The question you will hear most often in a Turkish jeweller’s is “Which karat would you like?” Karat tells you how much pure gold a piece contains. Choosing the right karat directly affects how durable the jewellery is, its colour and the value you will get if you ever sell it. This guide explains karats as simply as possible.
What Do Karat and Fineness Mean?
Gold purity is measured out of 24 parts. 24 karat means almost entirely pure gold. 22 karat means 22 of the 24 parts are gold and the rest are hardening metals such as silver and copper.
Fineness (in Turkish, milyem) is the same ratio written in parts per thousand. You will usually see this number in the small hallmark on the inside of a piece: 916, 750 or 585, for example.
| Karat | Fineness | Pure gold content | Where is it used? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 995 – 999 | ~99.5% and above | Gold bars, bullion |
| 22K | 916 | ~91.6% | Bangles and Turkish gold coins (çeyrek, yarım, tam, Ata lira) |
| 18K | 750 | 75% | Diamond settings, bespoke pieces |
| 14K | 585 | ~58.5% | Everyday jewellery, necklaces, earrings, wedding bands |
| 8K | 333 | ~33.3% | Budget jewellery |
24K: The Language of Investment
24 karat gold is very soft; it scratches and bends easily. That is why it is bought mostly as gold bars and bullion for saving rather than as jewellery. Its price depends almost entirely on the market value of gold.
22K: The Classic for Bangles and Coins
In Turkey, the essentials of weddings and family savings, burma (twisted) bangles, Trabzon woven bangles and traditional gold coins (çeyrek, yarım, tam and Ata lira), are all 22 karat. Strong enough to wear yet high in value, it is the karat people think of first when they say “jewellery gold”. When sold, it is valued on its pure gold content.
18K: A Home for Diamonds
18 karat gold is both strong and rich in colour. It is often chosen for diamond solitaire and five-stone rings, because the prongs holding the stone need to be durable. It can be made in white, yellow and rose gold.
14K: Made for Everyday Wear
14 karat is the most durable karat for daily use and is very common in necklaces, earrings, rings and wedding bands. It resists scratches better and is more affordable. It is a good choice if you play sport or never take your jewellery off.
Does the Colour Come From the Karat?
Partly. The colour of gold is set by the other metals mixed into it:
- Yellow gold: A balanced mix of silver and copper.
- White gold: Gold alloyed with white metals and usually rhodium-plated. The plating can be renewed over time; we do this in our store.
- Rose gold: A higher share of copper gives a warm, pink tone.
Which Karat Should I Choose?
- For saving: 24K gold bars or 22K gold coins.
- For jewellery and savings in one: a 22K bangle.
- For a diamond: a 14K or 18K setting.
- For everyday wear: 14K necklaces, earrings and rings.
How Can I Check the Karat?
Look for the fineness hallmark on the inside of the piece and always buy with an invoice. At Paşa Kuyumculuk, the karat and weight of every item are clearly stated, and we value your old gold transparently at the current market rate. To learn more, see our gold buying and selling service or visit our store on Çarşı Street.
