what is 18k gold
22 Sep 2025

What is 18K Gold? Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

When it comes to fine jewellery, gold has always been a timeless symbol of elegance, wealth, and sophistication. Among the various types of gold available, 18K gold strikes the perfect balance between purity and durability. But what exactly is 18K gold, and why is it so popular in modern jewellery design?

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know and introduce you to KYMEE’s stunning 18K gold vermeil jewellery for women, crafted to offer luxury at an accessible price.

Understanding the Basics of 18K Gold

What Does “18K” Mean in Gold?

The “K” in 18K stands for karat, which measures the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24K, meaning it’s made of 100% gold. 18K gold contains 75% pure gold mixed with 25% alloys (such as copper, silver, or nickel) to add strength.

Difference Between Karats and Carats

Many confuse karats (K) with carats (ct). Karats refer to gold purity, while carats measure gemstone weight. For example, an 18K gold ring with a 1-carat diamond means the gold is 75% pure, and the diamond weighs 1 carat.

18K Gold Composition and Purity

18K gold’s composition makes it ideal for jewellery; it’s durable yet still luxurious. The added alloys give it better strength, while the high gold content keeps its rich, yellow colour intact.

Types of Gold by Karat Value

24K Gold – The Purest Form

24K is 100% gold. While beautiful, it’s soft and easily scratched, making it less practical for everyday jewellery.

22K Gold – Traditional jewellery Standard

22K gold contains 91.6% gold. Common in wedding jewellery, especially in Asia, but it’s still softer than 18K.

18K Gold – The Perfect Balance

With 75% gold and 25% alloy, 18K gold offers the ideal mix of luxury and practicality, making it a favourite for engagement rings, necklaces, and high-end jewellery.

14K and 10K Gold – Affordable Alternatives

These options have lower purity (58% and 41% gold, respectively), making them more affordable but less radiant than 18K.

Why choose 18K Gold for jewellery?

Durability and Scratch Resistance

18K gold is strong enough to last a lifetime while still retaining its elegance.

Hypoallergenic Properties

Its high gold content makes it less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Aesthetic Appeal and Rich Colour

18K gold has a warm, vibrant tone that enhances gemstones and elevates any outfit.

18K Gold vs. 18K Gold Vermeil

Feature 18K Gold 18K Gold Vermeil
Composition 75% pure gold, 25% other metals (e.g., copper, silver) Base metal (usually sterling silver) coated with 18K gold
Gold Content 75% gold 18K gold coating (typically 2.5-5 microns thick)
Durability Extremely durable and resistant to tarnishing Less durable than solid gold, can wear off over time
Appearance Solid gold throughout, maintains colour and shine for years Gold coating can fade or wear off, especially with frequent use
Hypoallergenic Generally hypoallergenic, but depends on the alloy used Can be hypoallergenic if made with sterling silver, but may irritate sensitive skin as the coating wears off
Weight Heavier, as it's made entirely of gold Lighter, since it’s mostly sterling silver with a thin gold layer
Price Expensive due to high gold content More affordable due to the base metal core
Longevity Lasts a lifetime with proper care Will last several years, but the gold layer can wear off with time
Maintenance Minimal care needed, though polishing may be required Requires more care to avoid abrasion and scratching of the gold layer
Common Uses High-end jewellery like rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings Affordable luxury jewellery like fashion jewellery and some fine jewellery
Layer Thickness Entire item is gold Gold layer is typically 2.5–5 microns thick
Resale Value High resale value due to the gold content Lower resale value because it's not solid gold
Eco-Friendliness High, if sourced responsibly Can be more eco-friendly depending on the silver content, but gold coating can eventually wear off and lead to waste
colour Rich yellow or white gold, depending on alloy Same rich gold colour as solid gold, but fades over time
Investment Value Considered an investment over time Not considered an investment due to gold coating fading

KYMEE’s 18K Gold Vermeil jewellery for Women

KYMEE specialises in high-quality 18K gold vermeil jewellery for women, crafted with love, precision, and a focus on timeless design. Unlike cheaply plated pieces, KYMEE ensures each piece has a thick 18K gold vermeil for lasting brilliance.

Popular KYMEE Designs Loved by Women

From minimalist necklaces and stackable rings to stud earrings, KYMEE offers versatile designs that complement both casual and elegant looks.

Benefits of Choosing KYMEE’s 18K Gold Vermeil Collection

  • Affordable luxury without compromising on quality
  • Hypoallergenic and skin-safe materials
  • Long-lasting shine with proper care
  • Stylish designs that suit modern women

Caring for Your 18K Gold and Vermeil jewellery

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

  • Use a soft cloth to gently wipe jewellery after wearing.
  • Keep away from potent chemical irritants like scented products and abrasive cleaners.
  • Wash occasionally with mild soap and warm water.

How to Store 18K Gold jewellery Safely

Store in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box to prevent scratches and tarnishing.

Conclusion

18K gold is the ideal balance between purity and durability, making it a beloved choice for fine jewellery. But if you want the luxury look of 18K gold without the hefty price tag, KYMEE’s 18K gold vermeil jewellery for women is the ultimate choice. With elegant designs, long-lasting shine, and skin-friendly materials, KYMEE ensures that every woman can enjoy the beauty of gold every day.

Upgrade your jewellery collection today with KYMEE’s 18K gold vermeil jewellery and embrace timeless elegance.

FAQs

1. Is 18K gold real gold?
Yes, 18K gold contains 75% pure gold mixed with alloys for durability.

2. Is 18K gold better than 14K?
Yes, 18K has a richer colour and higher purity, though 14K is more affordable and scratch-resistant.

3. Does 18K gold tarnish?
18K gold is highly resistant to tarnish, though improper storage may affect its shine.

4. What is 18K gold vermeil?
It’s sterling silver coated with a thick layer of 18K gold, an affordable alternative to solid gold.

5. Is 18K gold vermeil good for sensitive skin?
Yes, KYMEE’s jewellery is hypoallergenic and safe for daily wear.

6. Can you shower with 18K gold vermeil?
It’s best to remove vermeil jewellery before showering to maintain its shine and longevity.