Learn about Gold Karats : 9K, 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K
Table of Contents
A karat (K) is a unit of measurement that is dependent on the proportion of gold to alloy metals added. Each karat is a fraction of a gram of pure gold. The following is an explanation of karats that includes the percentages.
In the jewelry industry, diamond quality is measured in carats, the term carat originated from the carob seed, which has a similar weight to a grain of wheat. But gold karat is a different measurement. Gold karats measure the purity of the metal and how many parts of it are pure gold. The gold used in most jewelry is 18 karats or 24 karats, but some companies offer higher purity. Jewelry with 14 and 22 karats must also be marked to indicate the purity of the metal.
Gold karat is a measure of how pure gold is. Often times, the color of the jewelry will determine the karat. For example, yellow gold is 14k while white gold is 18k. Gold karat can be confusing because there are 24 carats to an ounce. An 18k bracelet would have 6 grams of pure gold in it while a 14k bracelet only has 3 grams of pure gold in it.
One of the first things that a person will learn about jewelry is the karat. However, what does a karat mean? A karat is a measure of purity for gold objects. In order to make gold jewelry, pure gold is mixed with an alloy metal such as silver or copper in order to make it more durable.
Gold Purity Table
| 8K | 33.3% | .333 Fine | This is the lowest karat at which “gold” may be referred to in Mexico. This is practically seldom seen in the United States unless it is imported. |
| 9K | 37.5% | .375 Fine | This is a highly popular karat of gold in Ireland, and it is also the lowest karat at which “gold” may be termed in Canada. Likewise with this one. |
| 10K | 41.7% | .417 Fine | In the United States, this is the lowest karat that may be termed “gold.” |
| 12K | 50% | .500 Fine | The 12 karat standard was discontinued in 1932 when the 14K standard became legal, but some Black Hills gold is still produced in 12K. |
| 14K | 58.3% | .583 Fine | In the United States, 14 carat gold is the most often purchased. |
| 15K | 62.5% | .625 | When the 14K standard was approved in 1932, the 15K standard was repealed. |
| 18K | 75% | .750 Fine | 18 karat gold is the most often purchased gold in Italy and other European nations. |
| 19.2k | 80% | .800 Fine | This is a very popular karatage in Portugal. |
| 20k | 83.3% | .833 Fine | This is an extremely high karat gold bar that is distinguished by its brilliant yellow hue. |
| 22K | 91.6% | .916 Fine | This is another extremely high karat gold that is popular in Asia and is extremely soft due to the low content of strengthening alloys. |
| 23.76K | 99.9% | .999 Fine | This is 99.9% pure gold and is a popular karatage in Hong Kong, China, and across Asia. |
| 24K | 99.99 | 1000 Fine | This is pure gold, without any alloys. In Turkey, India, and Asia, pure 24K gold jewelry is created, but it is very soft, slightly brassy in color, and more costly. |
What is the best Purity?
The Best = 24K Gold
24 Parts Gold — 100% Gold This is the highest karat and purist form of gold jewelry.
Which is better 18K or 22K gold?
22K gold, which has a purity of 92 percent, is more resistant to corrosion than 24K gold, but less so than 18K gold. In this respect, 22K gold is a good compromise between 18K and 24K, although the 22K gold jewelry market is more varied than the 24K gold market.
Which is better 14k or 18K gold?
It is less expensive to buy 14k gold than 18k gold because 14k gold includes a lower proportion of pure gold. 14k gold also has a larger amount of alloyed metals, which means it will last longer and be more resistant to wear and tear. For people who lead more active lives, 14k gold is a wonderful option.
Is 10K or 14K gold better?
10K gold is significantly more durable than 14K gold, despite the fact that it is less expensive. In part due to the fact that it is created from a lower proportion of pure gold and a greater number of more durable alloy metals, this sort of gold is more resistant to scratches and other types of common damage than pure gold.
How can I tell if my 22K gold is real?
It is also possible to test your gold by scrapping it over a ceramic plate, which is a simple and rapid method. Simply draw your gold over an unglazed ceramic plate while applying a little amount of pressure to it. Following this procedure, examine the ceramic for a gold mark; if you can detect a mark, the gold is genuine. If, on the other hand, the mark is black, it is a fake.
What does 12k Gold mean?
The term “12k” relates to the purity of the gold, and it indicates that your item is 12 karats pure out of a possible maximum of 24 karats. It’s made up of 50 percent gold and 50 percent alloy, according to the manufacturer.
The value of 12k gold is the same as the value of 500 gold. When compared to higher purity gold alternatives, this form of gold is both more durable and more inexpensive. This is due to the fact that it comprises 50 percent alloy.
How can you tell 22K gold from 24K?
The most important distinction between 22 and 24 karat gold: A 24K gold ring is defined as having a 99.9% purity level, whereas a 22K ring is made of around 91 percent pure gold. The remaining 9 percent of the ring is made up of other metals like copper, silver, or zinc.
Does 14K gold turn green?
In contrast to pure gold, your 14K gold jewelry will most likely discolor green over a period of time. In addition to 14 parts pure gold, it comprises 10 parts alloy, which may include silver, palladium, bronze, copper, zinc, and nickel, among other metals. When these metals come into contact with air, they oxidize and produce skin pigmentation.
