Gold is typically classified based on its purity (how much gold it contains) and the alloys used to strengthen it. These factors influence the gold’s color, strength, and price.
At TJ Handcrafted, we manufacture custom jewellery at our Auckland casting house in a range of gold types — and our team works with customers every day to help them understand which type is right for their piece, their lifestyle, and their budget. Whether you are purchasing a new piece or selling gold you already own, knowing what type of gold you have is the first step to understanding its value. Contact us to discuss your options →
Let’s break down the most common types of gold you’ll encounter:
Different Types of Gold
1. 24K Gold (Pure Gold)
Purity: 99.9% gold
Common Uses: Jewelry, coins, investment
Overview:
When people refer to pure gold, they’re usually talking about 24K gold. This is the highest purity of gold available, with 99.9% gold content. Because of its purity, 24K gold is incredibly soft, which makes it more prone to scratches and dents. For this reason, it's often less practical for everyday jewelry, but it’s highly valued for its rich yellow hue and is a top choice for collectors and investors.
Pros:
Bright yellow color, often associated with the highest quality
Great for investment and collectors (gold coins, bullion)
Cons:
Soft and prone to damage, especially in jewelry
Can be more expensive due to its high purity
Tip: 24K gold is often used for investment purposes or in high-end jewelry where the piece is handled less frequently. You can learn more about gold jewelry investment in our article Is Gold Jewelry a Good Investment.
2. 22K Gold
Purity: 91.7% gold
Common Uses: Jewelry (especially in countries like India)
Overview:
22K gold is a popular choice for jewelry, especially in parts of Asia, where it’s often seen as a status symbol. The purity level is just slightly lower than 24K gold, making it a good balance between the beauty of high-purity gold and the strength needed for wearable pieces. It’s still relatively soft compared to other types of gold but offers more durability than 24K.
Pros:
High gold content, giving it a rich yellow color
Durable enough for jewelry while still maintaining purity
Cons:
Not as durable as lower-karat gold alloys
Prone to scratches and bending over time
Tip: 22K gold is often used in traditional and handcrafted jewelry due to its beauty and value. If you're looking for more on how to choose jewelry, check out our post How to Choose Gold Jewelry.
3. 18K Gold
Purity: 75% gold
Common Uses: Fine jewelry, luxury items, wedding rings
Overview:
With 18K gold, you get a good compromise between purity and durability. It’s 75% gold, with the remaining 25% made up of other metals, such as copper, silver, or nickel. This alloy is much more durable than 22K or 24K gold, making it a top choice for everyday jewelry, like rings, bracelets, and necklaces. It also has a slightly paler color compared to higher-purity golds, which can be desirable for certain jewelry designs.
Pros:
Durable and less prone to damage than 22K or 24K gold
Still has a rich gold color
Ideal for high-quality, long-lasting jewelry
Cons:
Still contains some alloy metals, which may affect color and value
Tip: 18K gold is a perfect choice for wedding bands or high-end jewelry that needs to withstand daily wear while maintaining an elegant look. You can learn more about types of gold in our article Exploring the Charm of 18K vs. 24K Gold Chains.
4. 14K Gold
Purity: 58.3% gold
Common Uses: Everyday jewelry, rings, bracelets, necklaces
Overview:
14K gold is one of the most commonly used gold alloys for fine jewelry. It contains 58.3% gold, with the rest made up of other metals, such as copper, silver, and zinc. 14K gold is stronger than higher-purity golds, making it ideal for pieces that need to withstand frequent wear, such as engagement rings and wedding bands. It’s a more affordable option than 18K or 22K gold, which makes it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Pros:
Highly durable and resistant to scratching
More affordable than 18K or 22K gold
Great for everyday jewelry
Cons:
Less gold content, so it’s less valuable as an investment
The color may not be as rich as higher-purity gold
Tip: 14K gold is an excellent option for people who want durable, high-quality jewelry without breaking the bank. For tips on buying affordable gold, check out How to Buy Gold in New Zealand.
5. 10K Gold
Purity: 41.7% gold
Common Uses: Budget-friendly jewelry, fashion pieces
Overview:
10K gold is the least pure form of gold used in jewelry, containing only 41.7% gold. It is strong, durable, and affordable, which makes it popular for more budget-friendly pieces. It has a paler color compared to higher-purity gold, and although it’s durable, the lower gold content means it’s less valuable in terms of both price and investment potential.
Pros:
Affordable compared to higher-karat gold
Durable and resistant to scratches
Great for fashion pieces or jewelry that doesn’t require high purity
Cons:
Contains less gold, so it’s not as valuable
Color is less yellow and more subdued
Tip: 10K gold is ideal for trend-driven or inexpensive jewelry pieces, especially if you want something that’s durable without the premium price tag. You can explore gold prices and values in our article How Much is 1 Gram of Gold in NZ.
6. White Gold
Purity: Varies (typically 14K or 18K)
Common Uses: Engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry
Overview:
White gold is an alloy made from a combination of gold and white metals, such as palladium, nickel, or silver. It’s then coated with a layer of rhodium, a highly reflective metal, to give it its white, shiny appearance. White gold is often used in engagement rings and other fine jewelry due to its elegant look and durability. While it has a similar purity level to yellow gold, it can be more expensive due to the additional metals and rhodium plating.
Pros:
Elegant, white-silver appearance that mimics platinum
Durable and perfect for engagement rings and wedding bands
Cons:
Rhodium plating wears off over time and may need to be reapplied
May cause allergic reactions in some people due to nickel content
Tip: White gold is perfect for those who want the look of platinum or silver but prefer the benefits of gold’s durability. You can find more about choosing gold in our article How to Choose Gold Jewelry.
7. Rose Gold
Purity: Varies (typically 14K or 18K)
Common Uses: Jewelry, engagement rings, necklaces
Overview:
Rose gold has become increasingly popular in recent years for its warm, romantic color. It’s made by adding copper to the gold alloy, which gives it its pinkish hue. The higher the copper content, the redder the gold will appear. Like white gold, rose gold can come in various karat weights, with 14K and 18K being the most common.
Pros:
Unique and romantic pinkish-red color
Durable and resistant to scratches
Cons:
The copper content can cause allergic reactions in some people
The color may fade slightly over time
Tip: Rose gold is a fantastic choice for romantic or vintage-style jewelry, and it looks particularly beautiful in engagement rings. To learn more, check out our guide on How to Choose the Perfect Gold Earrings for Your Face Shape.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the right type of gold, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The type of gold you choose depends on your budget, how often you wear the piece, and whether you're looking for jewelry or investment-grade gold. From pure 24K gold to more affordable options like 10K gold, each type of gold has its unique advantages.
Understanding the different types of gold can help you make informed decisions whether you’re buying a beautiful piece of jewelry, investing in gold, or simply learning about this precious metal. Choose wisely, and you’ll enjoy your gold for years to come! If you’re interested in the value of gold for investment, be sure to check out our article on Is It Worth It to Sell Gold Jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of gold used in jewellery in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, 9K gold (375 hallmark, 37.5% pure gold) and 18K gold (750 hallmark, 75% pure gold) are the two most widely used jewellery karats. 9K is the harder, more affordable option and is commonly used for everyday rings, chains, and bracelets. 18K is preferred for fine jewellery, engagement rings, and pieces where colour richness matters. 14K is less common in NZ-manufactured jewellery but appears frequently in imported pieces. 10K (417) is a US market standard and is not manufactured locally — pieces stamped 417 are imports.
What is the difference between white gold and yellow gold?
White gold and yellow gold have the same gold content at the same karat — the difference is in the alloy metals added to the gold. Yellow gold is alloyed with silver and copper, which preserve its natural warm yellow colour. White gold is alloyed with white metals (palladium, nickel, or silver) that shift the colour toward silvery-white, and is then rhodium-plated to enhance the white appearance. The hallmark (375, 585, 750) refers to the gold content of the base alloy in both cases — a 750 yellow gold ring and a 750 white gold ring contain the same percentage of pure gold. Ask us about white vs. yellow gold for your commission →
Is rose gold real gold?
Yes — rose gold is solid gold alloyed with copper (and sometimes a small amount of silver) to produce its pink-red colour. It carries the same hallmarks as yellow and white gold (375 for 9K, 750 for 18K), and its gold content is identical to a yellow or white gold piece of the same karat. The copper alloy makes rose gold slightly harder than yellow gold of the same karat, which is an advantage for everyday wear. At TJ Handcrafted, rose gold pieces are assessed by XRF testing through our gold buyers service — the exact gold content is confirmed regardless of the alloy colour.
Which type of gold is the most durable for everyday jewellery?
For everyday wear in New Zealand, 9K yellow gold (375 hallmark) is the most durable option — it is the hardest of the common NZ jewellery karats at approximately 150–180 HV on the Vickers hardness scale, which means it resists surface scratches better than 14K, 18K, or 22K. Rose gold of the same karat is marginally harder still due to its higher copper content. For customers who want a higher gold colour richness and are willing to accept slightly faster surface wear, 18K is the preferred fine jewellery standard. The choice depends on the balance between colour richness and scratch resistance that best suits the wearer's lifestyle.
Where can I get my gold jewellery tested to find out what type it is?
TJ Handcrafted offers free XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing at our Auckland location — Botany Town Centre (169 Harris Rd Unit B1, Auckland 2013). XRF testing is non-destructive, takes under two minutes, and confirms the exact gold content of any piece to two decimal places. The result is shown on-screen to the customer and explained before any assessment or offer is made. Whether you want to know the karat of a piece for your own information, or you are considering selling, the test carries no obligation. Arrange a free test →
