The Edit//1 min read
10k, 14k, or 18k — Which Metal Is Right for Your Piece
Gold is gold — until you look closer. The karat number tells you how much of the piece is actually gold versus alloy, and that ratio changes everything.
10k Gold
10k is 41.7% pure gold. It's the hardest, most durable option, which makes it resistant to scratching and bending. The color is slightly lighter than higher karats. It's also the most affordable entry point for a custom piece.
If you're rough on jewelry or want something that holds up to daily wear, 10k is a smart choice.
14k Gold
14k is 58.3% pure gold. This is the sweet spot for most clients — it's durable enough to wear regularly, rich enough in color to look unmistakably gold, and priced in the range most custom buyers expect.
Most of our grillz and chains are built in 14k unless specified otherwise.
18k Gold
18k is 75% pure gold. The color is the warmest and most saturated of the three. It's also softer, which means it shows wear over time — small scratches and micro-dings accumulate with heavy use.
For pieces that won't see daily wear — statement pendants, occasion grillz, show pieces — 18k is the right call.
White and Rose
The karat applies to white and rose gold the same way. The difference is in the alloy mix: white gold uses nickel or palladium to neutralize the yellow, rose gold uses copper to warm it. Same durability rules apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which karat holds stones better?
- 10k and 14k are both excellent for stone setting. 18k is slightly softer but still secure when set correctly.
- Does higher karat mean better quality?
- Not necessarily. Higher karat means higher gold content, not better craftsmanship. The quality of the piece comes from the work.
- Can I mix metals in one piece?
- Yes. Two-tone designs — yellow and white, for example — are done all the time. We'll spec it out at your appointment.