Why 24K Gold Is for Investment, Not Jewelry
At 99.9% pure, 24K gold is too soft for everyday jewelry — it scratches and bends easily, which is why rings and bracelets are almost always a lower karat alloyed with other metals. 24K gold is instead the standard for investment products: American Gold Eagle and Buffalo coins, bullion bars, and gold certificates. If you're pricing an investment coin or bar rather than a piece of jewelry, this is the karat you want.
Other Karats & Related Pages
22K Gold
Stamped 22K
18K Gold
Stamped 18K
14K Gold
Stamped 14K
10K Gold
Stamped 10K
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Frequently Asked Questions
24K gold is 99.9% pure with almost no alloy metals to add hardness, so rings and bracelets made from it deform and scratch easily. Jewelry is usually made from 22K, 18K, 14K or 10K gold instead, which is alloyed with metals like copper and silver for strength.
The American Gold Buffalo is 24K (.9999 fine). The American Gold Eagle, despite being widely called "24K" in casual use, is actually 22K (.9167) alloyed for durability — check the coin's specification before assuming purity.