14k or 18k gold (585 or 750): what's the difference?

Karat in one minute

Karat counts in 24 parts. 24 karat is (almost) pure gold: a beautiful deep colour, but so soft that a ring made of it quickly loses its shape. That's why goldsmiths mix gold with a little of other metals. It makes the gold stronger and sets the colour.

The higher the karat, the more gold. The hallmark says the same in thousandths: 585 means 585 of 1000 parts are gold.

What does 585 or 750 on your jewellery mean?

That little number is proof of what you're wearing: real gold, not plated. Every TOV piece is stamped 585 (14 karat) or 750 (18 karat), in a discreet spot such as the inside of a ring or near the clasp of a necklace. You also receive a personal digital certificate of authenticity with every piece.

The colour difference

More gold gives a richer, deeper colour. Side by side you see it straight away: 18 karat gold has a warm, almost honey-like glow. 14 karat is slightly lighter and fresher. Worn on its own, hardly anyone sees the difference.

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Which is stronger?

14 karat. Because it contains more of the other metals, it's harder and less prone to scratches and dents. 18 karat is softer and shows small scratches sooner. Both last for years with a little care. Small scratches are part of a ring you really wear.

Which should you choose?

• Choose 14 karat for pieces that take a lot: gold rings you never take off, bracelets that tap against a desk, earrings you sleep in.
• Choose 18 karat if you want the deepest gold colour, for a piece that's allowed to be something special.
• White gold we make in 14 karat, with a fine rhodium layer for its bright, white shine.

Stacking 14 and 18 karat? You'll see a slight colour difference. Some people love exactly that, others keep one karat per hand.

And 9 or 8 karat?

In Germany you see a lot of 333 gold, in the UK 375. It's cheaper, but it also contains much less gold: a third instead of half or more. That's why we don't make it. At TOV, you always wear at least 58.5% gold.

Is gold suitable for sensitive skin?

All our jewellery, including our gold piercings, is nickel-free and suitable for sensitive skin. Nickel is the best-known cause of itching and red patches with cheaper jewellery.

Gold Jewellery Real 14 and 18 karat gold, never gold-plated. Shop Gold Jewellery