What are carats
Carats appear on almost every gold jewel, but they are seldom explained in clear words. This page answers that question simply, before going into any table of numbers.
What are carats?
Carats show how much pure gold there is in a piece, compared with other metals that are mixed with it to make it more resistant to daily use. The more carats a piece has, the more pure gold it contains, and the less of other metals.
What does 24 carats mean?
That the piece is pure gold, with no mixture of other metals. It is the top of the scale. Pure gold is soft, so many jewels for daily use are made with fewer carats, so that they stand up better to the knocks and rubbing of every day.
What does 18 carats mean?
That, out of twenty-four possible parts, eighteen are pure gold, that is, three parts out of every four. The rest are other metals, added for that reason. It is one of the most common purities in jewellery, because it combines a good gold content with more resistance to wear.
What other purities exist?
These are the most common, from most to least pure gold.
- 24 carats, mark 999, pure gold
- 22 carats, mark 916
- 18 carats, mark 750
- 14 carats, mark 585
- 9 carats, mark 375
Why are there pieces of different carats?
Because each use asks for something different. A 24 carat piece is very pure but soft, and it bends easily. A 9 carat piece is more resistant but contains less gold. No purity is better in general, each one answers a different need according to the use it will have.
How do I know the carats of my piece?
Many pieces carry a mark engraved on the inside, such as 750 or 585, although it is sometimes small and hard to read. If it does not carry one, or it cannot be read well, the valuer checks the carats on the spot with a test that does not damage the piece, and tells you in writing. You can read more in what does 750 mean.
Are carats the only thing that matters?
They are the main detail, together with the weight. Between the two they decide most of the value of a gold piece, and the valuer always explains them to you before giving you any figure in writing.
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