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8K to 22K: which gold karat sells in which market
The karat you stock decides your price point, how the piece wears and whether it can legally be sold as gold. Here is how the eight karats we produce map to the markets our partners sell in.
What karat means
Pure gold is 24 karat. The karat tells you how many of 24 parts are gold; the rest is an alloy of silver, copper and other metals that adds strength and sets the colour. The fineness stamp shows the same thing in thousandths: 585 means 58.5% gold, which is 14K.
Karat by market
| Karat | Fineness | Gold | Where it sells |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8K | 333 | 33.3% | Germany and Central Europe, entry price points |
| 9K | 375 | 37.5% | United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia |
| 10K | 417 | 41.7% | USA, Mexico and Latin America |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% | USA, Europe, Latin America: the global all-rounder |
| 18K | 750 | 75.0% | Italy, France and Europe; diamond and fine jewellery |
| 19K | 800 | 80.0% | Portugal |
| 21K | 875 | 87.5% | Gulf and Middle East |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% | India, Gulf and South Asian communities |
These are the typical patterns we see across our partners in 52 countries. Local rules and customer taste vary, so check the minimum karat that can be sold as gold in your country.
How to choose
- Price. Lower karats contain less gold, so the same design reaches a lower shelf price. 8K–10K suit entry and gift ranges.
- Wear. Lower karats are harder and resist scratches; 21K and 22K are softer, with a deep yellow that their markets expect.
- Stones. For diamond and pavé work, 14K and 18K hold settings best.
- Colour. Yellow, white and rose gold are available in most karats; white gold is usually made in 14K or 18K and rhodium plated.
Stamping
Every Uzman piece is stamped with its fineness, and with your own logo if you wish. Some markets, such as the United Kingdom, also require an independent assay office hallmark; our export team will tell you what your market needs before production.
One design, any karat
Every design in our catalogue can be made in 8K, 9K, 10K, 14K, 18K, 19K, 21K or 22K gold, or in silver. You choose the karat per order, and the gold price is fixed after production, on your approval.
Open a trade account to browse the full catalogue and request a quote.