GUIDES
Jewelry purity and karat recycle gaps
Searches for jewelry purity or karat recycle usually need the mapping first: millesimal marks (999.9, 916, 750, 585) versus karats (24K, 22K, 18K, 14K), and why same-weight karat pieces often pay less than “theoretical buy × purity.” This page explains methods and gaps; run numbers on the recycling page. Results are still not a dealer bid.
Gold price guidesJewelry purity and karat recycle gaps
Millesimal marks vs karats
Common pairs (approx.): 24K ≈ 999.9 fine; 22K ≈ 916 (~91.6%); 18K ≈ 750 (75%); 14K ≈ 585 (~58.5%). Karat ÷ 24 estimates gold fraction (18 ÷ 24 = 0.75). Stamps may say 9999, 916, 750, 18K, 14K — treat them as clues; shops still assay.
Traditional Taiwan jewelry often uses 999.9 or 916; imported design pieces lean 18K/14K. Bars and jewelry with the same stamp can still settle differently because of solder, findings and stone removal.
Why karat recycle trails the ratio
Our recycle math is theoretical buy × purity × weight — fine-gold content only. It excludes testing, melt loss, refining and fees. High-purity jewelry fits that frame better; karat alloys often need extra refining or sorting, and shops may deduct solder, plating, gems and non-gold weight.
So an 18K piece is ~75% gold by mass in theory, yet cash received can be lower still; 14K is thinner and often has larger deductions. White or rose gold is still priced mainly on gold content, not alloy color. Do not expect sell-side making charges to reverse into recycle premiums.
Using this site’s calculator without misreading it
On the recycling page pick 999.9 / 916 / 750 or enter a custom purity (e.g. ~58.5 for 14K). Choose gram or qian. Treat the result as a band for spotting outliers, not a guaranteed trade. See the estimate guide for the formula and the process guide before you visit a shop.
If stamps are unclear or stones are set, assume re-assay and non-gold deductions. Market news can frame gold moves; it cannot invent a shop’s karat buy rules.
Related quote pages
Karat and millesimal pairs are common-mark explanations. Estimates are theoretical fine-gold content only — no testing, loss, refining or fees, and not a dealer bid. No Product/Offer. Not investment advice.
Purity and karat FAQ
Are 18K and 750 the same?
Roughly yes: 18K ≈ 75% gold, often stamped 750. Assays still win; solder and findings can pull recoverable gold lower.
Why is the estimate far from a shop bid?
Estimates omit testing, loss, refining and fees and are not a board price. Karat pieces often face extra alloy and non-gold deductions. Confirm weight, purity and fees in store.
Can I model 14K / 585 here?
Yes — use custom purity ≈ 58.5% on the recycling page. It remains a theoretical reference, not a buy board.
Jewelry vs bars at the same stamp?
Bars are usually simpler. Jewelry adds solder, clasps, settings and melt loss, so cash can trail a pure ratio even at 999.9 / 916.