Gold is sold in karat weights. Pure gold is very soft and to make it more durable for jewelry it is alloyed with various other metals to make it harder. The percentage of alloy added determines the karat weight.

• Pure gold is 24 karat is 24 parts gold.
• 18 karat gold is 18 parts gold (75% gold) and 6 parts alloy and is marked 18k (750 in Europe).
• 14 karat gold is 14 parts gold (58.3% gold) and 10 parts alloy and is marked 14k (585 in Europe).
• 12 karat gold is 12 parts gold (50% gold) and is 12 parts alloy and is marked 12k (500 in Europe).
• 10 karate gold is the lowest gold content that can be sold in the US and still be called gold. It is 10 parts gold (41.7% gold) and 14 parts alloy and is marked 10k (417 in Europe).

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