International Gold Karat Scale
The international gold karat scale is a standardized system used to measure the purity of gold. It is based on a unit called the karat, which represents 1/24th of the total weight of an alloy. Pure gold is 24 karats, while lower karat values indicate the presence of other metals, such as copper, silver, or zinc.
Karat Values
The most common karat values for gold jewelry are:
* 24 karats (99.9% pure gold)
* 22 karats (91.6% pure gold)
* 18 karats (75% pure gold)
* 14 karats (58.3% pure gold)
* 10 karats (41.7% pure gold)
Uses of Different Karat Values
* 24 karats: Used for investment coins and bars
* 22 karats: High-end jewelry, such as rings and bracelets
* 18 karats: Common for bridal and engagement rings
* 14 karats: Durable and suitable for everyday wear
* 10 karats: Less expensive option for costume jewelry
Factors Affecting Karat Value
* Purity: The higher the karat value, the purer the gold.
* Color: Gold alloys can range in color from yellow to white to pink, depending on the other metals added.
* Durability: Lower-karat gold is more durable and less likely to scratch or bend.
* Cost: Gold jewelry prices typically increase with higher karat values.
Other Gold Measurement Systems
In addition to the karat scale, other systems are used to measure gold purity:
* Fineness: Measured in parts per thousand (ppt). For example, 24 karat gold is 999 ppt.
* Millennium: Used in the United Kingdom and represents 1/1000th of pure gold.
It is important to note that the international gold karat scale is different from the gold purity standards used in some countries. For example, in the United States, gold jewelry is often marked with the letter “K” followed by the karat value (e.g., 14K). However, in Europe, gold purity is often expressed as a decimal (e.g., 585 for 14 karat gold).
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