Gold for jewelry is measured in two primary ways: weight and purity.
Measuring Weight
- Troy Ounces: The weight of gold is measured in troy ounces.
- One troy ounce is equivalent to 31.1034768 grams.
- This unit is standard in the precious metals industry.
Measuring Purity
- Carats: The purity of gold is measured in carats.
- "Caratage" refers to the measure of purity when gold is alloyed with other metals.
- 24 carat gold signifies pure gold, containing no other metals.
- Lower carat values indicate that other metals have been mixed with the gold. For example, 18-carat gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals.
| Measurement | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Troy Ounce | 1 troy ounce = 31.1034768 grams. Used to measure the quantity of gold. |
| Purity | Carat | Measures the purity of gold. 24 Carat is pure gold. |
Why is purity important?
- Pure gold (24 carat) is soft and malleable, making it unsuitable for everyday jewelry.
- Alloying gold with other metals increases its hardness and durability.
- The carat value indicates the proportion of gold within a piece of jewelry.
- Common gold alloys in jewelry include 18k, 14k, and 10k gold.
- 18k gold consists of 75% gold and 25% other metals.
- 14k gold consists of 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals.
- 10k gold consists of 41.7% gold and 58.3% other metals.
In summary, when measuring gold for jewelry, both the weight (in troy ounces) and the purity (in carats) are essential factors. The weight determines how much gold is present, while the carat rating indicates the gold's purity and the durability of the piece.
