When it comes to gold, its purity is a key factor in determining both its desirability and market value. The term “carat” (often abbreviated as ‘ct’) refers to the purity of gold, with 24 carat (24ct) being the purest form. However, gold jewellery and items often come in lower purities, which has a direct impact on their value when you decide to sell.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different gold purities, how they are measured, and how these variations affect the value of your gold when selling it.
What Is Gold Purity?
Gold purity is measured in carats, which indicate the proportion of gold to other metals in a given item. Pure gold is 24 carats, meaning it is 100% gold, without any other metals mixed in. As the carat number decreases, it signifies the presence of additional alloys (such as silver, copper, or nickel), which make the gold less pure but often more durable.
Here’s a breakdown of common gold purities:
- 24 Carat (24ct): 100% pure gold, the highest purity available.
- 22 Carat (22ct): 91.7% pure gold, with 8.3% other metals.
- 18 Carat (18ct): 75% pure gold, with 25% other metals.
- 14 Carat (14ct): 58.3% pure gold, with 41.7% other metals.
- 9 Carat (9ct): 37.5% pure gold, with 62.5% other metals.
How Purity Affects Value When Selling Gold
The purity of gold has a direct impact on its value when you decide to sell it. Here’s how different purities influence the price you can expect:
- 24 Carat Gold (24ct)
- Value: As the purest form of gold, 24ct gold is the most valuable per gram. Its lack of additional metals makes it softer, so it’s less commonly used in jewellery, but when sold as bullion or bars, 24ct gold commands the highest prices.
- Selling Considerations: Buyers of 24ct gold typically offer the highest price, especially for investment-grade bullion. However, due to its softness, 24ct gold jewellery may show wear more easily, which could slightly reduce its resale value if not properly maintained.
- 22 Carat Gold (22ct)
- Value: At 91.7% purity, 22ct gold is still very valuable, though slightly less so than 24ct. It is commonly used in high-quality jewellery, especially in regions where pure gold is favoured.
- Selling Considerations: When selling 22ct gold, you can expect a high payout, although slightly less than for 24ct. The condition of the jewellery plays a role in the resale value, so well-maintained pieces may still fetch a premium.
- 18 Carat Gold (18ct)
- Value: With 75% gold content, 18ct gold is highly popular in fine jewellery. While its lower purity compared to 22ct and 24ct reduces its intrinsic value, it remains in demand due to its balance of beauty, durability, and strength.
- Selling Considerations: When selling 18ct gold, the price will be lower than for higher purities. However, 18ct jewellery is widely respected for its craftsmanship, and its desirability ensures a solid market for resale.
- 14 Carat Gold (14ct)
- Value: At 58.3% gold, 14ct is popular in both affordable and mid-range jewellery. Though its gold content is lower, the durability added by the other metals makes it ideal for everyday wear.
- Selling Considerations: When selling 14ct gold, the payout will be lower compared to higher purities, but the widespread popularity of 14ct jewellery can still attract competitive offers, particularly for well-crafted or vintage pieces.
- 9 Carat Gold (9ct)
- Value: As the lowest purity legally recognised as gold in the UK, 9ct gold contains just 37.5% gold. It is affordable and highly durable, but its low gold content means it has significantly less intrinsic value.
- Selling Considerations: When selling 9ct gold, you can expect a much lower payout. While it is durable and widely used in budget-friendly jewellery, the value per gram is substantially reduced compared to higher-purity items.
Factors That Impact Value Beyond Purity
While purity is a significant factor in determining the value of gold when selling, other considerations also come into play:
- Current Gold Market Prices: Gold prices fluctuate based on global demand, economic conditions, and geopolitical factors. When selling, it’s essential to keep an eye on the current market price to ensure you get a fair deal.
- Weight: The weight of your gold item is directly related to its value. Heavier pieces, especially those with higher purity, will naturally fetch higher prices.
- Condition: The condition of the gold item, particularly in the case of jewellery, can affect the price. Scratched or damaged pieces may be worth less, while well-preserved items can command a premium.
- Brand or Craftsmanship: Jewellery from high-end brands or pieces with intricate craftsmanship may increase in value, even if the gold content is lower, as collectors are often willing to pay more for designer or antique items.
