When you jewellery gold jewellery appraised or sold, three factors play an important role: the weight, the current gold price, and, above all, thepurity of the gold. We often refer to this as "karat." But what exactly does that mean? And what is the difference between 9K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K?
Below,Robert Den Expertexplains it clearly, so you know exactly what type of gold you have and how it affects its value.
What does "carat" mean in relation to gold?
What does "carat" mean in relation to gold?Carat (K) indicates how much pure gold is present in a jewel.
The higher the carat, the more pure gold.
The lower the carat, the more metals have been added (copper, silver, palladium).
This is necessary becausepure gold is soft. In jewellery , it jewellery almost always mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more wear-resistant.
The five most common gold purities
9K gold (375)
9 carat contains37.5% pure gold. Commonly known as 'English gold', it is prohibited in the EU to sell it as 'gold' because it contains proportionally more other metals than gold. It is sturdy, affordable, and ideal for everyday use.
Important:The value is lower because the gold percentage is limited.
14K gold (585)
With58.5% pure gold,14K is a popular mid-range alloy.
It has a beautiful color and a good balance between durability and price.
14k is generally the standard in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria, as well as the United States.
18K gold (750)
18 karat contains75% pure goldand has a warm, rich color.
It is the most commonly used gold in luxury jewellery wedding rings.
When appraised:18K jewellery a good residual value.
22K gold (916)
22 karat consists of91.6% pure gold.
You can recognize it by its intense yellow-gold color, typical of Indian and Arabic jewellery.
Please note:22K is softer and therefore less suitable for fine settings.
24K gold (999.9)
This isalmost 100% pure gold.
Although it has the highest value, it is less suitable for everyday jewellery its softness.
You will find 24K mainly in:
- gold bars
- investment gold
- some Asian jewelry
Why is gold purity important in valuation?
Becausepurity = value.
When you have your gold appraised, the expert will look at:
- thecarat value,
- theweight,
- themarket price of gold at that time,
- and in some cases theaesthetic valueof the jewelry.
At Robert Den Expert, each piece is carefully analyzed using professional equipment. This way, you know exactly how many carats your gold has, what it is worth, and how the price is calculated.
How do you know how many carats your jewelry has?
You can often tell by looking at small stamps:
- 375 → 9K
- 585 → 14K
- 750 → 18K
- 916 → 22K
- 999.9 → 24K
Are the stamps difficult to read or are you unsure?
Then we will determine the carat weightfree of charge and discreetlyduring an appraisal.
Conclusion: You only really know the carat weight after a proper appraisal.
Whether you want to know how much your jewellery is jewellery or are considering selling it, carats play a huge role in determining the right price.
AtRobert Den Expert, you get:
- aclear explanationof the purity,
- and afree, fair, and immediate valuation.