When choosing gold jewelry or investing in gold, one of the most important questions is what gold purity is best? This decision depends on your goals, budget, and personal needs. In this article, we will discuss the different gold purity grades in detail, along with their advantages and disadvantages, so that you can make the best decision.
What is gold fineness?
The fineness of gold indicates the amount of pure gold in an alloy, expressed in karats (K) or parts per thousand. Pure gold is 24 karats (99.999 fineness, also known as “six nines” (6 nines)), but it is too soft for practical use, so gold alloys with other metals are used to make jewelry.
The most popular gold grades
585 fineness (14K gold) – most popular in Europe
In Europe, the most popular gold standard is 585 (14K)., which consists of 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% other metal alloys. This fineness has become the standard due to its excellent balance of strength and brilliance.
Advantages of 585 hallmark:
- Excellent strength-to-resistance ratio
- Maintains gold color and shine
- Suitable for everyday wear
- Optimal price-quality ratio
- Less prone to deformation than higher grades
Disadvantages:
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
- Slightly lower gold content than higher grades
750 fineness (18K gold)
750 fineness consists of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. This is a prestigious fineness, often used in the production of expensive, high-class (High jewelry) jewelry.
Advantages:
- Large amount of pure gold
- Impressive shine and rich color
- Prestige and higher value
Disadvantages:
- Softer than 585
- Higher price
- Requires more careful behavior
375 fineness (9K gold)
375 fineness is 37.5% of pure gold. It is the most economical gold fineness, popular in budget jewelry.
Advantages:
- Lowest price
- Extremely strong and durable
- Suitable for everyday wear
Disadvantages:
- Minimum amount of gold
- May darken over time
- More often causes allergies
999 fineness (24K gold) – investment gold
Almost pure gold, used for investment coins and bars.
Advantages:
- The largest amount of gold
- Retains value
- A great investment decision
- Hypoallergenic
Disadvantages:
- Too soft for jewelry
- Easily deformed
- High price
Gold fineness comparison table
| Gold Fineness | Carats | Gold % | Suitability for jewelry | Price | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 375 | 9K | 37,5% | Good | Low | High |
| 585 | 14K | 58,5% | Excellent | Medium | High |
| 750 | 18K | 75% | Very good | High | Average |
| 999 | 24K | 99,9% | Inappropriate | Very high | Low |
How to identify the gold standard?
Visual inspection
- Labeling: look for the hallmark on the jewelry (585, 14K, 750, 18K)
- Color: higher purity gold has a richer gold color
- Gloss: quality gold retains its shine
Professional methods
- Testing gold with concentrated acid: accurately determines the fineness
- Electronic testers: fast and reliable way
- Expert assessment: the most reliable method
Magnet test
Gold is not magnetic, so if the jewelry sticks to a magnet, it is definitely not made of gold.
Which gold standard should I choose?
For everyday jewelry
585 standard (14K) – an ideal choice for everyday wear. It is strong enough, durable and maintains its beautiful appearance.
For special occasions
750 fineness (18K) – a great choice for important events, wedding rings or expensive gifts.
For a budget decision
375 fineness (9K) – an economical option suitable for those who want gold jewelry at an affordable price.
For investments
999 fineness (24K) – the best choice for investing in gold coins or gold bars.
Gold color options
The color of gold depends not only on the fineness, but also on the metals used in the alloys:
- Yellow gold: classic, with copper and silver impurities
- White gold: with palladium or nickel, elegant and modern
- Pink gold: with copper impurities, romantic and warm color
Gold jewelry care
Regardless of the chosen fineness, proper care will ensure the longevity of your jewelry:
- Regular cleaning soft cloth, napkin, microfiber cloth
- Storage in individual boxes or bags
- Avoiding chemicals contact
- Professional cleaning once a year
Aspects of investment gold
If you are considering gold as an investment:
- Investment gold coinsos – usually 999-900 fineness
- Gold bars – standard 999 fineness
- Collectible gold – there may be various assays
When investing, it is important to consider gold purity certificates and buy from trusted sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What gold purity is best for jewelry?
585 (14K) is considered optimal for everyday jewelry due to its excellent balance of strength and beauty. It is the most popular in Europe and Lithuania.
Is 585 fine gold good?
Yes, 585 is a great choice. Jewelry of this grade contains 58.5% pure gold, making it durable enough for everyday wear and maintaining a beautiful shine.
What is the difference between 585 and 750 gold fineness?
750 fineness contains more pure gold (75% and 58.5%), making it more expensive and having a richer color, but 585 fineness is stronger and more practical.
Can I wear 585 sterling silver jewelry every day?
Yes, 585 sterling silver is perfect for everyday wear. It is strong enough and resistant to mechanical stress.
How to distinguish real gold from fake?
Look for the hallmark, perform a magnet test (gold is non-magnetic), observe the color and luster. For an accurate determination, consult a jeweler.
Is 375 fine gold real?
Yes, 375 fine gold is real gold, containing 37.51% pure gold. This is the lowest fineness of gold recognized in Europe.
How much does gold of different purity cost?
The price depends on the gold exchange price and fineness. Usually: 375 < 585 < 750 < 999 fineness. For exact prices, contact gold sellers.
Conclusion
When answering the question "what gold purity is best", you need to consider your needs. 585 (14K) is the most popular – it offers the perfect balance of strength, beauty and price. This explains why it is the most popular in Europe.
If you are looking for everyday jewelry, choose 585 gold. For expensive events or gifts, you can choose 750 gold. For a budget solution, choose 375 gold, and for investments, choose 999 gold.
Remember, the best gold grade is the one that suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle. When buying gold jewelry, always ask for quality certificates and choose trusted sellers.