- Jewelry Identifier
- Gold alloys
- 24K Yellow Gold
* 24K gold
24K Yellow Gold: what it's made of, its purity, and its value
Pure gold. Used for bullion and East Asian bridal pieces. Too soft for most Western jewelry.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Karat
- 24K
- Purity
- 99.9%
- Fineness
- 999/1000
- Color
- Yellow
- Density
- 19.32 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 1064 °C
What it's made of
- Gold
- 99.9%
The gold content is fixed at 99.9% — that's what makes it 24K. The remaining metals are what set the color: Silver and copper are added mainly for hardness; they leave the warm yellow of the gold largely intact.
About 24K Yellow Gold
Pure gold. Used for bullion and East Asian bridal pieces. Too soft for most Western jewelry.
How much it's worth
The melt value of a 24K Yellow Gold piece is gold spot price × 0.999 × weight (g), because only 99.9% of the metal is gold. A buyer then deducts roughly 5–15% for refining and margin, so a cash offer lands just under that figure. Higher-karat gold packs in more gold per gram, so it carries a higher melt value — but it's also softer and scratches more easily, which is why everyday jewelry often uses lower karats.
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. How much gold is in 24K Yellow Gold?
- A. 99.9% by weight. 24K means 24 parts gold out of 24, which works out to 999/1000 fineness — the rest is alloy metals added for color and durability.
- Q. Is 24K Yellow Gold real gold?
- A. Yes. 24K is genuine gold — it's 99.9% pure gold by weight, alloyed with other metals. It is not gold-plated or gold-filled; the gold runs all the way through.
- Q. Why is 24K Yellow Gold yellow?
- A. The color comes from the metals mixed with the gold. Silver and copper are added mainly for hardness; they leave the warm yellow of the gold largely intact.
- Q. Will 24K Yellow Gold tarnish or cause skin reactions?
- A. Solid 24K gold doesn't tarnish, and this alloy is nickel-free, so skin reactions are rare. Surface films usually come from skin oils or lotions and wipe off with a soft cloth.
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