What Do Karats Mean on Gold Jewelry
Mar 22, 2023
{
"Title": "What Do Karats Mean on Gold Jewelry? Understanding 10K, 14K, 18K, and 24K Gold for Value and Resale",
"Date": "03/22/23",
"Content": "
Understanding Gold Karats and Their Impact on Value
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If you have unwanted gold jewelry, broken pieces, or even dental gold, one of the most important details to understand before selling is karat purity. Karats (often abbreviated as K, kt, or k) are not about weight, but about purity—the proportion of real gold compared to other metals in the item.
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What Do Karats Mean?
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A karat represents 1/24th of pure gold. So, 24K means 24 parts out of 24 are pure gold, without other metals mixed in. Lower karat numbers indicate that the jewelry is alloyed (mixed) with other metals such as copper, silver, nickel, or zinc. Alloying strengthens gold, which is naturally soft.
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Karat Stamp | Gold Purity | Percentage of Gold | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
10K | 10/24 | 41.7% | Durable, affordable jewelry |
14K | 14/24 | 58.3% | Everyday rings, chains |
18K | 18/24 | 75% | Fine jewelry, engagement rings |
22K | 22/24 | 91.6% | High-end jewelry, certain coins |
24K | 24/24 | 99.9% | Pure gold bars, specialty pieces |
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How to Identify Karat Stamps and Hallmarks
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Look for small marks such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K stamped inside rings or near clasps on chains.
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European marks may use numbers instead of karats (e.g., 585 = 14K, 750 = 18K, 916 = 22K).
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If there’s no clear stamp, basic tests help: magnet test (gold is not magnetic), acid test kits, or electronic gold testers.
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Visual clues: worn plating, discolored areas, or flaking suggest it may not be solid gold.
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Reference charts from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) can help you verify measurements and ensure accuracy when weighing precious metals.
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Why Karat Matters for Value
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The value of gold jewelry depends on both purity (karat) and weight. Higher karat items contain more gold by weight, which generally means higher value. For example, a 14K chain and a 24K chain of identical weight will not be worth the same—the 24K chain contains substantially more pure gold.
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Other factors also influence value:
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Melt value vs. resale value: Melt value refers to the market value of gold in its pure form. Buyers usually make offers slightly below melt value to cover refining and resale costs.
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Condition: Coins, designer jewelry, or antique items may carry added collectible or brand value beyond gold content.
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Mixed components: Items with gemstones, clasps, or non-precious parts are typically valued for their gold weight only, unless otherwise specified.
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Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Your Gold Items for Sale
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Identify the karats: Separate items by karat stamp (10K, 14K, etc.). If unsure, make a note to have them tested.
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Weigh in grams: Use a small digital pocket scale. Record each lot of jewelry by karat group and weight.
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Sort and label: Place items of the same karat in separate small bags or envelopes. Label them clearly.
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Remove non-metal pieces when safe: Take out stones if they come loose easily—but avoid damaging items if unsure.
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Document: Take photos of each group and note weights, karats, and any special hallmarks.
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When you record both karat and weight in an online form, it allows gold buyers (such as International Gold & Silver) to give you a faster, clearer estimate.
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Special Case: Dental Gold
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Dental crowns, bridges, or fillings often contain gold. These are usually 12K–18K, though composition varies. Steps to prepare include:
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Keep porcelain or tooth material attached if you cannot safely separate it.
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Brush off debris and pack carefully in a small container.
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Identify if possible, but buyers can test exact purity later.
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Mail-In Kits and Shipping Your Gold
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Many sellers prefer mail-in services for convenience. Typical steps include:
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Request a free insured appraisal kit or use your own secure packaging.
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Use USPS Registered Mail or FedEx insured options for valuables.
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Seal each bag and place inside a sturdy box with padding.
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Take a photo of the package before shipping, and record the tracking number.
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Kits from companies like International Gold & Silver typically include insured, trackable labels and chain-of-custody documentation, giving both sender and buyer confidence.
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What Happens During Testing?
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When your gold arrives, buyers usually test it using:
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Acid test: Applying drops of acid to a small scratch mark helps reveal purity.
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Electronic tester: Provides a fast, non-destructive estimate of karat.
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X-ray fluorescence: A precise, professional reading of metal composition.
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You should expect a detailed result showing each item or lot of items, their karat, total grams, and settlement weight before payout.
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Payment Options
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Common payout methods include:
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PayPal: Fast, widely accepted, but may include a small transaction fee.
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Venmo: Good for personal accounts, with transaction limits.
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Zelle: Direct to your bank, usually instant, but daily limits apply.
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Cash App: Quick but sometimes capped for larger amounts.
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ACH transfer: Secure direct deposit, may take 1–2 business days.
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Paper check: Slow but reliable, mailed to your address.
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Checklist Before You Mail Your Gold
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✔ Sort items by karat
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✔ Weigh and document in grams
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✔ Photograph each batch
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✔ Pack securely in individual bags
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✔ Use trackable, insured shipping
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✔ Keep a record of weights and expected value
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FAQs
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How can I tell if my gold is real?
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Look for karat stamps, test with a magnet, and consider a small acid test kit