How to Tell What Karat Your Gold Is
One of the most common questions people ask before selling jewellery is: “What karat is my gold?”
Knowing the purity of your gold is important because it directly affects its value. Whether you have old jewellery, inherited pieces, gold coins, or scrap gold, understanding karat ratings can help you make informed decisions when buying or selling gold.
At Your Diamonds, we regularly help clients determine the purity and value of their gold through professional testing and valuation.
What Does Karat Mean?
A karat (K) measures the purity of gold.
Pure gold is 24 karat, meaning it contains 100% gold. However, pure gold is soft and often mixed with other metals to improve strength and durability.
The lower the karat, the less pure gold the item contains.
Common Gold Karat Ratings
24 Karat Gold
- 99.9% pure gold
- Bright yellow colour
- Soft and easily scratched
- Common in investment bars and coins
18 Karat Gold
- 75% gold
- 25% alloy metals
- Popular for luxury jewellery
- Excellent balance between purity and durability
14 Karat Gold
- 58.5% gold
- Strong and durable
- Popular for everyday jewellery
9 Karat Gold
- 37.5% gold
- Most affordable gold option
- Highly durable
- Common in South African jewellery
Check for Gold Hallmarks
The easiest way to determine gold purity is by looking for a hallmark stamped inside the jewellery.
Common markings include:
| Marking | Karat |
|---|---|
| 999 | 24K |
| 916 | 22K |
| 750 | 18K |
| 585 | 14K |
| 375 | 9K |
These stamps are often found inside rings, on clasps, or near chain fasteners.
Can Colour Tell You the Karat?
Not always.
Many people assume that darker yellow gold means higher purity, but this is not a reliable method.
Different alloy combinations can affect colour, making professional testing necessary for accurate results.
How Gold Buyers Test Gold
Professional gold buyers use several methods to determine purity:
Acid Testing
A small sample is tested using specialised acids that react differently depending on gold purity.
Electronic Testing
Modern gold testers measure conductivity and composition without damaging the jewellery.
XRF Analysis
Advanced jewellery stores and refiners may use X-ray fluorescence technology for highly accurate results.
At Your Diamonds, we use professional testing methods to provide accurate gold valuations.
Why Gold Purity Matters
The purity of your gold directly impacts its value.
For example:
- 18K gold contains more pure gold than 9K gold.
- Higher purity generally means higher resale value.
- Gold buyers calculate value based on weight and purity.
This is why two rings of the same size can have very different values.
Can Fake Gold Have Hallmarks?
Unfortunately, yes.
Some counterfeit items may carry fake stamps.
This is why a hallmark alone should never be considered proof of authenticity.
Professional testing remains the most reliable way to determine whether your jewellery is genuine gold.
What If I’m Planning to Sell My Gold?
If you’re planning to sell gold, knowing the karat is a great starting point, but professional valuation provides the most accurate picture.
A valuation considers:
- Gold purity
- Weight
- Current gold price
- Any gemstones or diamonds
At Your Diamonds, we provide transparent gold valuations and explain exactly how the value is calculated.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered what karat your gold is, checking hallmarks can provide useful clues, but professional testing is the most accurate solution.
Whether you’re curious about inherited jewellery, planning to sell old gold, or simply want to understand its value, knowing the purity of your gold is the first step.
Visit Your Diamonds for a professional gold valuation and discover exactly what your gold is worth.