Gold Valuation
Purity is one of the biggest factors in how much a piece of gold jewellery is worth — and it's often misunderstood. Here's a straightforward explanation of what karat purity actually means for value.
What karat purity means
24K gold is considered 999 fine — essentially pure gold. 22K gold is about 91.6% pure, and 18K gold is 75% pure, with the remainder made up of other metals like copper or silver that add strength. Since jewellery needs to hold its shape and withstand daily wear, most gold jewellery is made in 22K or 18K rather than 24K.
Why this changes the value
Because value is calculated based on the actual gold content, a 22K piece will be valued differently from an 18K piece of the same weight — even though both are genuinely gold. This is normal and expected; it simply reflects how much pure gold is actually present.
Checking your own jewellery
Many pieces are hallmarked with their purity, but a professional purity check remains the most reliable way to confirm it before a valuation. Our team can walk you through how the estimated value changes across 24K, 22K and 18K for a given weight when you request a valuation.