Gold’s purity is measured in karats, which indicate how much gold is present in a piece of jewelry out of 24 parts. The most common karat values are:

• 24k: Pure gold (100% gold). It has a deep yellow hue but is soft and more prone to scratching.
• 18k: 75% gold mixed with other metals like silver or copper. It’s a great balance of durability and rich color, making it ideal for fine jewelry.
• 14k: 58.3% gold, with increased hardness and resistance to wear, making it popular for everyday jewelry.
• 10k: 41.7% gold, the lowest karat legally sold as gold in many countries, offering excellent durability but a lighter yellow tone.

Pure gold is very soft and easily bent or scratched. To make gold jewelry more durable and wearable, it’s alloyed with other metals such as silver, copper, or platinum. This process also changes its color, creating variations like white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold.

• Yellow Gold: Classic gold color, achieved by mixing pure gold with copper and silver.
• White Gold: Has a silvery appearance, created by combining gold with metals like palladium and nickel. Usually plated with rhodium for extra shine.
• Rose Gold: A warm pinkish hue, formed by blending gold with a higher percentage of copper.

Gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold on top of a base metal like brass or stainless steel. While more affordable, it may wear off over time, exposing the metal beneath. It's a great option for trendy or occasional pieces, but if you want longevity, consider solid gold or gold-filled jewelry.

When buying gold jewelry, look for a hallmark or stamp that indicates its karat value, such as "18k" or "750" (which means 75% pure gold). This ensures that the gold content is genuine and verified.

Gold’s value is determined by its purity and weight. The higher the karat and the heavier the piece, the more valuable it is. However, design, craftsmanship, and brand also play a significant role in the final price.