You pull an old necklace out of a drawer and see a tiny stamp inside: 14K. Or maybe you inherited a ring and the inside says 585. What does any of that actually mean — and more importantly, what is it worth?
At The Precious Metals Group, we’ve been buying gold in New York City for over 15 years. The karat question comes up every single day. Let’s settle it once and for all.
What Is a Karat, Exactly?
A karat (abbreviated K or KT) is a unit that measures the purity of gold. The scale runs from 1 to 24, where 24 karats = 100% pure gold. Every other karat number tells you what fraction of the metal is actually gold.
The remaining metal is usually an alloy — copper, silver, zinc, or nickel — added deliberately because pure gold is extremely soft. You couldn’t wear a 24K ring every day without it bending or scratching immediately. Alloys make jewelry harder, more durable, and in some cases give it a specific color (rose gold gets its pink hue from copper).
Quick math: Divide the karat number by 24 to get the gold percentage. 18K = 18 ÷ 24 = 75% pure gold.
The Karat Breakdown: 10K Through 24K
10K Gold — The Legal Minimum in the U.S.
At 41.7% pure gold, 10K is the lowest karat that can legally be sold as “gold” in the United States. Common in fashion jewelry and department store pieces. Pays out significantly less than higher karats — but it’s still real gold with real value.
14K Gold — America’s Most Popular
At 58.3% pure gold, 14K hits the sweet spot between durability and gold content. Engagement rings, wedding bands, everyday necklaces — 14K dominates the American market. It’s also the karat our buyers see most often at our 47th Street office.
18K Gold — The Sweet Spot for Luxury
At 75% pure gold, 18K is the standard for fine and luxury jewelry in Europe and globally. Richer color than 14K. Most high-end designers — Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef — use 18K. When you sell 18K, you’re getting paid on significantly higher gold content than 14K.
22K Gold — Traditional South Asian & Middle Eastern Jewelry
At 91.7% purity, 22K is soft and deeply yellow. The traditional karat used in South Asian and Middle Eastern bridal jewelry — bangles, bridal sets, coin jewelry. If you have pieces from an Indian, Pakistani, or Arabic jewelry tradition, they’re likely 22K. Very high payout potential.
24K Gold — Pure Gold
99.9% gold. Found in gold bars, bullion coins (American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf), and some specialized pieces. The highest payout per gram of any karat. If you have 24K bullion, get it evaluated.
Gold Purity Comparison Table
| Karat | Hallmarks | Gold % | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10K | 10K, 417 | 41.7% | Fashion jewelry, children’s pieces |
| 14K | 14K, 585 | 58.3% | Most U.S. jewelry, engagement rings |
| 18K | 18K, 750 | 75.0% | Luxury jewelry, designer brands |
| 22K | 22K, 916 | 91.7% | South Asian bridal, gold coins |
| 24K | 24K, 999 | 99.9% | Bullion bars, investment coins |
How to Read Gold Hallmarks
Look closely at your jewelry for a small stamped mark — usually inside a ring band, on a bracelet clasp, or on a flat section of a chain. You may need a magnifying glass.
- 417 → 10K (41.7% gold)
- 585 → 14K (58.5% gold)
- 750 → 18K (75% gold)
- 916 → 22K (91.6% gold)
- 999 → 24K (99.9% gold)
If your piece has no hallmark, don’t assume it’s not gold. Older pieces, especially antiques, may have worn stamps. We test everything professionally — bring it in and we’ll tell you exactly what you have.
How Karat Affects Your Payout
Your payout is calculated as: Weight (grams) × Gold % × Current spot price per gram. This means the difference between karats is significant. A 10-gram piece of 18K gold contains 7.5 grams of pure gold. That same weight in 10K contains only 4.17 grams — less than half the pure gold content.
At current gold prices, that difference on a single 10-gram piece could be $200–$300. On a heavier piece or a collection of items, it adds up fast.
Common Mistakes Sellers Make
- Assuming 14K and 18K pay the same — They don’t. 18K has 29% more gold content per gram.
- Not checking for hallmarks — That unmarked piece might be 18K gold from Europe where stamps appear in different locations.
- Throwing away broken pieces — A snapped 18K chain has the same gold value as an intact one. Bring everything.
- Assuming white or rose gold is less valuable — Color doesn’t affect gold content. An 18K rose gold ring has the same 75% gold content as an 18K yellow gold ring.
- Trusting the karat stamp without testing — Reputable buyers test every piece regardless of what the stamp says.
Sell Your Gold in NYC
Whether you have 10K fashion jewelry or 24K bullion coins, The Precious Metals Group evaluates everything transparently at our Diamond District office. We test purity, weigh your items in front of you, show you the math, and present a written offer you can accept or decline with zero pressure.
Walk in any weekday 10am–6pm at 30 W 47th St, Suite 906, New York, NY 10036. Call (212) 840-0415.