Is it possible to get 24k gold jewelry?

Article published at: Sep 7, 2024 Article author: Thabet Haddadin
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Is it Possible to Get 24k Gold Jewelry?

Since customers want the finest quality of gold jewelry, many are drawn to 24k items and wonder; Is it possible to get 24k gold jewelry? - This blog post will explain what ‘24k gold’ means as a jewelry material, whether it is rational to use this material in manufacturing jewelry pieces, and why many clients prefer using lower-caratage pieces.

Thinking of selling your gold? We are a jewellery manufacturer with our own refinery, so we buy gold directly instead of reselling it to a refiner. That is why we can pay up to 100% of live gold value, and up to 20% above our standard rates for specific designer and luxury brands.

As a guide, at a 24ct spot price of NZD $280 per gram we pay around $105/g for 9ct, $164/g for 14ct, $210/g for 18ct and $256/g for 22ct. Your gold is XRF tested and weighed in front of you, and you are paid on the spot. Free valuation, no obligation.

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United States — Houston gold buyers, 10311 North Eldridge Pkwy, B2.

Why 24k Gold Is Rarely Used In Jewelry

24-karat gold is a very soft metal with no other metals or alloys mixed into it, which has a 99.9% pure metal content. For this reason, it has its characteristic yellow color and high price, which collectors and investors love. But is it possible to get 24k gold jewelry? (Related read: Is 24k gold good for chains?)

Even though 24k gold looks quite rich, it is only suitable for some jewelry items due to its tenderness. Here are several reasons why it isn't commonly seen as part of mainstream jewelry items:

1. Durability

24k gold pieces are malleable and, therefore, can be bent, scratched, and worn out very easily; hence, it is impossible to wear jewelry made from 24k gold since they can easily lose shape or get spoiled. 

200g Cuban Link Gold Chain 24kt

2. Design Limitations

Due to its soft nature, 24k gold can be challenging to work into intricate patterns. Jewelry makers opt for lower karat gold, which provides for more intricate patterns, as the harder surface holds its form better.

3. Cost

The higher the purity of gold, the more costly its piece becomes. 24k gold may cost a premium, but it may wear down over time compared to its lower-karat options.

Purity at a Glance

Gold type

Pure gold content

Alloy content

Hallmark stamp

14ct gold

58.3%

41.7% alloy metals

585

18ct gold

75%

25% alloy metals

750

22ct gold

91.6%

8.4% alloy metals

916

24ct gold

99.9%

0.1% trace only

999

 

Are 24k Gold Jewelry Products Possible?

Yes, 24k gold jewelry can undoubtedly be obtained. High-end brands and jewelers typically market them as investment pieces or for special events; examples might include wedding bands, pendants, or minimalistic designs made out of 24k gold - though, for practical and aesthetic purposes, jewelers usually rely on lower karat gold.

If you're looking for pure gold, you'll likely find it in bars or coins meant as investments rather than wearable pieces.

The Practicality of Lower-Karat Gold in Jewelry

Even though 24k gold is the most refined, 18k and 14k are used in jewelry because they combine hardiness, elegance, and expense. Let's understand why lower-karat options can be more practical everyday choices.

18k Gold

Consisting of 75% gold and 25% other metals, it has the shiny appearance of pure gold but is stronger and harder to wear, such as engagement rings, wedding bands, and luxury necklaces.

14k Gold

Consisting of 58.3% gold and 41.7 % other metals, it is even harder to wear and is perfect for producing easily wearable items such as chains, bracelets, and earrings. 

The Appeal Of Gold Chains and Links 

Gold chains are some of the most classic accessories that give sophistication to any outfit. Cuban link chains are easy to recognize because of their interconnecting structure and the links' strength.

At TJ Diamond, customers love our 500g Cuban Link Chain. It embodies style and durability in one stunning package: its bold yet beautiful design is made of solid gold alloys that withstand daily wear. A Cuban link chain makes an eye-catching statement that exudes power and grace, perfect whether shopping for yourself or gifting.

500g Cuban Link Chain 24KT

Selecting the Appropriate Gold Jewellery

Consider how often and under which conditions you intend to wear the piece before purchasing 18k or 14k gold jewelry; 18k will last the longest with proper care and upkeep.

Chains like our gold Cuban link chain make an eye-catching fashion statement in casual and formal environments, while 24k pieces may still interest collectors. However, be aware of any restrictions or care needs for such pieces.

No matter the occasion or style you require, our selection of gold jewelry offers something perfect to meet every need and taste. Visit us now and browse all our designs - be sure to view each piece's beauty and craftsmanship for yourself.

Can You Get Custom 24K Gold Jewelry?

Yes, a jeweller experienced with pure gold can make custom 24k pieces, though the design options are naturally more limited than with a harder alloy. Simpler, lower-stress designs (bands, coin settings, minimal bangles) are the realistic custom 24k options; anything with fine prong work or meant for constant daily wear is better suited to 18ct or 14ct.

Why TJ Diamond

TJ Diamond uses 18ct gold as standard at every price point, and handcrafts every piece at our own in-house manufacturing facility in Auckland. Browse our gold chains collection or get in touch to discuss a custom piece in a specific purity. Every piece is backed by our lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line

Is it possible to get 24k gold jewelry? - Although it may be possible, its practicality is often limited due to its soft texture and limited durability. Lower-Carat gold provides more durable yet cost-effective solutions. At TJ Diamond, we provide an assortment of fine gold pieces, from statement chains to everyday pieces, in our Gold Chain Collection, so find the piece that speaks to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it possible to get 24k gold jewelry?

Yes. 24k gold jewelry genuinely exists and is sold by jewellers and specialist gold dealers, particularly for wedding bands, coin or bar-style pendants, minimalist rings, and culturally significant pieces in traditions where high-purity gold is the standard. It's less common in mainstream Western jewellery specifically because its softness makes it impractical for daily-wear pieces that see regular friction and impact, not because it can't be made.

Q2: Why isn't 24k gold jewelry more common?

Softness, primarily. At 99.9% pure with no hardening alloy, 24k gold is the softest common gold purity, prone to scratching, denting, and bending under everyday wear. It's also harder to work into intricate or structurally demanding designs, since the metal doesn't hold fine detail as well as harder alloys. Cost compounds this: 24k is the most expensive gold by weight, so a piece that's also the least durable represents a harder value proposition for daily-wear jewellery specifically.

Q3: Is 14k or 18k gold more durable?

14k is more durable than 18k, not the other way around, which surprises a lot of buyers. 14k contains more alloy metal (41.7% versus 18k's 25%), and that additional alloy content is what makes an alloy harder and more scratch-resistant. 18k is softer than 14k but harder than 24k, sitting in the middle. The trade-off is that 18k has a richer colour and higher gold content than 14k. Durability and purity move in opposite directions as karat increases, which is the opposite of what most people assume.

Q4: What kind of jewelry is actually made in 24k gold?

Wedding bands in cultures where 24k or near-24k gold is the traditional standard, coin-style or bar-style pendants that showcase the gold itself as the design, minimalist rings and simple bangles with minimal structural demand, and ceremonial or gifted pieces where purity carries more significance than daily-wear practicality. 24k is also common in gold bars and coins bought explicitly as investment pieces rather than jewellery, though these aren't designed to be worn.

Q5: Can 24k gold jewelry be custom made?

Yes, a jeweller experienced with pure gold can create custom 24k pieces, though the design options are naturally more limited than with a harder alloy, and the jeweller needs specific experience working with pure gold's different handling properties. Simpler, lower-stress designs (bands, coin settings, minimal bangles) are the most realistic custom 24k options; intricate settings, fine prong work, or anything meant for constant daily wear are better suited to 18k or 14k.

Q6: What's a good alternative to 24k gold for everyday jewelry?

18k gold offers a strong balance of rich colour and genuine daily-wear durability, and is the standard for fine jewellery in New Zealand, the UK, Europe, and Australia. 14k gold is the most scratch-resistant common option, well suited to pieces that see frequent contact, such as chains and bracelets. 22k sits between 24k and 18k, offering higher gold content than 18k with somewhat better durability than 24k, popular for investment-oriented and culturally significant pieces.

Q7: Does 24k gold jewelry hold its value well?

Yes, in terms of gold content specifically, since 24k's near-total purity means its value tracks the spot gold price directly without a discount for alloy content. This makes it appealing for buyers treating a piece partly as a store of value. It's worth remembering that gold prices move in both directions, so this isn't a guaranteed-appreciating asset; it's general information rather than investment advice. Use a live gold calculator to check current value against the gold price.

Q8: Should I buy 24k gold jewelry?

It depends on how you'll use it. For an occasional-wear statement piece, a ceremonial or culturally significant item, or something bought primarily as a store of value, 24k's purity and colour are a genuine advantage. For anything intended as a daily-wear piece, particularly rings, bracelets, or chains that see constant friction and impact, 18k or 14k gold offers a far more practical balance of beauty and durability without the ongoing risk of denting or losing shape.

 

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