24K, 22K, 18K and 96.5% gold: understanding purity
Read karat and fineness marks without confusing gold purity with colour, weight or a guaranteed pawn amount.
Money OK archive photograph, not a current stock listing.
Karat describes the proportion of gold in an alloy. Lower-karat gold is not automatically fake gold. The appropriate choice depends on the item and how you will use it.
Read the proportions
| Mark | Gold content |
|---|---|
| 24K | Pure gold in the 24-part system; check the actual stated fineness |
| 965 | 96.5%, not the same as 24K |
| 22K | About 91.67% |
| 18K / 750 | 75% |
| 14K | About 58.33% mathematically; a 585 mark states 58.5% |
| 9K / 375 | 37.5% |
The basic formula is K ÷ 24 × 100. A hallmark is information to verify, not a substitute for testing.
Why jewellery uses alloys
High-purity gold is relatively soft. Other metals can change strength, colour and working properties, which is why 18K and 14K are found in many gem-set designs. Purity alone does not establish suitability.
Colour does not prove purity
18K can be yellow, white or rose-coloured. Alloy composition, coatings and lighting affect appearance. A white piece could instead be platinum, silver or plated metal.
Before comparing a price
Ask for metal purity, assessed metal weight, stones, condition and the final price. Total item weight may include non-gold components. Market quotations are not pawn offers. White gold and platinum · Gold plating.
Sources
Questions about your visit
Have a question? Talk to your branch
Ask branch staff about materials or our services. Identifying and confirming the details of an item requires a physical inspection.
Related reading
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