You are browsing our shop and you see different names: "18 carat gold", "24k shot", "9k charm"... Do you feel a little lost?
That's normal. Not all gold is created equal, but all has a specific use.
At the house of At La Fille du Sud , we believe in complete transparency. We won't sell you 9-karat gold for a wedding band, nor 24-karat gold for a delicate ring. Why? Because each alloy has different physical properties.
To help you choose, here is a summary of our workshop:
⚡ In Brief: Which Gold for Which Use?
Carats Pure Gold Content Our Usage For what ? 24k (999) 99.9% (Pure) Shot For investment (pure material) or smelting. 18k (750) 75% (Luxury) Main Jewelry The perfect balance: unalterable and solid. 14k (585) 58.5% Technical Parts For rigidity (e.g., complex nodes). 9k (375) 37.5% Small Accessories Treat yourself at affordable prices (trinkets).
1. 24 Carat Gold (999‰): The Raw Material
This is gold in its native state. It is an intense, sunny yellow, almost orange.
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Its properties: It is stainless steel but Very soft . It deforms easily by hand.
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At La Fille du Sud: We offer it in the form of Shot (small beads of pure gold).
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For whom? For the investors who want to buy pure physical gold, or for the designers/jewelers who wish to manufacture their own alloy. This is not gold made to be worn as is in fine Western jewelry.
2. 18-Carat Gold (750‰): Jewelry Excellence
It's the star of our boutique. It's the traditional blend of French luxury.
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Its properties: Composed of 75% pure gold and 25% precious alloys, it is unalterable (does not oxidize) and hard enough to secure diamonds.
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At La Fille du Sud: This is our standard for 95% of jewelry (Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings).
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For whom? For the Life's precious jewels . The ones you wear every day, in the shower, and that you'll pass on to your children. It's a secure investment.
💎 Discover our 18-karat gold collections >
3. 14-Carat Gold (585‰): The Technical Choice
Often used in the USA, this gold is harder than 18k because it contains more copper.
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Its properties: He is very rigid and resistant to deformation.
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At La Fille du Sud: We use it sparingly for specific parts, such as our Caribbean knot earrings . These pieces of jewelry require a mechanical rigidity that only 14k gold can provide to prevent them from bending.
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For whom? For those looking for a piece of jewelry with a complex design that won't budge.
4. 9-Carat Gold (375‰): Accessible Pleasure
This is "fashionable" gold. It contains 37.5% pure gold.
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Its properties: It is solid and visually close to 18k gold when new, but it is much more affordable.
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At La Fille du Sud: We selected it for our small trinkets and charms .
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For whom? For an impulse buy. It's ideal for accessorizing a bracelet or changing your pendant to match your outfit without spending a fortune.
The Honest Council: 9k gold can oxidize slightly over time (unlike 18k). It requires a little more maintenance, but it offers excellent value for money.
(Read our full report: Gold 375 vs 750: The match >
Conclusion: The right gold in the right place
There is no such thing as "bad" gold, there are only different uses.
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Do you want to store value? 24k shot.
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Do you want a ring for life? 18k gold.
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Do you want technical earrings? 14k gold.
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Do you want a fun little trinket? 9k gold.
At the house of At La Fille du Sud , we offer you this freedom of choice, always with the guarantee of controlled origin and total transparency on the alloys.
Ready to find your gem?
💎 Explore the entire store and choose your carat >
Quick FAQ
Can I melt down my 24k steel shot to make a piece of jewelry?
Yes, that's what it's for! You'll need to add silver and copper (the "master alloy") to transform it into solid 18k gold and work it.
Is 14k gold visible to the naked eye compared to 18k gold?
It's very subtle. 14k gold is a tiny bit less yellow (paler) than 18k, but when worn on the ear, the difference is imperceptible.
Why not make all your jewelry in 9k gold to save money?
Because we are a jewelry workshop, not a fast-fashion chain. We prioritize the durability of 18k gold for our main pieces. 9k gold remains an "accessory" option.