LG AURELIA · JEWELLERY EDUCATION

Gold Carat Guide

Discover what 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct and 24ct gold really mean, how gold purity is measured, and why yellow, white and rose gold can share the same carat.

What does gold carat mean?

Gold carat (ct) describes the proportion of pure gold in an alloy, measured in 24 parts. For example, 9ct gold contains 9 parts gold out of 24 — or 37.5%. The remaining proportion consists of other metals selected to influence colour, strength and working properties. Gold carat is different from the carat (ct) used to measure gemstone weight.

9ct375 fineness

GOLD PURITY · 375

9 Carat Gold

9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals. It is a popular choice for jewellery in the UK, combining genuine gold content with an alloy composition suited to many everyday designs.

9ct yellow, white and rose gold all contain the same percentage of pure gold. The other metals in the alloy influence the final colour and properties.

A practical option for rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Durability still depends on the design, thickness, setting and care.

14ct585 fineness

GOLD PURITY · 585

14 Carat Gold

14ct gold contains 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% other metals when marked 585. It offers a balance between a higher gold content and the influence of alloying metals.

Whether yellow, white or rose, 14ct gold marked 585 has the same minimum gold fineness. Different alloy recipes produce different colours and characteristics.

Often selected for fine jewellery where a balance of gold content and everyday wearability is desired.

18ct750 fineness

GOLD PURITY · 750

18 Carat Gold

18ct gold contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. Its higher gold content makes it a popular choice for fine jewellery and precious-stone settings.

18ct yellow, white and rose gold are all 75% gold; the remaining 25% of the composition is what helps create the different colours.

A refined choice for special pieces and everyday fine jewellery, with wear resistance influenced by alloy and construction.

22ct916 fineness

GOLD PURITY · 916

22 Carat Gold

22ct gold is approximately 91.6% pure gold. Jewellery marked 916 has a minimum gold fineness of 916 parts per thousand; the rest consists of alloying metals.

With less alloying metal than lower-carat gold, 22ct pieces are generally softer and more prone to deformation, depending on the design.

Often associated with rich yellow-gold jewellery and traditional designs. It may be less suitable for delicate settings exposed to frequent knocks.

24ct999 fineness

GOLD PURITY · 999

24 Carat Gold

24ct gold is regarded as virtually pure gold. Gold marked 999 contains at least 99.9% gold, with up to 0.1% other material.

Because it is very soft relative to common jewellery alloys, high-purity gold is less commonly used for delicate everyday jewellery. It is often encountered in bullion and selected traditional designs.

At this purity, the usual yellow, white and rose alloy colour variations do not apply in the same way as they do to lower-carat gold.

SAME PURITY · DIFFERENT APPEARANCE

Yellow, White & Rose Gold

For a given carat, the proportion of pure gold remains the same regardless of colour. What changes is the mixture of additional metals used to make the alloy.

Yellow Gold

Typically combines gold with metals such as silver and copper to retain a warm golden appearance.

White Gold

Uses paler alloying metals to create a whiter appearance. Many white-gold pieces also have a rhodium-plated finish that may need renewing with wear.

Rose Gold

Uses a copper-rich alloy mix to create its characteristic pink or rosy tone.

The precise alloy recipe varies by manufacturer and product. The colour alone cannot tell you the carat or gold purity.

Gold Carat Comparison

Carat	Fineness	Pure gold	Other metals
9ct	375	37.5%	62.5%
14ct	585	58.5%	41.5%
18ct	750	75%	25%
22ct	916	91.6% minimum	8.4% maximum
24ct	999	99.9% minimum	0.1% maximum

Fineness numbers indicate parts per thousand of gold. The percentages shown for 22ct and 24ct reflect the listed 916 and 999 fineness standards; exact compositions can vary.