“Gold! gold! gold! gold! Bright and yellow, hard and cold, Molten, graven, hammered, and rolled, Heavy to get and light to hold; Hoarded, bartered, bought, and sold, Stolen, borrowed, squandered, doled.” — Thomas Hood, "Gold!"
Gold has captivated hearts and minds for centuries, symbolizing wealth, beauty, and durability. From ancient treasures to modern jewelry, its radiant allure continues to inspire. You probably heard of different numbers + K being thrown around, like 9K, 14K, 18K, 24K. What do they mean, how should you choose, how should you care for them?
At Stanza, we celebrate this timeless metal in our 14K and 18K gold collections, alongside plated gold pieces that bring a touch of luxury at an affordable price. What’s the difference between these types of gold, and how do you care for them? We'll take you through everything you need to know to confidently purchase a piece of gold jewelry.
Understanding the Differences: 9K, 10K, 14K, 18K, 24K, and Plated Gold
The karat (K) rating refers to the percentage of pure gold in jewelry. Pure gold is 24K, but because gold is a soft metal, it is often mixed with other metals to enhance its durability. Here’s a breakdown of the different karat levels:
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9K Gold (37.5% pure gold): This is the least pure gold in fine jewelry, containing only 37.5% pure gold. While it’s a more affordable option, it lacks the rich color of higher karat golds.
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10K Gold (41.7% pure gold): Slightly purer than 9K, this option offers better durability but less warmth compared to higher karats.
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14K Gold (58.5% pure gold): A popular choice for fine jewelry, 14K gold strikes the ideal balance between durability, affordability, and beauty. Its rich golden hue and resistance to wear make it a favorite for everyday pieces.
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18K Gold (75% pure gold): Known for its luxurious color, 18K gold offers a deeper, more vivid hue but is softer, making it better suited for special occasion pieces.
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24K Gold (100% pure gold): Pure gold is rarely used in jewelry due to its softness, which makes it susceptible to bending and scratching.
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Plated Gold: Plated gold jewelry is made by coating a base metal (like brass) with a thin layer of gold. It provides the look of solid gold without the high price tag, although it can wear off over time.
Why We Love 14K Gold
At Stanza, our primary focus is on 14K gold because it provides an excellent balance of durability and beauty. Here’s why it’s our go-to choice:
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Durability: With 58.3% pure gold, 14K is hard enough to resist scratches and dents from daily wear. It’s more durable than higher karat golds, making it perfect for everyday jewelry like rings and necklaces.
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Affordability: Compared to higher karat golds, 14K offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing beauty. It has a warm, luxurious hue that makes it feel like true fine jewelry.
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Color: The slightly paler color of 14K means it pairs well with both casual and formal outfits. It can transition effortlessly from day to night, making it a favorite for many of our collections, including the Soarer Necklace and Golden Crest Ring.
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Intricacy: The level of craftsmanship that can be achieved with solid 14K gold is unmatched. Jewelers can incorporate detailed metalwork and intricate designs, resulting in stunning pieces that showcase artistry and skill.
Exploring 18K Gold: A Richer Tone Option
While 14K is our main offering at Stanza, we also carry 18K gold for those who prefer a richer, deeper gold tone, such as for our Simply Herringbone Bracelet and Necklace. With 75% pure gold, 18K jewelry has more of a golden hour look that is unmatched. It’s perfect for special occasions and pieces that will be cherished for years to come.
Why We Love Plated Gold
Plated gold holds a special place in our collection for several reasons. Here’s why we embrace this affordable and stylish option:
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Affordability: Plated gold offers the luxurious look of gold jewelry at a fraction of the cost. This makes it accessible for everyone, allowing you to experiment with styles without breaking the bank.
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Variety of Styles: With plated gold, we can offer a wide range of designs and sizes. You won't have worry that a large statement piece comes with a big price tag.
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Easy to Wear: Plated gold pieces are lightweight and comfortable, making them perfect for everyday wear. You can easily dress them up or down.
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Fashion-Forward Choices: Plated gold allows for more experimentation with bold designs and colors, enabling us to create trendy pieces like the Heartfelt Necklace and Glint Necklace that are perfect for those who love to make a statement.
Caring for Your Gold Jewelry
To keep your 14K, 18K, and plated gold jewelry looking its best, proper care is essential. Here are some tips:
Caring for 14K and 18K Gold
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Regular Cleaning: Gold is naturally resistant to tarnish but can pick up oils and dirt. Clean your jewelry regularly with a soft cloth or mild soap solution. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine.
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Storage: Store your gold jewelry in a soft pouch or a jewelry box to prevent scratches.
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Polishing: Over time, gold may lose its shine. A professional polishing once or twice a year can restore its luster.
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Avoid Chemicals: Remove your jewelry before swimming or using household cleaning products, as chlorine and other chemicals can weaken the metal.
Caring for Plated Gold
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Gentle Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe your plated jewelry after each wear. Avoid using water or cleaning agents, as they can strip the gold layer.
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Storage: Store plated pieces separately in a jewelry pouch to avoid friction with other items that could wear away the gold coating.
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Avoid Water and Lotions: Unlike solid gold, plated jewelry is more sensitive to moisture and chemicals. Remove your plated pieces before showering or applying lotions or perfumes to extend their lifespan.
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Avoid Chemicals: Remove your jewelry before swimming or using household cleaning products, as chlorine and other chemicals can weaken the metal.
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Avoid Hard Surfaces: Scratching on hard surfaces would potentially strip away the gold coating and it is non-reversible.
Choose the Right Gold for You
At Stanza, we take pride in offering the right material choice for each design to balance the price and the design. Whether you’re looking for pieces that stand the test of time or affordable styles that shine, we have something for everyone. With the right care, your Stanza jewelry will maintain its beauty for years to come.
Let gold be a part of your life, just as it has for centuries. Explore how Stanza can make Gold meaningful for you and for the planet.
