The Basics of Gold: Understanding the Karat System and Purity Levels
- Parth Rastogi
- Apr 24, 2023
- 2 min read
Gold is a precious metal that has been coveted for centuries, and it has been used to make jewelry for just as long. But not all gold is created equal, and there are important things to know when buying gold jewelry. One of the most important factors is the karat system.
Karat (not to be confused with "carat," which is used to measure the weight of diamonds and other gemstones) is a measure of the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 karats, but it is too soft to use for jewelry, so it is usually alloyed with other metals to increase its strength and durability. The amount of pure gold in a piece of jewelry is expressed as a fraction of 24, so 18 karat gold is 18/24 or 75% pure gold.
There are four main levels of gold purity:
24 karat gold: This is pure gold and is too soft for most jewelry. It is usually used for investment purposes, such as gold coins or bars.
22 karat gold: This is 91.7% pure gold and is a popular choice in India and other parts of the world. It is known for its rich yellow color and is often used in traditional jewelry designs.
18 karat gold: This is 75% pure gold and is a popular choice for jewelry. It is strong enough to hold up well to everyday wear and tear, but still has a high gold content.
14 karat gold: This is 58.3% pure gold and is another popular choice for jewelry. It is slightly less expensive than 18 karat gold but still has a good balance of durability and gold content.
It's important to note that the karat system only measures the purity of the gold, not its color or hardness. Gold can be alloyed with a variety of other metals to change its color, such as copper for rose gold or nickel for white gold. These alloys can also affect the hardness and durability of the gold.
When buying gold jewelry, it's important to know what you're getting. Understanding the karat system and the different levels of gold purity can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you're getting the quality of gold that you're paying for.
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