10K vs 14K vs 18K Gold: Which Is Worth the Most When You Sell?

If you’ve never sold gold before, it’s easy to assume that the higher the karat, the higher the payout — and while that’s generally true, it’s not the whole story. Understanding the difference between 10K, 14K, and 18K gold can help you set realistic expectations, avoid getting lowballed, and make better decisions when selling your jewelry.

This guide breaks down what each karat actually means, how buyers determine value, and when certain pieces may be worth more than melt price alone.

What Karat Really Means (and Why It Affects Value)

Gold karat is simply a measure of purity — how much real gold is in the piece compared to alloy metals like copper, silver, or zinc.

• 10K gold = 41.7% pure gold

• 14K gold = 58.5% pure gold

• 18K gold = 75% pure gold

Because of this, the higher the karat, the more gold the item contains, and therefore the higher its melt value. But weight matters just as much — a heavy 10K chain may be worth more than a thin 18K ring.

How Buyers Actually Value Gold Jewelry

Here’s the truth:When you sell gold jewelry, buyers are usually paying only for the gold inside — unless the piece is a recognized designer brand (like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, etc.) or a highly desirable style, in which case it may command a premium above melt value.

Outside of those exceptions, resale value is driven by:

1. Gold Purity

Higher purity = higher melt value.

2. Weight

Gold is priced by weight (grams or pennyweights), so two rings of different heaviness will have different payouts even if they’re the same karat.

3. Current Market Price of Gold

Gold prices fluctuate daily. When gold is trading at historically high levels — as it has been recently — sellers tend to see stronger payouts.

4. Brand & Design Premiums (When Applicable)

Pieces from luxury houses can hold value far beyond melt price because buyers may resell them as jewelry, not scrap.

5. Condition (Only in Some Cases)

For generic gold pieces, condition doesn’t matter much.For designer or resale-worthy items, condition can increase the offer.

Which Karat Is Worth the Most?

18K Gold

Highest purity of the three, contains the most gold, and yields the highest melt value per gram. However, many 18K pieces are lightweight or delicate, so total payout varies.

14K Gold

The most common karat in the U.S. — balanced durability and gold content. Because it’s widely used in engagement rings and chains, people often have more 14K than anything else, making it the most frequently sold.

10K Gold

Lowest purity and generally lowest value per gram, but often found in heavier pieces (men’s rings, older chains), which can still add up quickly.

Does Designer Jewelry Pay More Than Melt Value?

Sometimes, yes — but only when the market wants the piece.

Buyers may offer above melt value if the item is:

• Cartier Love bracelets

• Tiffany & Co. engagement rings or classic collections

• David Yurman cable pieces

• Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra

• Rolex bezels or gold components

In these cases, the purchase is not for melt value but resale value, and your payout can be significantly higher than gold weight alone.

How to Get the Best Offer for Your Gold

Regardless of karat, you’ll get the strongest payout when you:

Know the karat marks

Look for stamps such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 417, 585, 750.

Avoid mail-in services

These typically pay far below market value.

Choose a buyer who tests in front of you

Transparency matters — reputable buyers use XRF analyzers or acid tests right on the spot.

Bring everything — even broken pieces

If it’s real gold, it has melt value.

Final Thoughts

10K, 14K, and 18K gold can all bring strong payouts when you understand what determines value. While karat matters, weight, market price, and brand recognition play huge roles in the final offer. And with gold prices remaining strong, now is an excellent time to get an evaluation — especially for pieces you no longer wear.

If you want a clear, honest assessment of what your gold is worth, American Gold & Diamond Buyers provides fast, transparent evaluations with no pressure to sell.

Ready to find out what your gold is worth?

Walk in anytime or contact us to schedule a free evaluation.