10K vs. 14K vs. 18K Gold: What’s the Real Difference in Value?

If you own gold jewelry, you’ve probably noticed stamps like 10K, 14K, or 18K on the inside of rings or clasps and wondered what they actually mean for value. The difference between 10K vs. 14K vs. 18K gold directly affects how much your piece is worth, how it looks, and how well it holds up over time.

This guide breaks down exactly what each karat level means, how pawn shops calculate value based on purity and weight, and what to expect when you bring gold jewelry into GEM. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions and get fair offers based on real market value.

What Do 10K, 14K, and 18K Gold Really Mean?

“Karat” (K) measures gold purity out of 24 parts. The differences in 10K, 14K, and 18K gold come down to purity, durability, and price. 

Because pure 24K gold is too soft for jewelry, it’s mixed with stronger alloys. A higher karat number means more pure gold, resulting in a softer, more valuable metal.

Quick Comparison

Here’s 10K vs. 14K vs. 18K gold at a glance:

 

Looking for trusted pawn shops in New York City? GEM uses certified equipment to verify karat and weight, providing free, no-obligation evaluations, whichever type of gold you may have:

• 10K Gold — Containing the least pure gold, 10K is the hardest, most scratch-resistant option, making it ideal for active lifestyles. However, its higher alloy content may cause skin reactions for those with metal sensitivities.
• 14K Gold – The most popular choice in the U.S., 14K gold content balances rich color, durability, and affordability. As the most common karat we see at GEM, we provide strong loan offers based on current market value.
• 18K Gold – 18K gold offers the richest yellow tone and highest purity. Its softness makes it prone to scratches, so it’s best for special-occasion pieces. With fewer alloys, it is less likely to cause allergic reactions.

How Color Changes Across Karats: Yellow, White, and Rose Gold

Karat level affects each gold type’s color:

• Yellow gold – 18K is the richest and most vibrant; 10K is paler.
• White gold – All karats are rhodium-plated for brightness, which wears over time and needs reapplication.
• Rose gold – 10K appears most pink, while 18K has a warmer rose hue due to more gold.

What Your Gold Is Worth: Price Per Gram and Resale Value

How much a gram of gold is worth is determined by its weight, karat purity, and current market prices. Higher karats contain more pure gold, giving them a higher value per gram, and you can learn more about how much do pawnshops pay for gold. At GEM, we base offers on real-time market data, not guesswork.

How to Identify the Karat of Your Gold Jewelry

Look for small stamps (hallmarks) to identify your jewelry’s karat:

• 10K or 417 – 41.7% pure gold

• 14K or 585 – 58.3% pure gold

• 18K or 750 – 75% pure gold

Stamps are typically inside rings or on clasps. If a stamp is missing or worn, GEM can test your piece for free with professional equipment.

How Pawn Shops Evaluate Your 10K, 14K, or 18K Gold

Appraisers test karat levels with acid or XRF scanners, a non-destructive way to accurately determine purity without damaging the item. After weighing the item on certified scales, an offer is made based on its melt value, which is why even broken pieces retain their worth. Our GEM-trained staff at our jewelry pawn shop ensure fair, transparent evaluations and handle each piece with professional care.

Pawning vs. Selling

Pawning is using your gold as collateral for a short-term loan you can repay to reclaim your item, while selling transfers ownership permanently for cash. Most of our customers choose to pawn, which allows them to borrow against their jewelry. You can work with our experienced gold pawnbrokers at any NYC location to find the best option for you.

Why GEM Pawnbrokers Is Your Trusted Gold Expert

A family-run business since 1947, GEM serves New Yorkers from 28 convenient locations with walk-in service. We provide expert authentication, high-security storage, and no credit checks. Our reputation is built on trust, transparent offers, and a customer-first approach, as seen in our pawn jewelry collection.

Ready to find out what your gold is really worth? Visit any GEM location with your gold and a valid ID for a free evaluation. We offer pawn loans and purchases based on fair market value. Stop by for an honest offer from NYC’s trusted gold experts, whether you need quick cash or want to know your jewelry’s worth.

Sources

1. Gemological Institute of America (GIA). “Yellow Gold vs. Rose Gold: Discovering the Differences.” https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/yellow-gold-vs-rose-gold/.
2. Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Revolutionizing Gold Analysis: Why XRF Outshines Traditional Methods.” https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/metals/revolutionizing-gold-analysis-why-xrf-outshines-traditional-methods/.