Selling 9K vs. 18K vs. 24K Gold: Which Pays More?
Selling 9K vs. 18K vs. 24K Gold: Which Pays More?
Maximize Your Gold's Value by Understanding Karat Differences
If you're looking to sell gold for cash, you've probably come across terms like 9K, 18K, and 24K gold. But what do these karat values really mean, and how do they affect the price you'll receive when selling your gold?
Understanding the differences in gold purity can help you get the best price when selling your jewellery, scrap gold, or bullion. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about gold karats and value.
- What karat gold means and how it affects value
- Which karat sells for the highest price
- How to calculate your gold's worth
- Where to sell gold for the best payout
Ready to Sell Your Gold?
Get an instant gold valuation & same-day payment from Mozeris Fine Antiques.
Get Your Free ValuationWhat Do 9K, 18K, and 24K Gold Mean?
Gold purity is measured in karats (K), which indicates how much pure gold is in an item. The higher the karat number, the more pure gold content and the higher the value.
| Karat | Gold Purity | Gold Content |
|---|---|---|
| 24K Gold | 99.9% Pure | Contains almost no other metals |
| 22K Gold | 91.6% Pure | Mixed with 8.4% other metals |
| 18K Gold | 75% Pure | Mixed with 25% other metals (copper, silver, zinc) |
| 14K Gold | 58.5% Pure | Contains 41.5% other metals |
| 9K Gold | 37.5% Pure | Contains more alloys than gold |
How Karat Affects Gold's Value
- 24K Gold is the most valuable because it contains nearly 100% pure gold. It's soft and typically used for investment gold like bars and coins.
- 18K Gold is used in fine jewellery, offering a balance between purity and durability. It's valuable but contains 25% other metals.
- 9K Gold is the cheapest option as it contains more base metals than actual gold. It's more durable but significantly less valuable.
Did you know? 9K gold is not considered real gold in some countries like the United States (which requires at least 10K), making it less valuable when selling internationally.
Which Karat Gold Pays the Most?
If you're selling gold, higher purity means a higher price. Here's a comparison of current market prices for different gold karats:
| Gold Type | Purity | Current Price per Gram | Value for 10g Item |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K Gold | 99.9% | £66.71 | £667.10 |
| 22K Gold | 91.6% | £61.11 | £611.10 |
| 18K Gold | 75% | £50.03 | £500.30 |
| 14K Gold | 58.5% | £39.02 | £390.20 |
| 9K Gold | 37.5% | £24.92 | £249.20 |
Price Comparison Analysis
As you can see from the table above, there's a significant price difference between the various gold karats:
- 24K gold is worth 2.7 times more than 9K gold
- 18K gold is worth 2 times more than 9K gold
- The difference between 18K and 24K is about 33% in value
Conclusion: 24K gold will always sell for the highest price. However, 18K gold is still quite valuable, while 9K gold is worth significantly less due to its lower gold content.
Want to Know Exactly How Much Your Gold is Worth?
Our expert appraisers can provide an accurate valuation based on current market rates.
Get Your Free ValuationHow to Calculate Your Gold's Value
Understanding how to calculate your gold's value can help you avoid being underpaid when selling. Here's a simple method to estimate what your gold is worth:
Step 1: Weigh Your Gold
Use a precise digital scale to weigh your gold items in grams. For accuracy, weigh each piece separately.
Step 2: Check the Karat
Look for hallmarks or stamps indicating the karat (9K, 18K, 24K). This determines the gold purity percentage.
Step 3: Check Current Gold Price
Look up the current price of gold per gram. This fluctuates daily based on market conditions.
Gold Value Formula
Use this formula to calculate your gold's approximate value:
Gold Value = (Weight in Grams) × (Purity %) × (Current Gold Price Per Gram)
Purity percentages for common karats:
- 24K = 99.9% (0.999)
- 22K = 91.6% (0.916)
- 18K = 75% (0.75)
- 14K = 58.5% (0.585)
- 9K = 37.5% (0.375)
Example Calculation
Let's say you have an 18K gold necklace weighing 10 grams, and the current gold price is £66.71 per gram:
1. Weight: 10 grams
2. Purity: 18K = 75% (0.75)
3. Current gold price: £66.71 per gram
4. Apply the formula: 10g × 0.75 × £66.71
Estimated Value: £500.32
Keep in mind that gold buyers typically pay 70-80% of the calculated value, as they need to account for refining costs and profit margins. Professional dealers like Mozeris Fine Antiques often offer higher percentages than pawn shops or cash-for-gold services.
Where to Sell Gold for the Best Price
Not all gold buyers offer the same prices. Here's a comparison of different places to sell your gold and what to expect:
| Gold Buyer | Pros | Cons | Typical Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Dealers & Antique Buyers | Highest prices, transparent valuations, same-day payment | Must ensure they are reputable | 75-90% of gold value |
| Online Gold Buyers | Convenient, insured shipping | May charge hidden fees, delayed payment | 70-80% of gold value |
| Jewellery Stores | Convenient locations, instant cash | Lower offers, high profit margins | 60-75% of gold value |
| Pawn Shops | Quick cash, no questions asked | Significantly lower offers | 40-60% of gold value |
| Gold Refineries | Pays for pure gold content | Longer processing times, minimum quantities | 75-85% of gold value |
Why Specialist Gold Dealers Offer Better Prices
Specialist gold dealers and antique buyers like Mozeris Fine Antiques typically offer the best prices for several reasons:
- They have lower overhead costs than high street jewellers
- They specialize in gold valuation and have expert knowledge
- They often sell directly to refineries in bulk, getting better rates
- They value customer relationships and repeat business
Expert Tip: Always get multiple quotes before selling your gold. Prices can vary by as much as 30% between different buyers.
Tips to Get the Highest Payout for Your Gold
Follow these expert tips to ensure you get the best possible price when selling your gold:
- Check live gold prices before selling. Gold prices fluctuate daily, so timing your sale can make a difference.
- Separate your gold by karat before selling. Mixing different karats together could result in everything being valued at the lowest karat.
- Clean your gold gently before valuation. While dealers value gold by weight and purity, clean items are easier to assess.
- Weigh your gold yourself using a digital scale. Knowing the weight beforehand helps you verify the dealer's measurements.
- Get multiple quotes from different buyers and compare offers. Don't accept the first offer you receive.
- Avoid pawn shops if possible, as they typically offer the lowest payouts (40-60% of actual value).
- Consider antique or collectible value. Some gold items may be worth more intact than melted down due to their craftsmanship or historical significance.
- Ask about the testing methods used. Reputable buyers use precise methods like electronic gold testers or XRF analyzers.
- Understand the payment terms before agreeing to sell. Some buyers may charge hidden fees or delay payment.
Ready to Sell Your Gold?
At Mozeris Fine Antiques, we offer transparent valuations and top market rates for all gold items.
Get Your Free ValuationFrequently Asked Questions
Can I sell 9K gold for cash?
Yes! Even though 9K gold contains only 37.5% pure gold, it can still be sold for cash. While it's worth significantly less than higher karat gold, reputable gold buyers will purchase 9K gold based on its actual gold content. In the UK, 9K gold is quite common in jewellery, so most buyers are familiar with valuing it correctly.
Is it better to sell 18K or 24K gold?
24K gold will always pay more per gram than 18K gold because it contains more pure gold (99.9% vs 75%). However, the decision depends on what you own. If you have both, selling them separately (rather than mixing them) will maximize your payout. Keep in mind that some 18K gold jewellery might have additional value due to craftsmanship, brand, or design that exceeds its gold content value.
Do I need an ID to sell gold in the UK?
Yes, UK law requires ID verification when selling gold. This is part of anti-money laundering regulations. You'll need to provide a valid photo ID (passport or driving license) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months). Reputable gold buyers are legally required to record this information for transactions.
How can I tell if my gold is real?
Look for hallmarks or stamps indicating the karat (9K, 18K, 24K). UK gold items should have official hallmarks from assay offices. Other tests include the magnet test (gold is not magnetic), the ceramic test (real gold leaves a gold streak when rubbed on unglazed ceramic), and acid testing (using special testing acids). Professional gold buyers use electronic testers and XRF analyzers for precise verification.
Is now a good time to sell gold?
Gold prices have been historically strong in recent years, making it an attractive time to sell unwanted gold items. The market fluctuates daily based on global economic factors, but our competitive rates ensure you receive fair value regardless of minor market movements. We're happy to discuss current market trends during your valuation to help you make an informed decision about selling your gold.
Get a Free Gold Valuation & Sell Today
If you're looking to sell 9K, 18K, or 24K gold, make sure you get the best deal.
At Mozeris Fine Antiques, we offer transparent valuations and top market rates for all gold items. Visit our Braintree office or request a selling pack for a convenient postal service.
Book Your Valuation Appointment