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Gold Karats
As a jewelry consumer, you have probably encountered the term "karats".
24 karats denotes 100% pure gold. Any karat value below 24 is the
amount of pure gold that occupies the gold jewelry alloy. For example, 18 karat
equals 18/24ths of pure gold which is 75% gold. Likewise, 14 karat
equals 14/24ths of pure gold which is 58.5% gold. The remaining mixture
of non-gold metals are not very important in determining value, but
are primarily used to increase strength and vary color in gold jewelry.
This variation in karatage value accounts for differences in prices
and colors of gold. The lower the karatage value, the wider the array
of colors and lower the price. 14k gold jewelry generally ranges from
$20-$30 per gram, while 18k gold jewelry ranges from $27-37 per gram.
In addition, properties such as hardness and durability are enhanced
as gold is alloyed, allowing for greater scratch resistance and less
vulnerability to damage.
The most popular karatage for jewelry in the US and Europe is 14k
and 18k. In the Middle East, India, and South East Asia, 22k jewelry
is very popular. In China and Hong Kong, "chuk kam" or pure gold
jewelry of at least 990 fineness is a traditional gift for special
occasions like marriage. (990 fineness means 99% gold) Fineness is
just another way of measuring gold content per thousand parts. So
18k, which is 75% gold becomes 750 parts of gold per thousand parts
in fineness. Below is a chart that shows the differences in popular
karats.
| Gold Karatage |
| Karats |
Parts Gold |
Percentage Gold |
European Fineness |
Preferences |
| 24k |
24/24 |
99.9% |
999 |
China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, "Chuk Kam" |
| 22k |
22/24 |
91.6% |
916 |
India |
| 18k |
18/24 |
75.0% |
750 |
Designer Jewelry |
| 14k |
14/24 |
58.5% |
585 |
Most popular worldwide |
| 10k |
10/24 |
41.7% |
417 |
Minimum in USA |
| 9k |
9/24 |
37.5% |
375 |
UK Standard |
| 8k |
8/24 |
33.3% |
333 |
Minimum in Germany |
In many countries, the law requires that every item of gold jewelry
be clearly stamped with its karatage. This is often controlled through
hallmarking, a system which originated in London at Goldsmiths' Hall
in the 14th century. US law requires hallmarking of all gold jewelry
and the legal minimum gold karatage is 10k. When buying gold jewelry,
always make sure that it is properly stamped with the karatage. Also,
make sure that you know the karatage and price when buying gold jewelry. Although the color may not
differ much, the actual value between 10k and 18k gold differs greatly.
Interesting Fact: How much space would all the gold ever mined occupy?
courtesy of gold.org
Eiffel Tower
All the gold ever mined would form a cube measuring only 19m on each
side. This cube would, for example, easily fit under the Eiffel Tower
in Paris.
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