10 Things We Love About 10k Solid Gold | GLDN

Written by GLDN Team — December 13, 2024

10k solid gold jewelry has been one of the best-kept secrets in the jewelry world, and it’s slowly becoming a popular material for rings, bracelets, necklaces and more heirloom-quality pieces. While its more expensive alternative, 14k solid gold, has been in the spotlight for quite some time, 10k gold really hasn’t until recently. Now you might see it popping up more and more at your favorite stores and brands (and you might be wondering why)!

But first, what does 10k even mean? To put it simply, “gold karatage” refers to the percentage of gold in a jewelry piece. There are four main variants of gold karatage, which you’ve most likely heard of before: 10k, 14k, 18k and 24k. Essentially, solid gold pieces are composed of a percentage of pure gold and other metals added in to improve the piece’s color and durability, because 100% pure gold is far too soft (and far too yellow) for everyday wear. The lower the karatage, the less pure gold the piece contains…but this isn’t always a bad thing!

10k solid gold contains roughly 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% other metals; you get this percentage by dividing the karatage (that would be 10, in this case) by 24 (AKA 100% pure gold).

But what does this even mean for you? And why do we love 10k solid gold so much? Let’s get into it. 👇

#1: The price of 10k solid gold

Imagine it: a piece of durable, heirloom-quality, genuine solid gold for under $150! What used to be the stuff of dreams is the new reality with the growing popularity of 10k solid gold.

Since it contains less pure gold than 14k solid gold, 10k solid gold is the most affordable solid gold you can get. Remember: the higher the karatage, the higher the price. If you calculate the price per ounce (or gram) for a 10k jewelry piece, you’ll see it’s much more affordable than purer alternatives.

That said, just because 10k solid gold is more affordable than 14k solid gold doesn’t mean it’s lesser than. In fact, it’s even more durable and scratch-resistant (which we’ll get to later)!

#2: The color of 10k solid gold

When you compare 14k solid gold and 10k solid gold side by side, you might notice that the 10k solid gold is slightly less yellow than the 14k solid gold (but only the tiniest bit) which, in our opinion, makes it even more wearable. It’s more of a buttery, champagne-toned yellow that’s universally flattering on all skin tones, warm or cool.

So, if you find 14k solid gold to be a bit too yellow and brash for your tastes, give 10k solid gold a try! The difference isn’t super noticeable from afar, but even the smallest shifts in hue can make a huge difference.

#3: The shine of 10k solid gold

One of the greatest aspects of 14k solid gold is the way light dances across its surface, and stays shiny forever with minimal upkeep. 10k solid gold is no different! Just like 14k solid gold, 10k solid gold will stay radiant 24/7—just give it a quick polish every few months and that’s pretty much it.

#4: The durability of 10k solid gold

Here’s a big one: 10k solid gold is the most durable type of solid gold out there. (Pausing to let that sink in.)

Here’s a quick science lesson to explain why. All varieties of solid gold (10k, 14k, 18k and so on) combine pure gold (otherwise known as 24k gold) with other alloys to strengthen the metal, because pure gold is way too soft to wear on its own! Since 10k is 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts other metals, this makes it the most durable type of solid gold out there, since it contains the highest percentage of other metals.

This doesn’t mean that 10k isn’t considered “real gold” or “solid gold.” Gold materials can’t legally be sold as “real gold” or “solid gold” unless they use at least 10 karats of pure gold. 10k solid gold has even been globally recognized by the Federal Trade Commission as being real, and can be sold and marketed as such!

#5: You can wear 10k solid gold 24/7

In the shower? Yep. While sleeping? That too! Unlike other more affordable varieties of gold (like gold fill or gold vermeil), 10k solid gold can be worn anywhere you’d wear 14k solid gold. Wear it to the gym, on a run, or for a quick swim—just be sure to rinse it with clean water to avoid any unsightly films.

#6: 10k solid gold doesn’t tarnish

We’ve all had one of those days—you know, when you look down at one of your favorite jewelry pieces, see tarnish at the corners and know it’s over. 💔 You’ll never know that heartbreak with 10k solid gold! Even though it’s a more affordable solid gold option, that doesn’t mean it’s any less tarnish-resistant. In fact, it’s 100% waterproof and sweat-proof, so no need to baby it, either!

#7: 10k solid gold can be passed down

If you’ve ever loved the thought of passing down a jewelry piece to your family, or keeping a piece of jewelry in your family for generations, a 10k solid gold piece is one of the easiest, most accessible ways to do just that.

Since 10k solid gold truly lasts for a lifetime (or lifetimes, we should say!) it’s a great investment piece for not only yourself, but the ones who come after you.

#8: 10k solid gold never goes out of style

We like to separate jewelry into two categories: the trendy jewelry and the trend-defying jewelry. Trendy jewelry doesn’t have style staying power—it’s more of a flash in the pan. Trend-defying jewelry, on the other hand, is something that will never go out of style. It’s timeless, not timely.

We consider 10k solid gold jewelry to be timeless. It’s inherently valuable, typically designed in a minimalistic way without too many frills, and can be worn with any look at any time.

#9: 10k solid gold is gaining in popularity

Up until recently, you barely heard a thing about 10k solid gold. It’s always been 14k this, 14k that! And nothing against 14k solid gold—we obviously love it, too—but 10k solid gold deserves its spotlight too.

Now more than ever, you can find modern jewelers crafting pieces in 10k solid gold…and more vintage pieces popping up in 10k solid gold, too! The perfect compromise between quality and cost, it’s no wonder 10k solid gold is climbing the jewelry charts.

#10: We have so many new pieces in 10k solid gold 😉

From 10k gold charms to 10k gold chains to tiny 10k gold studs that shine like summer incarnate, we have the perfect basics for an everyday jewelry collection that can grow with you.

Shop them all here:

Team GLDN ✨

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