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WHY GOLD

GOLD PURITY
AND COLOUR
GUIDE: WHAT IS
THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN 24K,
22K AND 18K
GOLD
The Different Karats of Gold
Karat is the term used to measure the gold content or
purity. Before we understand the difference between
24k, 22k and 18k gold, you must know what karat
stands for. Karat is basically a unit used to measure the
purity of gold. The higher the karatage, the purer the
gold. Heres a simple guide to understanding the
difference between 24k, 22k and 18k gold.
24K gold
24k gold is also called pure gold or 100 per cent gold.
This means that all 24 parts in the gold are all pure gold
without traces of any other metals. It is known to be
99.9 per cent pure and takes on a distinct bright yellow
color. There is no higher form of gold than 24K and

WHEN TO BUY

you must be aware of this before you go to a dealer

who might tell you that theyre selling you 25K or 26K
gold. Since this is the purest form of gold, it is naturally
more expensive than 22K or 18K gold. However, this
type of gold is lesser in density as compared to gold of a
lower karatage which makes it soft and pliable. Hence, it
is not suited for regular forms of jewellery. Coins and
bars are mostly bought of 24K gold purity. 24K gold is
also used in electronics and medical devices such as
those used for children suffering from ear infections
who are fitted with gold tympanostomy tubes that are
known to improve aeration of the middle ear.
22K gold
22K gold jewellery implies that
22 parts of the jewellery
amounts to gold and the balance 2 parts are some other
metals. This kind of gold is commonly used in jewellery
making. In 22K gold, of the 100 per cent, only 91.67 per
cent is pure gold. The other 8.33 per cent comprises
metals like silver, zinc, nickel and other alloys. It is this
addition of metals that make the texture of gold harder
thereby making the jewellery durable. However, you
must know that although this can be used to make plain
gold jewellery, 22K gold isnt preferable for diamonds
and heavily studded jewellery.
18K gold
18K gold is 75 per cent gold mixed with 25 per cent of
other metals like copper or silver etc. Usually studded
jewellery and other diamond jewellery is made in 18K
gold. This kind of gold is less expensive compared to
24K and 22K. This one has a slightly dull gold colour.
Recognizing 18K jewellery is rather simple you will
see the item stamped with 18K, 18Kt, 18k or a variation
similar to these. At times, 18K gold is marked by 750,
0.75 or a stamp similar to these in order to symbolise
that the jewellery contains 75 per cent gold.
How is fineness calculated?
In the West the karat is expressed in fineness. For e.g.
24 k gold is expressed as 1000 parts out of 1000 pure
or fineness 1.000. 22 k is expressed as 22 divided by 24,
multiplied by 1000 which will give you a fineness of
0.9166, 21 karat is 21 divided by 24 multiplied by 1000
which is 0.875 fineness and similarly 18 karat is 0.750
fineness.

fineness.
The Different Colours of Gold
24 karat gold has the natural warm colour of pure gold
and its colour cannot be changed without changing the
purity to less than 24 k. Other colours of gold can be
made by changing the composition of the alloy in the
making of the jewellery. Pink gold for example is made
by adding more copper in the alloy composition of the
gold. Likewise Green gold is more of zinc and silver and
white gold is more of nickel. A surface colour can also
be given to gold articles by electro-plating. However
this can only be a surface finish and will be worn off
over a period of time.
24 karat gold contains 24 parts pure gold. 22 karat gold
contains 22 parts gold and 2 parts of other metals
added as alloy. 21 karat gold contains 21 parts gold with
three parts of other metals added. 18 karat gold
contains 18 parts pure gold with 6 parts of other metals
added. In the West the karat is expressed in fineness.
For eg. 24 k gold is expressed as 1000 parts out of 1000
pure or fineness 1.000. 22 k is expressed as 22 divided
by 24 , multiplied by 1000 which will give you a fineness
of .9166, 21 karat is 21 divided by 24 multiplied by 1000
which is .875 fineness and similarly 18 karat is .750
fineness.
Buyer's Tip
24 karat = 100% gold or Pure gold
22 karat = 91.7 % gold
18 karat = 75.0 % gold
14 karat = 58.3 % gold
12 karat = 50.0 % gold
10 karat = 41.7 % gold

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