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Gold grade

Gold grade

When buying vintage jewellery, it's essential to pay attention to the gold grade. This is important for both collectors and beginners, as it provides insight into the value and quality of a piece. In this blog, we will discuss what gold grade means, how it is measured, and how to recognize valuable pieces.

What is gold grade?


Gold grade, expressed in carats, indicates how much pure gold a piece of jewelry contains. Pure gold (24 carat) is 100% gold but is too soft for daily use. To make it stronger, other metals such as copper, silver, or nickel are added, which lowers the carat content.

  • 24 carat (24k): 100% pure gold
  • 18 carat (18k): 75% gold and 25% other metals
  • 14 carat (14k): 58.8% gold and 41.2% other metals
  • 10 carat (10k): 41.7% gold and 58.3% other metals

Why is gold grade important?


Gold grade not only determines the value but also the durability and appearance of a piece of jewelry. This is especially relevant when it comes to vintage jewellery.

  • Value: The higher the carat grade, the more valuable the piece. For example, an 18k piece is worth significantly more than a 10k piece.
  • Durability: Lower carat gold contains more other metals, making the jewellery harder and more resistant to wear. This is ideal for pieces worn daily, such as rings.
  • Appearance: The carat grade affects the color. Higher carat gold has a rich, deep color, while lower carat gold may have a lighter or more silver-like hue.

How to recognize gold grade


When it comes to vintage jewellery, it's crucial to know how to identify the gold grade. Here are some methods:

  • Stamps and markings: Most gold jewellery will have a marking, such as ‘18K’ or ‘750’ (which corresponds to 75% gold). Older pieces may have faded markings.
  • Acid test: A professional test where a scratch is made on a test stone, and the gold is tested with acid to see how it reacts.
  • Magnetic test: Since gold is not magnetic, a magnet test can help. However, some alloys are also non-magnetic, so this test is not always conclusive.
  • Professional appraisal: A jeweler can confirm the authenticity and gold grade using expertise and specialized equipment.

Value of vintage jewellery


When it comes to antique or vintage jewellery, the gold grade often plays a major role in determining its value.

  • Antique jewellery: These often contain higher carat gold, such as 18k or 22k, which was more common in the past. While the higher gold grade increases the value, it also makes the jewellery more susceptible to damage.
  • Vintage jewellery: These pieces can have a wide range of carat grade, depending on the style and time period they were made. It’s important to inspect each piece carefully, as the composition can vary significantly.


Gold grade plays a key role in the purchase of vintage jewellery. It affects the value, durability, and appearance of a piece. Gold is measured in carats, with 24 carat being the purest, and lower carat gold being stronger due to the addition of other metals. When buying vintage jewellery, it’s important to check the gold grade through stamps, tests, or a professional evaluation. Choose a gold grade that fits your preferences, and always buy from a reliable seller. Additionally, buying vintage jewellery supports a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious choice.

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