Ring Size Guide · Jewellery Care Guide · GIA Diamond Reports: What They Say and How to Check One · IGI Diamond Reports: What They Say and How to Check One