High carat gold jewellery - 18ct (750) and 22ct (916) explained
Gold has long been seen as a ‘safe’ place to park value. But if you collect antique and vintage jewellery, you’re already holding something even better - wearable value.
A piece’s value is never just one thing. It’s a mix of gold purity, rarity, craftsmanship, condition, provenance, and any gemstones. Still, gold purity (carat) is a big part of the picture - and it also changes how a piece looks and wears.
If you’re curious about high carat gold jewellery, this post focuses on two favourites you’ll see in antique and vintage pieces: 18ct (750) and 22ct (916).
What does ‘high carat gold’ mean?
The term ‘high carat’ is relative. It depends on where you are in the world and what you’re used to seeing in shops.
Goldbrick Jewels is Melbourne-based. In Australia, the most common gold you’ll see in mass produced jewellery is 9ct and 18ct. In the US, mass produced gold jewellery is often 10ct and 14ct - therefore 18ct is frequently considered ‘high carat’.
When we say ‘high carat’, we generally mean gold that’s 18ct and above. In purity terms:
- 18ct gold = 75.0% pure gold
- 22ct gold = 91.6% pure gold
- 24ct gold = 99.9% pure gold (typically not used for everyday jewellery)
Related reading: Our guide to the antique gold carats you don’t see every day - 15ct and 12ct gold
18ct (750) vs 22ct (916) - what’s the difference?
Both are beautiful, both can absolutely be found in antique and vintage jewellery, and both have that unmistakable buttery gold glow. The difference is in the balance of purity, colour, and how the metal wears over time.
18ct gold - the everyday luxury sweet spot
18ct is widely used in fine jewellery because it’s a lovely middle ground:
- Rich colour (especially compared to 9ct, 10ct or 14ct)
- Excellent wearability for rings
- A classic choice for antique diamond settings
If you’re buying a ring you want to wear often, 18ct is a safe bet.
22ct gold - the rich luxurious glow
22ct has a depth and warmth that’s hard to replicate. It often looks:
- More saturated in yellow tones
- Softer and more ‘buttery’ in tone
- Especially beautiful once it’s developed a gentle antique patina
Because 22ct contains a higher percentage of pure gold, it’s also softer than 18ct - which leads to the most common question we get.
‘Is 22ct gold too soft?’
In general, the higher the carat, the more pure gold in the piece - and pure gold is softer than many alloy metals. So yes, 22ct is softer than 18ct.
But ‘softer’ does not mean ‘fragile’.
What it usually means in real life:
- It can show fine surface wear more quickly (tiny scratches, soft rounding over time)
- It suits sturdy designs especially well (bands, signets, gypsy rings, low profiles)
- It rewards a little mindfulness if you’re wearing it daily
We’ve seen many 22ct pieces that are over 100 years old in excellent condition. That doesn’t mean a 22ct ring is the right choice for every lifestyle - but it’s proof that well-made high carat gold jewellery can absolutely stand the test of time.
If you’re choosing a ring for daily wear, it helps to consider:
- The profile (low vs high setting)
- The width and thickness of the band
- Whether the design has protective settings for stones
If you’re ring shopping, our engagement ring guide is a helpful companion read, especially for wearability and lifestyle considerations.
Why high carat gold looks so good
Higher carat gold contains more pure gold, and it shows.
Compared to 9ct, 10ct or 14ct, high carat pieces often have:
- A richer, warmer yellow tone
- A softer glow rather than a bright ‘new’ or mirror shine
- A beautiful burnished patina in antique pieces
Even a simple band can look extraordinary when the gold itself has depth and warmth.
Will high carat gold tarnish?
High carat gold is generally less likely to tarnish than lower carat alloys, because there’s less non-gold metal in the mix to react with air, moisture, and skin chemistry.
That said, any jewellery can dull a little from everyday life (lotions, soap, cleaning products). A gentle clean and a soft cloth usually brings back the glow.
Read: Our jewellery care blog post
Is high carat gold good for sensitive skin?
High carat gold can be an ideal option for sensitive skin because it often contains fewer reactive alloy metals.
If you’ve had issues with nickel in the past, a higher carat of gold may be a great option for you.
Can 18ct and 22ct gold be resized?
Like most rings, 18ct and 22ct gold rings are usually resizeable by an experienced jeweller.
Resizing is very common, but we’ll always flag if:
- A design has limitations (patterns, stones set around the band, very thin bands)
- It needs a specialised approach
Read our post about ring sizing myths here.
High carat gold is one of those things that’s hard to unsee once you fall for it. Whether you choose 18ct (750) for everyday wear or 22ct (916) for its rich glow, the best piece is the one that suits your lifestyle and makes you want to reach for it again and again. If you need a hand, send us a message - we’re always happy to help with sizing, wearability, and choosing something you’ll love long term.