When we talk about a karat or mention the word “fineness” of gold we are talking about the weight of the actual gold in an object. In doing so, we also include any base metals that may be found within the object. For instance, when jewellery is made out of gold or silver, base metals are added to make it harder and more durable. Often pure gold is referenced as 999 or 9999 fine gold. But what does that mean? Sterling silver will be 92.5%
The fineness of gold is measured in two ways. You can use the karat measure of a millesimal fineness scale.
The karat measure is the fractional purity of gold or silver in parts fine per 24 parts. The millesimal scale is a system used in denoting purity of gold alloys by parts per 1000 of pure gold in the alloy according to its total mass. This is expressed with a three-fire number and is used as a hallmark. Look out for this hallmark when you sell silver bullion brisbane. A fine gold bar which contains 99.9% gold will have a label that either says 999 or .999. Also, expect to be paid slightly less if your gold bullion bar is only 99.6% pure.
When using the karat standard, 24 K is considered to be the purest form of gold. This means 24 Karat is the same as 999 fineness. It follows then that 22 will be 91.67% pure, and be referred to as 916 gold. 18k will be 75% pure gold, 14k will equal 58.5% purity and be referred to as 585 gold whilst 10 karat will be referred to as 417 on account of containing 41.7% pure gold.
The Karat system is not commonly used outside of the jewellery industry. Millesimal fineness is used by buyers who deal in bullion bars and coins. 24k gold which is also referred to at .999 fine gold or “three-nines fine” is commonly used to mint Chine Panda Coins.
When you sell silver bullion Brisbane most bars minimum purity or fineness is 99.5% or 995. Silver Bullion bars of this particular quality are classed as premium investment products. Silver bullion bars also need to have certified weight and the stamp of the refinery making the bar or bullion dealer distributing the bar. They usually come in 10oz, 1kg, 100oz or 5kg.
Other high grade silver coins such as Silver Kangaroo’s or Silver Britannia’s have a fineness of 99.9. Most commonly seen British, or Australian silver coins or old currency have fineness of 92.5% This is known as sterling.
Moving across to gold fineness The purest gold ever created for commercial use was a fine gold plate refined to 999.999 by Perth Mint in Australia in the 50s. This was a magnificent feat that has not been repeated ever since because the process that gets gold to that level of purity is long and costly. Besides, when gold is that close to 100% purity, it tends to be too soft.
It is important that you understand the purity or fineness of your gold or silver bullion before selling so that you know you are getting the best price for it. Fine investment grade gold or silver is not only formed into bars, but it is also used to mint bullion coins. Most silver bullion products will have fitness engraved or they will come with a certificate to authenticate purity. Having marks of authenticity will make selling your silver bullion easier and faster.