Gold

The gold content also known as fineness is a measure of a precious metal’s purity, and it’s based on parts per thousand (ppt). The term carat (ct) is used to state the fineness of gold, with pure gold being 24 parts gold, or 24ct. If a metal alloy is 75 percent pure gold, that means it is 18 parts gold and six parts alloying metals, or 18ct. Because its fineness is 750 ppt, an 18ct gold ring might be stamped 750 or 18ct depending on regulations in the country where it was made. Similarly, 14ct gold is 58.5 percent gold or 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloying metal or metals, so it might be stamped 585 or 14ct and so on.