What does the "K" or Karat mean in gold descriptions?Updated a year ago

Gold jewelry is often distinguished by its karat rating, which indicates the purity of the gold used. Pure gold is denoted as 24 karat (24K), meaning it is 100% gold. However, pure gold is soft and malleable, making it impractical for everyday wear. To enhance durability, gold is commonly alloyed with other metals such as silver, copper, nickel, and zinc. Lower karat ratings reflect a higher percentage of these additional metals. For instance, 18K gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals, making it harder and more suitable for jewelry that withstands regular use. As the karat number decreases, the gold content drops, reducing the richness of color and value, but increasing the toughness. This system allows for a range of jewelry options in terms of price, durability, and appearance, from the luxurious 24K to the more practical 10K.