Gold Alloys by Volume

The Difference is Surprising
Gold alloys are always calculated by weight. For example 18 carat gold must contain at least 18 parts gold out of 24 parts total (75%). The proportions by volume can show a startling difference. The following table shows the approximate percentages by weight and by volume of some typical common gold alloys.

Percentages by Weight
Alloy	Gold	Silver	Copper	Zinc	Nickel	Palladium
9 Yellow	37.5	10	45	7.5	-	-
9 White	37.8	0	40	10.4	11.8	-
14 Yellow	58.5	4	31.2	6.3	-	-
14 White	58.5	0.5	27	7	7	-
18 Yellow	75	16	9	-	-	-
18 White	75	4	4	-	-	17
22 Yellow	91.7	5.5	2.8	-	-	-

Percentages by Volume
Alloy	Gold	Silver	Copper	Zinc	Nickel	Palladium
9 Yellow	22	11	56	12	-	-
9 White	21	0	48	16	14	-
14 Yellow	39	5	45	11	-	-
14 White	39	1	38	12	10	-
18 Yellow	61	24	16	-	-	-
18 White	63	6	7	-	-	23
22 Yellow	84	5	10	-	-	-

As you can see, 9 carat yellow gold contains only 22% gold by volume. Consumers who saw gold alloys being mixed would only want to buy 18 or higher alloys. Indeed the more you know about all the qualities of gold alloys, the more you would only accept 18 carat or better.

You may wish to visit some of our other pages:-
Allergies to Gold Jewellery
Hardness & Durability of Gold Alloys
What is White Gold?
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