Au750 vs 24K Gold: What’s the Difference & Which to Choose?
- Written by Carat Island
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When shopping for gold jewelry, you’ll often come across terms like Au750 or 24K stamped on the piece. These numbers reflect the purity and composition of the gold—but what do they really mean? And how do you choose the right one for your needs?
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about Au750 gold (also known as 18K gold) vs 24K gold—from purity levels and hallmark stamps to color, durability, and investment value.
What Does Au750 Mean?
Au750 is a purity mark that indicates the jewelry is made of 75% pure gold, with the remaining 25% being alloy metals such as copper, silver, or palladium.
“Au” is the chemical symbol for gold (from the Latin word Aurum)
“750” means 750 parts per thousand are pure gold
Au750 is equivalent to 18 karat gold
This blend gives the gold better strength, more color variety, and makes it suitable for daily wear jewelry like rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
What Is 24K Gold?
24K gold is pure gold, or nearly 99.9% gold content. It is the highest level of gold purity commercially available.
Hallmark stamps include “24K”, “999”, or “Au999”
It has a rich, deep yellow color
Very soft and malleable, making it prone to scratches or bending
Because of its softness, 24K gold is rarely used for jewelry that’s worn daily. It is more common in gold bars, coins, and investment-grade products.
Au750 vs 24K Gold – Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
Au750 (18K Gold) |
24K Gold |
|---|---|---|
|
Purity |
75% gold + 25% alloy |
99.9% pure gold |
|
Hallmarks |
Au750, 750, 18K |
24K, 999, Au999 |
|
Color |
Yellow, rose, white (depends on alloy) |
Deep yellow |
|
Durability |
Strong, suitable for daily wear |
Soft, prone to dents and bends |
|
Hypoallergenic? |
Often, unless alloy contains nickel |
Yes |
|
Price |
More affordable than 24K |
Most expensive per gram |
|
Best for |
Fashion jewelry, wedding rings |
Collectibles, investment, heirlooms |
Color Variants of Au750 (18K Gold)
One advantage of 18K gold is its ability to be alloyed into various colors:
Yellow gold: classic blend with silver and copper
White gold: blended with palladium or nickel; often rhodium-plated
Rose gold: rich pink hue from higher copper content
Green gold (less common): includes silver and cadmium
This makes Au750 a versatile choice for custom jewelry and modern trends.
Which Is Better: Au750 or 24K?
It depends on your purpose:
✔ Choose Au750 if you want:
Durable, daily-wear jewelry
Stylish color options (rose, white, yellow)
A balance of luxury and practicality
✔ Choose 24K if you want:
Maximum gold purity
A long-term investment or family heirloom
Traditional pieces with cultural significance (common in Asia & the Middle East)
Hallmark Guide: How to Identify Au750 and 24K Gold
Look for stamped hallmarks on the inner side of rings or clasps on chains:
Au750 / 750 / 18K = 75% gold
Au999 / 999 / 24K = 99.9% gold
Make sure these are accompanied by reputable jeweler marks or verified certificates.
To ensure genuine purity, you can also use scientific tools like the Karatmeter (X‑Ray gold purity tester)—a fast, non‑destructive method commonly used by jewelers and assay labs.
Jewelry Care Tips
Au750 Gold:
Clean with mild soap and water
Avoid harsh chemicals (perfume, chlorine)
Polish every 6–12 months
24K Gold:
Store in separate soft pouches to avoid scratching
Rarely polish—handle with care due to softness
FAQ: Au750 & 24K Gold
Au750 means 75% gold purity, also called 18K gold.
Yes. It is real gold, mixed with alloy metals for strength and color variation.
Not better or worse—just different. Au750 is stronger for daily wear; 24K is purer but softer.
Rarely. It may dull slightly over time, especially white or rose gold, but doesn’t rust or corrode.
Yes, especially if it’s nickel-free. Look for hypoallergenic alloys or rhodium-plated options.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
If you're buying jewelry to wear and enjoy, Au750 is the gold standard—strong, stylish, and valuable. If you're buying gold for investment or traditional gifting, 24K gold is unmatched in purity.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle, taste, and purpose.
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