Key takeaway:Â Carat, in the context of gold purity, measures how much pure gold is in an alloy on a scale of 24 parts. Pure gold is 24 carat, while 18 carat is 18 parts gold to 6 parts other metals. The higher the carat, the more gold, and the more the piece is worth.
If you have inherited a ring, cleared out a jewellery box or are thinking about selling gold for the first time, the word “carat” is usually where the confusion starts. It is one of the most misunderstood terms in the gold trade, partly because the same-sounding word is used for two completely different things. Understanding what carat really means is the single best way to know what your gold is actually worth before you walk into any buyer in Johannesburg.
At The Gold Avenue in Illovo, Sandton, we test and weigh gold every day, and we explain the carat of each piece openly to the people we buy from. This guide breaks down the basics in plain terms so you can sell with confidence.
Carat Versus Karat: Two Different Measurements
The first thing to clear up is that “carat” and “karat” are not the same thing, even though they are often spelled interchangeably in South Africa and across the Commonwealth.
- Carat (purity):Â When applied to gold, carat describes purity, expressed out of 24. This tells you how much of a piece is actually gold.
- Carat (weight):Â When applied to diamonds and other gemstones, carat is a unit of weight. One carat equals 0.2 grams, or 200 milligrams.
In many countries, the purity measurement is spelled “karat” with a K to keep the two ideas separate, while “carat” with a C is reserved for gemstone weight. In South African and British English, you will often see “carat” used for both. The meaning depends entirely on whether you are talking about a gold alloy or a gemstone. For the rest of this article, when we say carat, we mean gold purity.
How the Carat Scale Works
Pure gold is soft. Too soft, in fact, to hold the shape of a ring or the clasp of a bracelet through years of daily wear. To make jewellery durable, goldsmiths mix pure gold with other metals such as copper, silver, zinc or palladium. These mixtures are called alloys.
The carat scale measures gold purity in 24 parts. Think of it as 24 slices of a bar. If all 24 slices are gold, the piece is 24 carat. If 18 of the 24 slices are gold and the other 6 are alloy metals, the piece is 18 carat.
So the carat number simply tells you the ratio of pure gold to everything else. The higher the carat, the higher the gold content, and the closer the metal sits to its pure form.
The Common Gold Carats and What They Mean
You will come across a handful of standard carats in South African jewellery and coins. Here is how they break down by purity.
- 24 carat:Â Pure gold, close to 99.9 percent. This is the form gold takes in bullion and many investment coins. It is bright yellow and very soft, which is why it is rarely used for everyday jewellery.
- 22 carat:Â Roughly 91.7 percent gold. Common in coins and in traditional jewellery, prized for its rich colour.
- 18 carat:Â 75 percent gold. A popular choice for fine jewellery because it balances a strong gold content with good durability.
- 14 carat:Â Around 58.3 percent gold. Harder wearing and widely used in rings and chains.
- 9 carat:Â 37.5 percent gold. The most common carat for affordable jewellery in South Africa and the United Kingdom, with under half its weight in gold.
The pattern is straightforward. Divide the carat number by 24 and you have the proportion of pure gold. For example, 18 divided by 24 gives 0.75, or 75 percent.
How to Find the Carat of Your Gold
Most gold jewellery carries a small stamp, known as a hallmark, that indicates its purity. It is usually tucked away on the inside of a ring band, on the clasp of a necklace or bracelet, or on the post of an earring. You may need a magnifying glass to read it.
Hallmarks appear in two main styles:
- Carat marks:Â A number followed by a K, ct or simply the figure, such as 18K, 14ct or 9.
- Fineness marks:Â A three-digit number that shows purity in parts per thousand. So 750 means 75 percent gold (18 carat), 585 means 58.5 percent (14 carat), and 375 means 37.5 percent (9 carat).
A word of caution. Stamps can wear away over time, and not every piece is marked, especially older or handmade items. A stamp on its own is also not proof of content, since markings can be forged. That is why any reputable buyer will test the gold rather than rely on the stamp alone.
Why Carat Matters When You Sell
When you sell gold, the carat is one of two numbers that decide your offer. The other is weight. Together they tell a buyer how much actual pure gold sits inside your piece.
Here is the logic. Two chains can weigh exactly the same, but if one is 18 carat and the other is 9 carat, the 18 carat chain contains roughly twice the pure gold. It will be worth considerably more, even though the scale reads the same for both.
The value of that pure gold content is then calculated against the live gold price, which moves throughout each trading day on the international market. A trustworthy buyer prices your gold transparently on the current spot price, the carat and the weight, with no guesswork and no pressure.
How The Gold Avenue Values and Buys Your Gold
At The Gold Avenue, we have built our reputation in Illovo and across greater Johannesburg on being open about exactly how we arrive at an offer. There are no hidden steps and no jargon designed to confuse you. Our process is simple.
- Get in touch. Contact our team by phone, WhatsApp or online chat to ask a question or arrange a time.
- Book a valuation. Bring your gold to our premises at Illovo Point in Sandton for an in-person assessment.
- Receive your offer. We weigh and test each item to confirm its carat, then price it on the live gold price and condition, and explain every figure to you.
- Get paid the same day. Accept the offer and receive payment by cash or EFT on the spot.
Because we work with an international dealer network, particularly in the UAE, we are able to pay local sellers competitively for their gold, coins and jewellery. Whether you have a single Krugerrand, a drawer of old jewellery or a luxury watch, you are welcome to visit us for an honest, no-obligation valuation.
The Gold Avenue
Illovo Point, 68 Melville Road, Illovo, Sandton, 2196
Phone:Â 010 109 0080
WhatsApp:Â 076 393 5429
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 24 carat gold better than 9 carat for selling?
For selling, 24 carat contains far more pure gold per gram than 9 carat, so gram for gram it is worth more. That said, the total value of your piece depends on both its carat and its weight, so a heavy 9 carat item can still fetch a meaningful offer.
What is the difference between carat and karat?
In gold, carat and karat both describe purity out of 24, and the two spellings are often used interchangeably in South Africa. The only time carat means something different is with diamonds and gemstones, where it is a unit of weight equal to 0.2 grams.
Can I sell gold that has no hallmark?
Yes. Many older or handmade pieces carry no stamp, and a missing hallmark does not mean your gold has no value. We test every item we buy to confirm its carat, so an unmarked piece is valued just as fairly as a stamped one.
How do you decide what to pay for my gold?
We weigh and test your item to establish its carat and gold content, then price it against the live international gold price along with its condition. We explain each part of the calculation before you decide whether to accept.
Learn More
At The Gold Avenue, we simplify the process of selling your valuable assets. From luxury watches and Krugerrands to gold, diamond jewellery, and more, we offer fast, safe, and convenient buying services, coupled with an enjoyable experience. We stand by our promise to provide the best price for your items.
Krugerrands: Sell your Krugerrands swiftly and securely.
Gold Jewellery: Turn your gold jewellery into instant cash.
Gold Coins: Get the best price for your gold coins.
Diamonds: Exchange your diamonds for a competitive price.
Watches: Luxury watches like Rolex and others are welcome.
In need of a cash loan? We’ve got you covered.
Selling to The Gold Avenue is simple:
Contact Our Team: Reach out to our team via call, WhatsApp, or online chat. Describe the luxury items you want to sell.
Book an Appointment: Set a valuation appointment at a time convenient to you. Our safe and secure premises are located in Johannesburg.
Get an Offer: Our expert team will provide a quick and fair valuation. We’re committed to long-term relationships, guaranteeing the best price.
Money in Your Bank: We offer immediate payments, directly into your bank account, either through cash or EFT.
Ready to start selling? Book an Appointment
Trent Saldsman is the owner and managing director of The Gold Avenue, the luxury watch, gold and diamond exchange he built in Illovo, Sandton, and a nominee for the Eric Ellerine Entrepreneur Award in 2024. He founded The Gold Avenue to offer a transparent, five-star alternative to the traditional pawn-and-gold-buying trade, and works with an international dealer network, particularly in the UAE, to pay local sellers more competitively for their gold, diamonds and watches.