The quality of karat gold is measured in terms of fractions or percentages of pure or fine gold. Pure gold being 24 of 24 parts or 100% - 1 karat = 1/24 fine gold. No item may be termed "Karat" gold if it is less than 10 Karats of fine gold.
* 10 Karat gold is made up of a blend of 10 parts of pure gold to 14 parts (total 24) of some other metal alloy (or .4167 - 42% pure gold).
* 14 Karat gold is made up of a blend of 14 parts of pure gold to 10 parts (total 24) of some other metal alloy (or .5833 - 58% pure gold).
* 18 Karat gold is made up of a blend of 18 parts of pure gold to 6 parts (total 24) of some other metal alloy (or .7500 - 75% pure gold).
The metal alloy used will determine the color gradients of the karat gold. For example: more copper in the alloy will produce a red or rose color; silver and zinc will produce a green color; nickel, a white color.