Gold Purity Guide
How Gold Purity Is Measured
The purity of gold is measured using the karat system. This system has been developed to measure the ratio of pure gold to other metals or alloys in a piece of gold jewellery.
Although the term "karat" sounds similar to the term "carat", these two measurements are completely different. The karat system is used to measure gold purity, while the carat is a unit of mass used to weigh diamonds and other
gemstones. The measurement used to weigh gold is the troy ounce (1 troy ounce = 31.1035 grams).
Karats, marked as "k", "K", or "Kt", are measured on a scale from 0 to 24, the latter being the purest form (pure gold) with no other metals mixed. The higher the karatage, the purer the gold.
The minimum gold purity for an item to be called gold varies by country. For example, in the United States, the legal minimum standard gold purity is 10k. In the United Kingdom, France and Portugal, the lowest permitted gold purity is 9k, while in Greece and Denmark, the minimum standard is 8k.
What Is the Fineness of Gold?
Karat
‘Karat’ is the measure of the purity or fineness of gold. Pure gold is very soft, so when it is used to make jewelry, it is generally alloyed, or mixed, with metals such as Silver, Copper, Nickel, or Zinc.
24 karat gold (24k) is considered purest and is extremely soft and malleable. Jewelry pieces are most often not made with 24-karat gold because they would not be durable.
18 karat gold (18k) is an alloy composed of 75% gold and 25% other alloys. This purity of Gold is best suited for creating jewelry as it combines pure gold with just enough alloys to allow durability.
14 karat gold (14k) is composed of approximately 58% Gold and 42% other alloys. This is the most popular purity of gold due to its balance of beauty and affordability.
Other karats of gold can be alloyed to meet market needs.
At Sway, we provide you with an option of 18k and 14k gold for the most advantageous appeal, durability, and affordability.
Color
Gold in its natural form is yellow. In addition, the two alternate colors are White Gold and Rose Gold.
White Gold is comprised of Gold that has been alloyed with white metals—typically nickel or palladium—to create its color.
Rose Gold is created by mixing gold with copper. Copper along with lesser amounts of white-colored metal alloys are responsible for its pink color. Because Rose Gold contains copper, it will develop a deeper, more intense color over time.
Hallmarks
Hallmarks are inscriptions that guarantee the purity of the precious metal used in jewelry.
Our jewelry is authenticated with a laser mark after thorough verification by a licensed hallmarking center as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with the karat of the metal you choose to purchase. The BIS Hallmarking Scheme has been aligned with International criteria on hallmarking. This guarantees you a product of credible standards