Golden fineness: why 18k in the West and 24k in Asia?

[Laly]

EDIT title: I think I should have written "gold fineness".

Why are 18 karat golden jewels more prevalent in the West and 24 karat golden jewels more prevalent in Asia (India, China for example)?
In the West, it is almost impossible to find jewels with 22 karat or 24 karat.



Is is cultural or because of economical reasons? Or both?

24k jewellery is more fragile and looks more bling bling, I think.

[Alenka]

24k gold jewelry is a much better investment and it looks better. 24k gold being too soft is a myth and it's only because it's less profitable for most jewelers to sell pure 24k gold pieces.

[Laly]

24k gold jewelry is a much better investment and it looks better. 24k gold being too soft is a myth and it's only because it's less profitable for most jewelers to sell pure 24k gold pieces.

Why would it be more profitable for Asian jewellers than for Western ones, to make 24k jewellery?

Even the most luxurious jewellers in Europe don’t make 24k jewellery.

[frankhammer]

Jewellery is still bought and sold based upon the actual weight of pure 24k gold contained within.

[Faklon]

24k gold jewelry is a much better investment and it looks better. 24k gold being too soft is a myth and it's only because it's less profitable for most jewelers to sell pure 24k gold pieces.

No, it's not. It bends like copper which is the reason it is used in many electronic appliances.

[Abdelnour]

I was always told for Jewelery, 18 karat was the sweet spot for gold chain.

Not sure where to find 24 karat gold these days other than online. I know my local shops do not carry them, mostly are 10 or 14 karat.