24KT would be pure gold (24/24). 18KT is 18/24 gold, 14KT is 14/24 gold, and so forth. Gold is usually alloyed (melted and mixed) with copper because it's a similar color. Jewelry is seldom 24KT because pure gold is soft and easily bent or scratched, so making it an alloy is a good thing.
The previously mentioned weight and displacement to calculate the density would be a good indicator whether it's solid 18KT or 18KT gold filled, but even that may not be definitive.
BTW, Sterling silver is stamped .925 (925/1000 silver) and Fine silver is stamped .999
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2005-01-20 11:57 pm (UTC)24KT would be pure gold (24/24). 18KT is 18/24 gold, 14KT is 14/24 gold, and so forth. Gold is usually alloyed (melted and mixed) with copper because it's a similar color. Jewelry is seldom 24KT because pure gold is soft and easily bent or scratched, so making it an alloy is a good thing.
The previously mentioned weight and displacement to calculate the density would be a good indicator whether it's solid 18KT or 18KT gold filled, but even that may not be definitive.
BTW, Sterling silver is stamped .925 (925/1000 silver) and Fine silver is stamped .999