The terms denote the purity of gold alloys used in jewelry and other applications. They represent the proportion of pure gold to other metals within the alloy, expressed in karats (k). A higher karat number indicates a greater percentage of pure gold.
The selection of a specific gold purity level impacts durability, color, and cost. Higher purity levels exhibit a richer color and increased value, but are inherently softer and more susceptible to scratches and dents. Conversely, lower purity provides greater strength and resistance to wear but may exhibit a paler color.