Gold carats and colours
9ct to 24ct, yellow, white and rose gold, and how scrap value is worked out.
Typical UK second-hand price
Second-hand gold sells at or above scrap; scrap ≈ weight × purity × daily gold price
Carat purity
| Carat | Hallmark | Gold content | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9ct | 375 | 37.5% | Most common UK carat, hard-wearing |
| 14ct | 585 | 58.5% | Common in US and European pieces |
| 18ct | 750 | 75% | Fine jewellery standard |
| 22ct | 916 | 91.6% | Rich colour, softer; wedding bands and Asian jewellery |
| 24ct | 999 | 99.9% | Bullion; too soft for most jewellery |
Colours
- Yellow gold — gold alloyed with silver and copper.
- White gold — alloyed with palladium or nickel, usually rhodium plated; re-plating every 1–2 years keeps it bright.
- Rose gold — more copper; durable and warm-toned.
Working out scrap value
Multiply the weight in grams by the purity (e.g. 0.375 for 9ct) and by the daily price per gram of fine gold. Dealers pay a percentage of this figure.
Before you buy
- Check the hallmark with a loupe.
- Weigh pieces yourself on accurate scales.
- Have any high-value piece checked by an independent valuer or jeweller before paying. JewelleryTrader does not authenticate items.
Frequently asked questions
Is 9ct gold real gold?
Yes — it is 37.5% pure gold, legally hallmarked as gold in the UK.
Why is my white gold turning yellow?
The rhodium plating has worn off. A jeweller can re-plate it cheaply.
More gold, platinum & silver guides
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