When you bring gold to sell in Markham, the first question we ask is: what karat is it? That single number — 10K, 14K, 18K — determines a large portion of what you're paid. Yet most people have no idea what it means.
This guide explains gold karats clearly, shows you how to find the stamp on your jewellery, and includes a real example of how we calculate payouts at Nawaz Jewellers — Markham's #1 gold buyer.
What Is a Karat?
A karat (abbreviated K or KT) is a unit of measurement for gold purity. It tells you what fraction of an item is pure gold — out of a possible 24 parts. So:
THE FORMULA
Karat ÷ 24 = % pure gold
Example: 18K ÷ 24 = 0.75 = 75% pure gold
The remaining percentage is made up of other metals like silver, copper, palladium, or zinc. These alloys make gold harder, change its colour (rose gold = copper alloy; white gold = silver/palladium alloy), and affect its durability.
Every Gold Karat — Explained
Most common in Canadian & American jewellery. Very durable. Great everyday jewellery karat.
💡 Every 10K gold ring contains less than half gold by weight. Despite this, it still has significant real value.
Most popular karat for rings, necklaces, and earrings in North America. Balances durability and gold content.
💡 About 90% of all gold jewellery sold in Canada is 14K. If you have old jewellery, chances are it's 14K.
Popular in European and luxury jewellery. Richer gold colour, slightly softer than 14K.
💡 Much Italian, French, and Swiss jewellery is 18K. Designer pieces like Cartier and Tiffany often use 18K.
Common in Indian, Middle Eastern, and South Asian bridal jewellery. Deep yellow colour.
💡 South Asian wedding jewellery is almost always 22K. If you have gold from a South Asian wedding, expect a premium payout.
Pure investment gold. Used for coins (Maple Leaf), bars (PAMP, RCM), and bullion.
💡 24K gold is too soft for wearable jewellery. It is exclusively used as an investment vehicle and commands the highest price per gram.
How to Find the Karat Stamp on Your Jewellery
Every piece of legitimate gold jewellery is stamped with its karat. The stamp is usually tiny — you may need a magnifying glass or reading glasses. Here's where to look:
Rings
Inside the band
Necklaces & Chains
On the clasp, or a small tag near the clasp
Bracelets
On the clasp or the inside surface
Earrings
On the post or the back finding
Pendants
On the bail (the loop at the top) or the back
Coins & Bars
Stamped prominently on the face — 999, 9999, FINE GOLD
Can't find a stamp?
Don't worry. Many older pieces, especially antique or handmade jewellery, have worn-off stamps. Items from certain countries may use different marking systems. At Nawaz Jewellers, we test every item professionally using acid testing or electronic XRF equipment — completely free, no obligation.
How Karats Affect Your Payout — A Real Example
Let's say the gold spot price today is $4,500 CAD per troy ounce (hypothetical — check the live price at nawazjewellers.com/prices). You have a ring that weighs 5 grams. Here's what each karat would be worth:
| Karat | Purity | Price/gram | 5g Ring Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10K | 41.7% | $60.40/g | ~$302 |
| 14K | 58.3% | $84.48/g | ~$422 |
| 18K | 75.0% | $108.60/g | ~$543 |
| 22K | 91.7% | $132.73/g | ~$664 |
| 24K | 99.9% | $144.69/g | ~$723 |
* Example based on $4,500 CAD/troy oz spot price. Actual payout = a percentage of melt value. Nawaz Jewellers pays the highest percentage in Markham. Check today's live price at nawazjewellers.com/prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 14K gold mean?
14K gold is 58.3% pure gold (14 out of 24 parts). It's the most popular karat in Canadian jewellery because it balances durability with gold content.
Is 10K gold worth selling in Markham?
Absolutely. 10K gold (41.7% pure) is still real gold with real value. Nawaz Jewellers buys 10K gold at competitive prices based on the live spot price.
How do I identify the karat of my gold?
Look for stamps like 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K, or numeric equivalents (417, 585, 750, 916, 999). If you can't find one, we test it for free.
What's the difference between 18K and 24K gold?
18K is 75% pure gold (jewellery-grade). 24K is 99.9% pure (investment-grade coins and bars). 24K commands the highest payout per gram.
What does 925 mean on jewellery?
925 is the stamp for sterling silver (92.5% silver), not gold. We also buy sterling silver at great prices.
Know Your Karat — Now Get The Best Price
Nawaz Jewellers in Markham pays the highest price for every karat — 10K through 24K. Walk in for a free appraisal and instant cash.