What is Pure Gold

How you can ensure gold purity in India

Buying gold is exciting, but you want to be sure you are getting the real deal. Start by choosing reputed and certified jewellers with a strong track record. Always check for hallmarking, which confirms purity. In India, the BIS hallmark includes the BIS logo, gold purity in karat and fineness, the assaying centre’s mark, and the jeweller’s identification mark, all reassuring signs of authenticity.

You can also ask for a purity certificate that clearly mentions the gold’s karatage and weight. For extra peace of mind, try a home gold testing kit or get the jewellery checked by a professional appraiser or certified assay centre. Staying updated on current gold prices also helps you spot unfair pricing and buy with confidence.

How to measure the purity of gold

Measuring the purity of gold is essential to determine its value and authenticity. The purity of gold is commonly expressed in karats (K) or fineness. Karats measure the ratio of pure gold to other metals in an alloy, with 24K being pure gold. For example, 18K gold contains 75% pure gold, while 14K contains 58.3%.

A widely used method to measure gold purity is the acid test, where a small sample of gold is rubbed on a test stone and treated with nitric acid to observe the reaction. Another precise method is X-ray fluorescence (XRF), which uses X-rays to determine the metal composition without damaging the piece.

Hallmarks are also crucial indicators of gold purity. Reputable jewellers stamp gold items with marks indicating karatage and manufacturer. For precise verification, assay offices conduct detailed analyses to certify the gold's purity, providing confidence in its quality and value.
 

What do we mean by fineness of gold

Fineness of gold refers to the purity of gold in a given alloy, expressed in parts per thousand. This measure indicates how much of the metal is pure gold versus other metals. For instance, gold with a fineness of 999 means it is 99.9% pure, often referred to as 24 karat gold. This is the highest level of purity, though it is soft and not commonly used in jewellery without being alloyed.

Lower fineness levels, such as 750 (75% pure gold) or 585 (58.5% pure gold), correspond to 18 karat and 14 karat gold, respectively. These alloys include other metals like silver, copper, or nickel to enhance durability and workability, making them more suitable for everyday jewellery.

Fineness impacts the colour, value, and hardness of gold. Higher fineness yields a richer yellow hue and higher value, while lower fineness results in greater strength and reduced cost, catering to different preferences and uses.
 

What do we mean by karats?

Karats are a measure of the purity of gold, indicating the proportion of pure gold mixed with other metals to create an alloy. The term "karat" is often abbreviated as "k" or "kt." Pure gold is 24 karats, meaning it is 100% gold with no other metals mixed in. However, because pure gold is soft and prone to damage, it is often alloyed with other metals like copper, silver, or zinc to enhance its durability and strength.

Different karat levels denote varying degrees of gold purity. For example, 18 karat gold is 75% pure gold, with the remaining 25% consisting of other metals. Similarly, 14 karat gold is 58.3% pure gold, and 10 karat gold is 41.7% pure gold. Higher karat gold has a richer color and higher value but is less durable, making it more susceptible to scratches and bends. Lower karat gold is more durable and affordable but has a paler colour.
 

Different types of gold as per karatage

Gold is classified by its karatage, which indicates the proportion of pure gold in a piece. Pure gold is 24 karats (24K), representing 99.9% gold. However, 24K gold is soft and unsuitable for most jewellery, so it is often alloyed with other metals for durability.

• 18K gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals, offering a balance between purity and strength. It has a rich color and is commonly used in fine jewellery.
• 14K gold, with 58.3% gold, is more durable and affordable, making it popular for everyday wear. It offers a good balance of quality and cost.
• 10K gold is the lowest karatage legally sold as gold in many countries, containing 41.7% gold. It is highly durable and budget-friendly, though its colour is paler compared to higher karat gold.

Understanding these differences helps in selecting the appropriate gold type based on budget, durability, and aesthetic preference.
 

How can I measure gold purity using karats?

Gold purity is measured in karats, indicating the proportion of pure gold in a piece. Pure gold is 24 karats, meaning 24 out of 24 parts are gold. To determine the karat of gold, divide the number of karats by 24 and multiply by 100 to get the percentage of gold. For example, 18 karat gold is 18/24, which equals 75% pure gold. Common karat values include 24k (100% pure), 18k (75% pure), 14k (58.3% pure), and 10k (41.7% pure). Higher karat gold is purer but softer, while lower karat gold is more durable but less pure.

Know your gold’s purity and put it to better use. Once you understand the karat value of your jewellery, check your gold loan eligibility and see how much value your gold can unlock today.