GOLD

​

In Turkey, the term "ayar" is used to denote the purity of gold, which is internationally recognized as "karat." As established, the carat is also a unit of measurement for the weight of diamonds and other gemstones, where 1 carat equals 0.2 grams (200 milligrams).

The dual use of the word "karat"—both as a unit of weight and a measure of gold purity—dates back centuries. The "Mark," a pure gold coin used by Germanic peoples, weighed exactly 4.8 grams, which was equivalent to the weight of 24 carats. Consequently, pure gold began to be referred to as 24-karat gold. Over time, as other metals like copper were added to these coins to decrease their purity for durability, specific ratios were established based on the amount of pure gold within the alloy, and these ratios were expressed in karats.

​

To explain the proportions in modern metrics:

​

• 1 gram equals 1000 milligrams (mille).

• 24 Karat Gold is pure gold (100%), containing 1000 mg of gold per gram.

• 22 Karat Gold is 22 parts gold out of 24, approximately 91.6% purity (916 mg per gram).

• 18 Karat Gold is 18 parts gold out of 24, exactly 75% purity (750 mg per gram).

• 14 Karat Gold is 14 parts gold out of 24, approximately 58.3% purity (583 mg per gram).

• 8 Karat Gold is 8 parts gold out of 24, exactly 33.3% purity (333 mg per gram).

 

Since pure gold is a naturally soft element, its hardness is increased by alloying it with copper or silver. Additionally, gold is mixed with various elements to achieve different colors. While the natural color of gold is yellow, it takes on different hues depending on the proportions of silver, copper, or palladium used in the alloy.

​

For instance, consider an 18 Karat gold alloy (where 25% consists of other metals):

• Green Gold: 25% Silver

• Yellow Gold: 12.5% Silver and 12.5% Copper

• Pink Gold: 9% Silver and 16% Copper

• Red Gold: 4.5% Silver and 20.5% Copper

• White Gold: 9.9% Silver, 5.1% Copper, and 6.4% Palladium