What Does Gold Karat Mean?
If you’re shopping for gold jewelry, you’ve probably seen markings like 10K, 14K, or 18K—but what do those numbers actually mean? Understanding gold karat is key to knowing how pure your jewelry is, how durable it will be, and how much value you’re getting for your money.
What Is a Gold Karat?
A karat (K) is a measurement of gold purity. The scale is based on 24 parts, with 24K gold representing pure gold.
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24K gold = 100% pure gold
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Any karat value lower than 24 means the gold has been mixed with other metals
Pure gold is naturally very soft, which makes it unsuitable for most everyday jewelry. To increase strength and durability, gold is alloyed with metals such as copper, zinc, nickel, or palladium.
How to Calculate Gold Purity by Karat
You can calculate the percentage of gold in any piece by dividing the karat number by 24.
Example:
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14 ÷ 24 = 58.3% pure gold
That means a 14K gold bracelet contains 58.3% real gold and 41.7% other metals for strength.
Common Gold Karat Values and Purity
| Karat | Gold Content | Purity Mark |
|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 999 |
| 22K | 91.7% | 917 |
| 20K | 83.3% | 833 |
| 18K | 75.0% | 750 |
| 14K | 58.3% | 583 |
| 10K | 41.7% | 417 |
These markings may be stamped directly on the jewelry or listed on a product tag.
Understanding Gold Karat Stamps
Gold jewelry can be stamped using several formats, all of which mean the same thing:
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K, k, KT, Kt, kt
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Examples: 10K, 14KT, 18k
Some jewelry uses numerical purity stamps, such as 750, which indicates 75% gold (18K).
What Does the “P” Mean on Gold Jewelry?
You may see a stamp like 14KP or 18KP. The “P” stands for “plumb”, meaning the piece contains at least the stated gold purity.
Manufacturing tolerances allow for small variations, but a plumb stamp assures buyers that the gold content meets or exceeds the karat marked—adding confidence and sometimes value.
What If There’s No Gold Stamp?
If a piece of jewelry isn’t stamped, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s fake. Older, custom, or imported pieces may lack markings.
Your options include:
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Asking a jeweler to test the gold (acid test, electronic test, or XRF analysis)
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Using an at-home gold testing kit (handle acids carefully and follow instructions)
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Requesting verification before purchasing from a private seller
A reputable seller should have no problem allowing gold testing.
Final Thoughts
Gold karat tells you exactly how much real gold is in your jewelry—and understanding it helps you choose pieces that balance beauty, durability, and value.
Whether you’re buying a gold chain, ring, bracelet, or pendant, knowing what gold karat means ensures you shop confidently and invest wisely in jewelry you’ll enjoy for years to come.