Karathalter - Guldets renhet
Karat (abbreviated K or k) is the measure of gold purity in a piece of jewelry or object. Because 100% pure gold (24K) is extremely soft and malleable, it is almost always mixed with other metals such as silver, copper, or zinc when used for jewelry. This mixture, called an alloy, makes the gold stronger and more resistant to daily wear and tear.
Udda karathalter och skrotguld
Sometimes we come across jewelry with odd purities, such as 15K, 16K, or 17K. This is common when a goldsmith has melted down a customers old mixed jewelry to create something completely new. Because we at MittGuld use advanced XRF X-ray technology, you always get paid for the exact gold content in grams - regardless of what odd number the jewelry happens to have.
24K
Rent guld (99,9%)
The purest gold available on the market and thus the most expensive. Because it is too soft to be used for rings or necklaces, you almost exclusively find 24K in the form of investment gold - that is, gold bars and certain gold coins. If it says 24K on a normal piece of jewelry, it is usually a gilding (a thin layer of gold on top of another metal).
23K
Very high purity (95.8%)
Today, jewelry is rarely made in 23K because the material is too soft. However, it was very popular in plain Swedish wedding rings until the late 1950s. If you have inherited an older, plain wedding ring, chances are it is made of 23-karat gold. These have a high scrap value with us.
22K
Vanligt internationellt (91,6%)
With over 91% pure gold, 22K has an intense deep yellow color. It is slightly more durable than 24K and is the traditional standard for jewelry in the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Many of the worlds most famous investment coins, such as Krugerrand and American Eagle, are also minted in 22 karats (although their value is based on the fine gold content).
21K & 20K
Ovanliga i moderna smycken (87,5% & 83,3%)
21K is often used in Arabic gold jewelry and certain coins. 20K is very unusual internationally, but like 23K, it historically occurred in older Swedish jewelry and rings. Both purities provide a very good payout when sold.
18K
Den svenska standarden (75,0%)
This is by far the most common karat purity in Sweden. Of all the gold we at MittGuld buy, the majority is exactly 18K. It offers a perfect balance between the beautiful luster of pure gold and the strength of the mixed metals. The hallmark 750 simply means that 750 out of 1000 parts are pure gold.
14K
Durable and hard-wearing (58.5%)
A very popular choice internationally, especially in the US, UK, and Norway. Because almost half the weight consists of other, harder metals, 14K jewelry is extremely resistant to wear. It is an excellent choice for everyday jewelry worn by people with an active lifestyle. When selling, the price per gram is lower than for 18K, but it is still a very valuable precious metal.
9K
The lowest limit for real gold in Sweden (37.5%)
In Sweden, the legal limit is 9K - if the jewelry contains a lower percentage than that, it cannot be called real gold. 9-karat gold has become increasingly common in modern stores as it lowers the price for the consumer. The color is often lighter and a bit paler than 18K. We of course buy 9K and pay based on the daily price of the exact gold weight.
8K
Vanligt i Tyskland (33,3%)
In Sweden, this may formally not be sold as gold, but in Germany, for example, 8K is approved. Have you bought jewelry abroad bearing the 333 hallmark? No problem - at MittGuld we buy all gold regardless of purity and value it fairly.
Sell your gold regardless of karat
We buy all karat purities. Order an insured gold envelope and get paid for the exact gold weight with our price guarantee.