What Does 10K, 14K, and 18K Gold Mean? A Simple Breakdown for Beginners
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In this guide
10K, 14K and 18K describe how much gold an alloy contains. The number helps you compare gold content, but it does not tell you whether a chain is hollow, whether a piece is plated, or how a particular design will wear.
The quick answer
10K is about 41.7% gold, 14K is about 58.3%, and 18K is 75%. Compare the stated metal, construction and measurements together when choosing a piece.
What does "K" stand for?
"K" stands for karat, a measure of gold purity on a 24-part scale. A 14K alloy contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals. Gold is alloyed with other metals to change properties such as strength and color. Karat is different from carat, the unit used for gemstone weight.
Compare gold jewelry by karat
Choose a gold content below to see the corresponding WJD collection. Each product page gives the details for that specific piece.
10K contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metals. If you are comparing options for your budget, include 10K pieces in the comparison. Check the actual price, weight and design: a lower karat does not automatically make every piece less expensive.
Avoid choosing by a blanket promise that one karat is always the strongest. The alloy, the thickness of the metal and the way a piece is made all matter.
14K gold: 14 parts gold out of 24
14K contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals. Jewelers of America describes it as the most common jewelry alloy in the United States. Its gold content sits between 10K and 18K, giving you another option to compare across different designs.
18K gold: 75% gold
18K contains 18 parts gold and six parts other metals. It offers a higher gold proportion than 10K or 14K. Gold color also depends on the alloy and finish, so compare the listed yellow, white or rose gold rather than expecting every 18K piece to have the same tone.
18K does not have to be reserved for special occasions. Whether a piece suits frequent wear depends on its design, construction and how you use and care for it.
Purity and construction are separate choices
A hollow 14K chain can still be made from a genuine 14K gold alloy; "hollow" describes its construction. "Gold-plated," "gold-filled" and "gold over silver" describe different material arrangements. Read the complete material description instead of relying on the color or one word in a product name.
Which one should you choose?
For frequent wear: compare the shape, metal thickness, fastening and care requirements as well as the karat.
For a particular color: check the listed gold color and finish.
For a budget: compare the actual pieces, including their dimensions, weight where stated, stones and construction.
For a pendant and chain: check the pendant's bail opening against the chain's largest end fitting, not just its link width.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
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Free U.S. shipping
Enjoy free shipping on U.S. orders. Available shipping services, upgrade prices and destination-specific options are shown at checkout.
Processing time and delivery time
Most standard orders ship within 2 business days of being placed. Processing time is the time we need to prepare your order before handing it to the carrier. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding U.S. public holidays.
Watches, made-to-order jewelry and customer-requested personalization, such as engraving or photo installation, typically require 3 business days of preparation before shipment.
These processing windows are estimates, not guaranteed dispatch dates. Occasionally, unexpected circumstances may require more time. If your order has not shipped after the applicable 2- or 3-business-day preparation window, contact us with your order number for an update.
Delivery time is the time your shipment spends in transit after dispatch. Expedited, two-day and next-day shipping services apply to transit time and do not shorten order processing.
When planning for a gift or a specific occasion, allow time for both preparation and delivery. Contact us before ordering if you need help with a particular deadline.
Payment
Payment is charged when you place your order, not when it ships.
Tracking your order
We email your tracking details when your order ships. You can also check your order status. If you cannot find your shipping email, check your spam folder or contact hello@wjdexclusives.com with your order number.
International shipping
Available international shipping services and rates are shown at checkout. Delivery timing depends on the destination and may be affected by customs clearance.
International orders may be subject to import duties, taxes and customs charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. Please check with your local customs office for details.
Signatures and special addresses
Some high-value shipments require a signature upon delivery. Please arrange for someone you trust to receive and sign for the package when required.
Express services do not deliver to PO boxes. For APO and FPO addresses, we ship through USPS; onward delivery timing depends on military mail services. Contact us if you need help confirming a shipping option for your address.
Order changes and cancellations
To request an address change or cancellation, contact hello@wjdexclusives.com as soon as possible with your order number. We will check whether the request can still be accommodated.
If your order has already shipped, eligible items can be returned under our Return & Exchange Policy. Permanent personalization requested by you, such as engraving or photo installation, is final sale.
Refused deliveries
If you refuse delivery, your refund will be reduced by shipping costs, including return postage and any duties or taxes paid by WJD. Please contact us before refusing a shipment so we can help with the appropriate next step.
Return your item unused within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. Watches are included, including pre-owned watches and watches customized by WJD before purchase.
Items permanently personalized or modified at your request, such as engraving or photo installation, are final sale. Gift cards are also non-returnable.
How to start a return
Contact us within 30 days of delivery. Have your order number ready and contact our Customer Care Team to arrange a return or exchange.
Get your return instructions. We will provide a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and a prepaid U.S. return label. If you need a physical label mailed to you, please ask.
Pack your item securely. Include the original packaging, tags, certificates, documentation, accessories and any promotional gifts supplied with the item. Follow the return instructions and keep your tracking information.
Return condition
Your item must be unused and in the same condition as when it was delivered, with everything originally included. You may carefully inspect it indoors, but please do not wear or alter it.
For pre-owned watches, this means no additional wear or changes after delivery. Watches must have no new scratches, clasp marks, strap wear or other signs of use. Please contact us before arranging sizing or other adjustments if you may wish to return the item.
Items returned used, altered after delivery or incomplete do not meet these return conditions. Contact us before sending back an item if you are unsure whether it qualifies.
Watches and personalization
WJD-customized watches are returnable. A watch is not final sale simply because WJD fitted a custom dial, bezel, bracelet or other components before offering it for sale. The same 30-day return window and unused-condition requirements apply.
Permanent changes requested by you are final sale. This includes engraving, photo installation and other permanent personalization or modifications made specifically at your request.
Refunds and exchanges
After we receive and inspect your eligible return, we issue a full refund with no restocking fee. Please allow 5–7 business days after receipt for return processing.
Refunds go back to the original payment method. Purchases paid with a WJD gift card are refunded as store credit. Trade-in purchases are handled through store credit or an exchange.
If you prefer an exchange, let our Customer Care Team know when arranging your return.
Return shipping
U.S. returns: We provide a prepaid return label for eligible domestic returns.
International returns: Customers are responsible for return shipping. Follow our return instructions and identify the shipment as returned goods on the customs paperwork.
Holiday return extension
Orders delivered between November 1 and December 31 may be returned through January 31. The same condition requirements and final-sale exceptions apply.
Damaged or incorrect items
If your item arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us within 10 business days of delivery and before the item is worn, sized, customized or altered.
Need help?
Contact our Customer Care Team for return instructions, exchange assistance or questions about your order. If you need a repair outside the return window, contact us for an assessment and quote.
Last updated: October 20, 2026.
We stand behind the workmanship of the jewelry and watches we sell. Our limited warranties cover qualifying defects, with coverage based on the item you purchased.
Coverage At A Glance
Watches: 1-year WJD Exclusives seller warranty.
Diamond-Set Watches: Lifetime diamond replacement coverage for qualifying setting defects, in addition to the 1-year watch warranty.
Jewelry: Lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Warranty coverage is not insurance. It protects against covered defects. It does not cover accidental damage, normal wear and tear, fire, theft, or loss of the item.
Watch Warranty
All watches purchased from WJD Exclusives include a 1-year seller warranty covering qualifying mechanical or functional defects. Coverage and warranty service are provided by WJD Exclusives. Contact us directly if your watch needs attention.
Normal aging and wear, routine maintenance, and damage caused by impact, misuse, or exposure to water are not covered. A watch stopping or running incorrectly should be assessed to determine the cause; it does not automatically mean the issue is excluded.
Lifetime Stone Coverage
Diamond-set watches include lifetime diamond replacement coverage when a diamond becomes loose or falls out because of a defect in its setting or workmanship. Jewelry stones that loosen or fall out because of a manufacturing defect are covered under the lifetime jewelry warranty.
This coverage applies to qualifying defects in the piece. It does not cover chipped or broken stones from an accident, stone loss caused by impact or worn, bent, or damaged settings, or the loss or theft of the entire item. We inspect the piece to determine the cause before confirming coverage.
Lifetime Jewelry Warranty
Jewelry purchased from WJD Exclusives is covered against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. If an issue is caused by a covered defect, we will repair or replace the item at no cost.
Examples include a structural flaw, a defective connection, or a setting that fails because of how the piece was made. A chain breaking or a clasp loosening is assessed based on its cause: a manufacturing defect is different from damage caused by pulling, snagging, or everyday wear.
What Is Not Covered
Normal wear and tear: Scratches, worn finishes or plating, and prongs, settings, clasps, or other components wearing down through use.
Accidental damage or misuse: Drops, impacts, crushing, bending, pulling, snagging, or improper handling.
External damage: Fire, excessive heat, water damage, or damage and discoloration caused by chemicals or unsuitable cleaning products.
Loss or theft: A missing or stolen watch, piece of jewelry, or component lost for reasons unrelated to a covered defect.
Damage caused by repairs or alterations: Damage resulting from work performed by another service provider. Having work performed elsewhere does not, by itself, cancel coverage for an unrelated defect.
Routine upkeep: Cleaning, polishing, resizing, and maintenance needed through ordinary use.
How To Request Warranty Service
Contact us: Email hello@wjdexclusives.com or visit our Customer Care page. Include your order number or proof of purchase, a short description of the issue, and clear photos or a video if helpful.
Receive instructions: We will explain the next steps and any shipping arrangements before you send your item. Please contact us before arranging repairs elsewhere.
Assessment and resolution: We will assess the cause and explain whether the issue is covered. If it falls outside warranty coverage, we will discuss available repair options and any cost before paid work proceeds.
If a stone feels loose or a setting looks damaged, stop wearing the piece and contact us to help prevent further damage.
Warranty And Returns
Warranty service addresses covered defects. Returns for an unused purchase are handled separately under our 30-day return policy.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary by state. Nothing in this policy limits rights that cannot be excluded under applicable law.
