When you want to sell gold jewelry, one question always comes up: is it really gold, and what is its karat?
Identifying the purity of your jewelry is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises and get the best price when selling.
In this clear and simple guide, discover how to recognize real gold and easily understand the different karats used in Belgium.
What is gold carat?
The karat (K) indicates the proportion of pure gold contained in a piece of jewelry.
Pure gold = 24 karats.
The higher the number of karats, the more gold the jewelry contains.
Here are the most common carats:
- 9K → 37.5% pure gold (marked 375)
- 14K → 58.5% pure gold (marked 585)
- 18K → 75% pure gold (marked 750) — the most common in Belgium
- 24K → pure gold (marked 999), too malleable for everyday jewelry
How to recognize real gold? 5 simple and reliable methods
Check the hallmarks (the most reliable method)
Each piece of solid gold jewelry bears an official hallmark indicating its karat:
- 375 → 9K gold
- 585 → 14K gold
- 750 → 18K gold
- 916 → 22K gold
- 999 → 24K gold
There are also symbols:
- eagle head → 18K
- balance → 14K
- shell → 9K
First step: check the hallmarks, often found near the clasp or inside the ring.
Testing gold with a magnet
Gold is not magnetic.
If your jewelry is attracted to a strong magnet, it is not solid gold, but a metal containing many alloys.
Observe the color of the metal
The color can give you a first clue:
- 18K → warm, uniform yellow
- 14K → slightly less intense yellow
- 9K → paler color, sometimes pink/coppery
- 24K → very bright yellow, almost orange
To be used as a simple reference, never as evidence.
Check the jewelry for wear and tear
If a silver or copper color appears under the gold layer:
It is not solid gold, but gold-plated.
Have your gold tested by an expert
For a 100% reliable answer, it is best to consult a professional.
An expert uses:
- a touchstone,
- test acids,
- a spectrometer (precise metal analysis).
This is the most reliable method for determining the exact carat weight.
Why does purity affect the price?
The more pure gold a piece of jewelry contains, the higher its value.
| Carat | % pure gold | Value |
| 9K | 37,5 % | € |
| 14K | 58,5 % | €€ |
| 18K | 75 % | €€€ |
| 24K | 99,9 % | €€€€ |
Would you like to know the real value of your gold jewelry?
Our experts perform:
- a detailed analysis of your jewelry
- a free, no-obligation estimate
- prompt payment at the best price of the day
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