Understanding Gold Purity: A Complete Guide to Karats

# Understanding Gold Purity: A Complete Guide to Karats

Gold purity is one of the most important factors in determining the value of your gold jewelry. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply curious about your gold items, understanding karats is essential.

## What Are Karats?

Karats (K) measure the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 karats, meaning it's 99.9% gold. However, pure gold is too soft for most jewelry, so it's often mixed with other metals to increase durability.

## Common Gold Purities

### 24K Gold (99.9% Pure)
- The purest form of gold
- Bright yellow color
- Very soft and malleable
- Rarely used in jewelry due to softness
- Most valuable per gram

### 21K Gold (87.5% Pure)
- Popular in Middle Eastern countries
- Good balance of purity and durability
- Rich yellow color
- Suitable for fine jewelry

### 18K Gold (75% Pure)
- Most popular for fine jewelry
- Excellent balance of purity and strength
- Beautiful color and luster
- Durable enough for daily wear

### 14K Gold (58.3% Pure)
- Most common in the United States
- Very durable and affordable
- Lighter color than higher karats
- Excellent for everyday jewelry

## How Purity Affects Value

The value of gold jewelry is directly proportional to its purity. Higher karat gold contains more pure gold and is therefore more valuable. When selling gold, dealers calculate the value based on:

1. **Weight** - Measured in grams or troy ounces
2. **Purity** - The karat rating
3. **Current spot price** - The market price of gold

## Calculating Gold Value

Use our Gold Calculator to determine the exact value of your gold based on its purity. Simply enter the weight and karat, and we'll calculate the current market value using real-time gold prices.

## Tips for Selling Gold

- Always verify the karat marking on your jewelry
- Get multiple quotes from different buyers
- Use our calculator to know the fair market value
- Consider the craftsmanship value for antique pieces
- Check current gold prices before selling

Understanding gold purity helps you make informed decisions whether you're buying or selling gold jewelry. Use our free calculator to get accurate valuations based on current market prices.