Does karat (10k/14k/18k) change what you get paid for gold?

Does a higher karat always mean more cash?

Not always. Higher karat means more pure gold. But the final offer also depends on weight, condition, and local spot price.

How does karat affect the math?

Karat measures gold purity as parts per 24. 24k is pure gold; 18k is 75% gold. Buyers multiply the piece's weight by purity, then by the local gold price to get a base value.

Do making charges or gemstones change the offer?

Yes. Making charges (what a jeweller charged to make the piece) are not gold value. Stones have their own value, but many pawnbrokers price stones separately or not at all. Expect offers that reflect only the metal unless the stone is clearly high-value.

What should you do before you sell? (quick checklist)

• Weigh the piece on a jeweller's scale if you can.

• Check for karat stamps (10k, 14k, 18k) and clean the piece to read marks.

• Ask if the buyer tests purity (acid, electronic tester, or XRF).

• Compare offers from at least two buyers or shops.

• Keep receipts or photos in case you return later.

Can a 10k piece ever beat a 14k piece in price?

Yes—if the 10k item is much heavier or has big stones. A light 14k chain might be worth less than a heavy 10k bracelet because total gold content matters more than the karat label alone.

What happens during a quick in-person test? (micro-moment)

You hand a ring to the counter staff. They wipe it, weigh it, and run an electronic purity test or an acid strip. They tell you the calculated gold content and give a cash offer or a loan amount.

Should you expect the listed gold price per gram when selling?

No. The market (spot) price is the raw number; buyers pay a percentage of that after costs and margins. Expect offers under spot because the buyer needs room to resell and cover testing and time.

How to get the best deal in a pawn shop or second-hand buyer?

Keep the conversation short and factual. Start with a clear question about how they tested purity. If you can, bring a clean, heavier piece on the day you sell. Don't show desperation; that lowers your leverage.

When weight and purity are settled, you can talk style and stones without guessing.

Today’s takeaway: Karat matters, but weight and actual gold content decide the cash you get.