Karat gold: what 10K, 14K, 18K, and 24K marks tell you
Why the karat should come right before the word "gold".
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It does not change our guidance. Affiliate Disclosure
The word "gold" alone
Section 23.3 says the word "gold", without qualification, should describe only a product composed throughout of fine (24 karat) gold.
Karat before the word
For a gold alloy, the Guides say a correct karat designation should come immediately before the word, with at least equal conspicuousness. Their examples include "14 Karat Gold", "14 K. Gold", "14 Kt. Gold", and "9 Karat Gold". A karat mark may also stand alone, such as "14 Karat" or "14 K."
Hollow pieces
A note to section 23.3(c)(1) says a karat gold piece with a hollow center should say so next to the word, for example "14 Karat Gold-Hollow Center", and should not be described as "solid".
Plated and coated pieces
Section 23.3 says a product that is only surface-plated or coated with a gold alloy should be described in a way that shows it is only plated. Our gold-filled, gold plate, and vermeil guide covers those terms.
Stamping tolerance
A footnote to section 23.3 says that under the National Stamping Act, karat gold articles or parts that contain no solder have a permissible tolerance of three parts per thousand, and seven parts per thousand if the part tested contains solder. The Act itself is 15 U.S.C. 295.
Corrosion words
Section 23.11 lists 10 karat and finer gold alloys among the metals that may be considered corrosion and rust resistant.
FAQ
General information only. We are not a jeweler, appraiser, or gemological lab, and we do not grade, appraise, or verify any stone or metal. Before you buy, read the seller's full description, including whether a diamond is mined or laboratory-grown, any treatment, the metal's karat or fineness, and the weight, and check any grading report with the lab that issued it.
Next: gold-filled and vermeil
Layers, and how each is named.
