Precious Metals & Karat
Gold, silver, platinum and palladium use fineness standards to state precious-metal content. Gold can also be expressed in karats, where 24 parts represents fine gold.
3 min read · Reviewed August 4, 2026
Karat & fineness chart
Karat measures gold purity in twenty-fourths. Fineness states precious-metal content in parts per thousand. Karat measures gold purity in twenty-fourths, while fineness states precious-metal content in parts per thousand. The table aligns the common descriptions used on this page.
| Karat | Fineness | Gold | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% | Fine-gold standard; comparatively soft |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% | High-gold alloy with a rich yellow colour |
| 18K | 750 | 75% | Common fine-jewellery alloy |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% | Common jewellery alloy with more alloying metal |
| 10K | 417 | 41.7% | US minimum for a gold karat description |
| 9K | 375 | 37.5% | Recognised UK hallmarking standard |
Hallmark Translator
Translate a purity you know into how any country marks it — gold, silver, platinum, palladium — or compare two countries side by side.
The four metals
Gold
24K / 18K / 14K / 9KHighly resistant to corrosion and usually alloyed for wearable strength. Its alloy can be yellow, white or rose.
Silver
925 sterlingA bright precious metal commonly alloyed as 925 sterling. Exposure to sulphur compounds can tarnish it.
Platinum
950 commonA dense, naturally white precious metal. 950 is one recognised jewellery fineness standard.
Palladium
950 / 500A naturally white platinum-group metal. UK hallmarking standards include 950 and 500.
Gold colours: yellow, white & rose gold
The metals mixed into gold change its colour, not just its strength.
- Yellow gold
- Gold with silver and copper — the classic warm tone.
- White gold
- Gold with white metals (palladium or nickel), usually rhodium-plated for a bright white.
- Rose gold
- Gold with a higher copper content for a pink blush.
Silver standards
| Fineness | Standard | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | Fine silver | 99.9% silver |
| 958 | Britannia silver | Recognised UK standard |
| 925 | Sterling silver | 92.5% silver |
| 900 | Coin silver | US trade description at 90% silver |
| 800 | Silver 800 | 80% silver standard used in some markets |
Common questions
What’s the difference between 14K and 18K gold?
18K corresponds to 750 fineness, or 75% gold. 14K corresponds to 585 fineness, or 58.5% gold. The remaining proportion is alloying metal, which affects colour and working properties.
What karat of gold is best?
There is no universal best. A higher karat contains more gold, while a lower karat contains more alloying metal. Compare the fineness, construction and intended wear of the specific piece.
Does 18K gold tarnish?
Gold is highly resistant to corrosion, but 18K is an alloy and its other metals can contribute to surface discolouration or residue. Use a material-appropriate clean and have persistent changes checked by a jeweller.
What does 750 mean on gold?
750 is a fineness mark meaning 750 parts gold per thousand, or 75% gold. That gold content corresponds to 18K.
What is white gold made of?
White gold is gold alloyed with one or more lighter-coloured metals. Many pieces also use a rhodium surface finish, so the exact alloy and finish should be confirmed for the specific item.
Is rose gold real gold?
Yes. Rose gold is a gold alloy whose copper content contributes the pink colour. An 18K rose-gold alloy still contains 75% gold, while the remaining alloy changes colour and working properties.
Standards and permitted descriptions vary by jurisdiction. A stamp is evidence to investigate, not proof of composition or authenticity; use the applicable assay authority or an independent test for a specific piece.