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Understanding Karats

Understanding Karats: What They Mean and Why They Matter

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When it comes to selling gold, one of the first questions you’ll hear is, “What karat is it?”
It sounds simple, but karats are one of the most important factors in determining how much your gold is worth.

Let’s break it down simply, clearly, and without the confusion.

What “Karat” Really Means

A karat measures how pure your gold is.

  • 24K gold is pure gold, 100%.
  • 18K gold is 75% gold mixed with other metals for strength.
  • 14K gold is 58.3% gold.
  • 10K gold is about 41.7% gold, and the rest is made of alloy metals like copper or silver.

That means two identical-looking rings can have very different values, depending on their karat.

Why Jewelers Mix Gold With Other Metals

Pure gold is beautiful but too soft for daily wear. Mixing it with other metals makes it durable and allows it to take on a range of colors, like white gold or rose gold.

So while 24K sounds ideal, most fine jewelry is 14K or 18K, balancing beauty, durability, and value.

How Karats Affect Your Offer

At GoldWiser, every piece is tested with precision equipment to determine its karat before we calculate its value.
You might be surprised to learn that even a slight difference in karat can affect your final offer significantly.

For example, two identical bracelets—one 14K, one 18K—won’t yield the same payout because the gold content isn’t the same.

The Bottom Line

Understanding karats helps you sell smarter. When you know what you have, you can make informed decisions, and that’s precisely what we want for our customers.

At GoldWiser, we test your gold in front of you and explain every step, so you know exactly what you’re selling and why it’s worth what it is.

📍 Visit GoldWiser Today
The Woodlands — 24910 Kuykendahl Rd, The Woodlands, TX 77375
Conroe — 1235 N Loop 336 W, Conroe, TX 77301
Spring — 1122 Spring Cypress Rd, Spring, TX 77373
📞 (713) 568-2468 | 🌐 goldwiser.com

 

How to tell if your gold is fake or real

How to Tell if Your Gold Is Real — A Beginner’s Guide

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How to Test if Gold Is Real at Home (And When to See a Professional)

Not All That Glitters Is Gold

With so many gold-plated, filled, and imitation pieces out there, it can be tricky to know whether what you have is real gold. Before you toss old jewelry into a drawer or, worse, sell it for less than it’s worth, take a few minutes to learn how to spot genuine gold.

Simple Ways to Test at Home

While professional testing at GoldWiser is always free and accurate, there are a few easy methods you can try first:

  • Look for Hallmarks: Check the inside of rings or clasps for marks like 10K, 14K, 18K, or 24K. You might also see “GF” (gold-filled) or “GP” (gold-plated).
  • The Magnet Test: Real gold isn’t magnetic. If your piece sticks to a magnet, it likely contains other metals.
  • The Skin Test: Wear the jewelry for a bit, real gold doesn’t discolor your skin.
  • The Float Test: Drop it gently into water. Real gold is dense and should sink right away.

When to Get a Professional Test

These home tests can give you clues, but they’re not foolproof. Only a professional appraisal can confirm exact purity and weight and that’s what determines your payout.

At GoldWiser, our team uses state-of-the-art testing tools to ensure your gold’s true value is revealed and that you get paid what it’s really worth.

Get Paid for What’s Real

Don’t rely on guesswork or outdated methods. Bring your gold to any GoldWiser location for a free, accurate evaluation. You’ll know instantly what’s real, what’s not, and how much your items are worth.

Visit us today:

The Woodlands – 24910 Kuykendahl Rd, The Woodlands, TX 77375
Conroe – 1235 N Loop 336 W, Conroe, TX 77301
Spring – 1122 Spring Cypress Rd, Spring, TX 77373


📞 (713) 568-2468 | 🌐 goldwiser.com

 

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