Purity of Gold

Gold is considered a noble metal because it does not easily react with other elements and is found in nature in its pure elemental form.

• 24-carat gold is gold that is 100% pure. It means there are no other metals mixed with it. It is the most expensive because it is the purest form of gold. 
• 22-carat gold is less expensive than 24-carat gold because it is mixed with other metals. 22-carat gold means the gold is 91.67% pure, with the remaining 8.33% being copper or silver. 
• The added metals make the gold harder and more suitable for everyday use.
• The amount of copper or silver mixed with gold affects its colour and durability.

For example, more copper gives gold a reddish tint, while more silver gives it a whitish hue. The purity of gold in jewellery is measured in carats, which explains why gold rates differ. Jewellery made from higher-carat gold will be more expensive.