If you are thinking about selling your scrap gold, one of the most important factors directly affecting the value of it, is its purity. Many people own gold jewellery or items without fully understanding what the numbers stamped on them mean. Here at Devon Gold, we believe that informed customers are confident customers. Understanding gold purity helps you know exactly what you have, and that receive a fair valuation.

Gold purity refers to how much pure gold is contained in an item. Pure gold is naturally very soft, so it is usually mixed with other metals such as silver or copper to make it more durable. The amount of pure gold in an item is measured in carats (k). Pure gold is classed as 24 carats, meaning it is 100% gold. Most jewellery, however, is made from lower carat gold to improve strength.

9k Gold

9k gold is one of the most common types of gold used in jewellery in the UK. It contains 37.5% of pure gold, with the remaining 62.5% made up of other metals. You will often see this marked as ‘375’ on jewellery. Because it contains less pure gold, 9k gold is generally more affordable and more durable, making it popular for everyday jewellery. However, when selling scrap gold, 9k items are often worth less per gram than higher purity gold.

14k Gold

14k gold contains 58.5% pure gold and is often stamped with ‘585’. While less common in the UK, 14k gold is popular in other parts of the world, such as Europe and the US. 14k gold offers a balance between durability and value. It is more valuable than 9k gold but stronger than higher purity gold.

18k Gold

18k gold contains 75% pure gold and is usually marked with ‘750’. This higher gold content gives it a richer colour and a much greater value. 18k gold is commonly used in fine jewellery and luxury pieces. Due to its higher purity, 18k gold is worth significantly more per gram than 9k or 14k gold when sold as scrap. However, it is also softer, which is why it is often used in special or occasional-wear jewellery, and is not worn regularly.

In short, when selling scrap gold, purity directly affects how much money you get for it. Higher carat gold contains more pure gold and therefore commands a higher price (such as 18k). The weight of a piece can also play a role, but purity is the biggest factor when  determining overall value.

Here at Devon Gold, we assess every item carefully, explaining its purity and how this an contribute to the final valuation of your pieces. We are proud to offer some of the best prices in the South West and across the UK through our online service.

Whether you have 9k, 14k, or 18k gold, understanding purity helps you make informed decisions. If you have unwanted or broken gold jewellery, sell these pieces to us at Devon Gold for some extra cash today!