Since ancient times, pure gold has been highly valued, whether used as jewelry, a store of wealth, or a medium of exchange. To determine the purity of gold, there is a term called “karat”.

 

In addition, its purity can also be measured in percentages. For gold jewelry lovers, it is important to understand the gold content to avoid losses when reselling.

 

As you know, gold is a precious metal with a stable value and tends to increase even in the midst of an economic crisis. To ensure that your jewelry remains valuable when sold in the future, it is important to know the right gold grade.

 

Also Read: What is Young Gold? Know the Difference vs Old Gold & Its Advantages

 

What is Gold Grade or karat?

Gold karat is a measure that indicates the purity of gold, with 24 karat being the highest grade. The more other metals mixed in gold, the lower the karat level.

 

One karat of gold is equivalent to 1/24th of the total mix of metals in the gold. So, the karat indicates how much of the mixture is gold.

 

For example, if a necklace is called “22 carat gold”, it means that the necklace is made up of 22 parts gold, while the rest is other metals.

 

Dating back to medieval times, measuring the purity of gold by karat was primarily used in the manufacture of gold coins.

 

Gold coins were originally made from pure gold, but since gold is a soft metal that easily deforms, other metals such as silver, copper, and brass were mixed in to add strength and maintain their shape.

 

Because of this mixture, a unit was needed to indicate how much of the original gold was in the coin. To this day, the karat system is still used and not only on gold coins, but also on jewelry and gold bars.

 

What is the Gold Carat Measurement System

The karat measurement system is a method of determining the purity level of gold in a metal alloy. One karat is equivalent to 1/24th of a whole metal alloy.

 

So, the higher the karat number, the purer the gold is. For example, 24 karat gold means that the gold does not contain any other metal alloy.

 

Meanwhile, 18-karat gold means that it consists of 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals, such as silver or copper.

 

24-karat gold is considered pure gold because there is no mixture of other metals. Since pure gold is very soft and easily deformed, 24-karat gold is usually not used for everyday jewelry.

In contrast, 18-karat gold, which contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals, is stronger and more durable, making it more suitable for jewelry.

 

18-karat gold jewelry still has a high value, but with better durability than pure gold.

 

The karat system itself is still used because it provides an easy and clear way to indicate the purity of gold.

 

This system helps buyers and sellers understand the proportion of gold in a product, whether jewelry or gold bars.

 

While technology now allows for more precise measurements, carat remains the globally accepted standard and makes it easier for consumers to assess the quality of gold.

 

Also Read: Rarely Known, These Are the Benefits of Gold Besides Investment

 

How to Measure Gold Purity

 

Gold purity can also be measured as a percentage. Here is the most commonly used formula for calculating gold purity:

 

Gold purity = (Number of gold parts : 24) x 100%

 

For example, for 18 karat gold, the purity would be calculated as follows:

Gold purity = (18 : 24) x 100% = 75%

 

For 22 karat gold, the calculation is:

 

Gold purity = (22 : 24) x 100% = 91.67%.

 

Conversion between carat and percent purity can be done using the above formula. To convert carats to percentage purity, simply divide the number of carats by 24 and multiply the result by 100%.

 

Conversely, to convert percentage purity to carats, divide the percentage purity by 100, then multiply by 24. For example, gold with a purity of 75%:

 

Carat = (75% : 100) x 24 = 18 carats

 

Also Read: The Uniqueness of Black Gold and Its Advantages

Table of Gold Grades by Carat

The higher the purity level of gold, the higher its value. However, this does not always apply to jewelry making. Usually, gold jewelry contains less than 70% gold, while the rest consists of other metals.

 

In Indonesia, the gold purity standard used refers to the provisions set by the National Standardization Agency (BSN) as follows:

 

Kadar emas (%)	Karat
99,99	Emas murni
95,83—99,98	24
91,67—5,82	23
87,50—91,66	21
83,33—87,49	20
79,17—83,32	19
75,00—79,16	18
70,83—74,99	17
66,67—70,82	16
62,50—66,66	15
58,33—62,49	14
54,16—58,32	13
50,00—54,15	12
45,83—49,99	11
41,67—45,82	10
37,50 – 41,66	9
33,33—37,49	8

 

SNI 8880:2020 is an Indonesian National Standard that specifies the minimum level of gold that must be present in gold products sold in the market.

 

This standard also regulates the procedures for testing and labeling gold products to ensure that every gold product sold is in accordance with the purity levels stated.

 

24 Karat Gold: Pros and Cons

 

24 karat gold has the highest purity level of 99.99% with no other metals mixed in. Due to its high purity, it is valued higher than lower karat gold.

 

Therefore, 24-karat gold is ideal for long-term investments as its value tends to stabilize and even increase over time, especially when economic conditions are uncertain.

 

Despite the high value of 24-karat gold, its malleable nature makes it less suitable for everyday jewelry. Pure gold tends to be easily scratched, deformed or damaged if not carefully cared for.

 

For this reason, jewelry is usually made from lower karat gold which is stronger and more durable because it is mixed with other metals. 24 karat gold is most commonly used in the form of bars or gold coins designed for investment.

 

This pure gold product is less commonly used for jewelry due to its weakness in terms of durability, but is highly valued in the form of investment assets due to its high level of purity.

 

22 and 18 Karat Gold: Options for Jewelry

 

Both 22 and 18 karat gold are popular choices for jewelry as they strike a good balance between gold purity and physical strength.

 

22-karat gold contains about 91.67% pure gold, while 18-karat gold has 75% gold content.

 

Both types of gold are still pure enough to provide high luster and value, but with the addition of other metals such as silver, copper, or zinc, they become harder and more durable.

 

This makes them more suitable for use in everyday jewelry than the softer 24-karat gold.

 

22-karat gold presents almost the same luster as pure gold due to its high gold content. Jewelry made from 22-karat gold is also durable although it is softer than 18-karat gold.

 

However, because it is still quite soft, 22-karat gold jewelry is more prone to scratches or deformities if it is not used properly.

to scratch or deform if not properly cared for.

 

Meanwhile, 18-karat gold is more durable and stronger than 22-karat gold due to its higher content of other metals, making it more suitable for jewelry that is worn frequently, such as rings, bracelets, or necklaces.

 

In addition, 18-karat gold still has an elegant luster and a fairly high gold content. Although it is stronger, 18-karat gold has a lower purity than 22-karat gold.

 

Therefore, its luster and intrinsic value are slightly lower. However, for many people, the difference in

 

If you are looking for jewelry for everyday use, then 18k gold is a good choice because of its strength. It is suitable for jewelry that is prone to bumps or scratches, such as rings or bracelets.

 

22k gold is better if you want jewelry with a purer gold content, but don’t wear it very often or use it for special occasions.

 

On the other hand, 22k gold may be better suited for larger pieces or pieces that are not subject to much physical stress, while 18k gold is ideal for jewelry with more complex designs and used every day.

 

Also Read: How to Tell Real and Fake Gold Manually

 

Choosing Gold for Investment vs. Jewelry

 

Gold Content 3

 

It is important to understand that in choosing gold for investment or jewelry, different considerations are needed. In terms of investment, the main focus is on the purity and intrinsic value of the gold.

 

Gold bars or coins with a 24 karat content are the ideal choice because they have good price stability and low manufacturing costs.

 

This pure gold tends to be easier to resell without losing value, making it a safe investment amidst market fluctuations.

 

On the other hand, when choosing gold for jewelry, the aesthetic and durability aspects become more important. Gold with a content of 18 or 22 karats is often chosen for its strength, making it more durable and suitable for everyday use.

 

This lower gold content still offers an attractive shine, but with a more solid nature. The price difference between investment gold and jewelry is also quite significant.

 

Gold bars are usually sold at prices close to market value, while jewelry is often more expensive because it includes manufacturing and design costs that can reduce resale value.

Conclusion: Determining the Right Carat for Your Needs

Well, that was an interesting article about the latest complete Gold Content Table that you can read in full at the Crypto Academy at INDODAX Academy. In conclusion, determining the right gold carat is very important to meet your needs, both for investment and for jewelry.

 

24 karat gold offers the highest purity and is perfect for investment because its value tends to be stable and easy to resell.

 

22 karat gold provides a balance between purity and durability, ideal for jewelry that is often used.

 

On the other hand, 18 karat gold is a popular choice for those looking for strong and durable jewelry, without sacrificing beauty and shine.

 

When investing, choose 24 karat gold bars or coins to maximize the value of your investment.

 

For jewelry purchases, consider 18 or 22 karat gold to get products that are both aesthetic and practical. By understanding the various types of carats and needs, you can make better and more satisfying decisions.

 

FAQ

 

1.What is gold carat and how do you measure it?

Answer: Gold carat is a unit that indicates the level of purity of gold. One carat of gold is equal to 1/24 of the total gold mixture. To measure purity, use the formula: Gold purity = (Number of parts gold / 24) × 100%.

 

2. What is the percentage purity of 18 karat gold?

Answer: 18 karat gold has a purity of 75%. This is calculated by the formula: (18 / 24) × 100% = 75%.

 

3.Why is 24 karat gold rarely used for jewelry?

Answer: 24 karat gold is rarely used for jewelry because it is too soft and easily deformed. Gold with a content of 22 or 18 karat is more commonly used because it is more durable and suitable for jewelry.

 

4.What is the main difference between investment gold and jewelry gold?

Answer: Investment gold usually uses 24 karat because of its high purity, while jewelry gold generally uses 22 or 18 karat for better strength and durability. Jewelry gold also often experiences a reduction in manufacturing costs.

 

5.What are the BSN and SNI 8880:2020 standards in gold measurement?

Answer: BSN (National Standardization Agency) sets gold content quality standards according to SNI 8880:2020, which regulates the percentage of gold purity in various types of carats to ensure consistency and accuracy in gold assessment.