Precious Metal Weight Calculator

Convert precious metal weights between units and estimate metal value for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium jewelry.

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Understanding Precious Metal Weights

Precious metals are measured using the troy weight system, which differs from the everyday avoirdupois system. A troy ounce (31.1035g) is approximately 10% heavier than a regular ounce (28.3495g). The jewelry trade also commonly uses pennyweight (DWT), where 20 DWT equals one troy ounce.

Gold purity is measured in karats (K), with 24K being pure gold. Common jewelry karats include 18K (75% pure), 14K (58.5% pure), and 10K (41.7% pure). The remaining percentage consists of alloy metals like copper, silver, zinc, or nickel that provide strength and affect color. Rose gold uses more copper, while white gold uses palladium or nickel.

When calculating metal value, the pure metal content is what matters. A 10-gram 14K gold ring contains only 5.85 grams of pure gold. The remaining 4.15 grams of alloy metal has negligible value. Jewelers and refiners pay based on the pure gold content, typically at 70-90% of the spot price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a troy ounce and a regular ounce?
A troy ounce is 31.1035 grams while a regular ounce is 28.3495 grams. Troy ounces are the worldwide standard for precious metals. There are 12 troy ounces in a troy pound vs 16 ounces in a regular pound.
What is a pennyweight?
A pennyweight (DWT) equals 1/20 of a troy ounce or 1.555 grams. It is the traditional unit used by jewelers for pricing precious metals, especially gold.
How is gold purity measured?
Gold purity is measured in karats (K). 24K is pure gold (99.9%), 18K is 75% pure, 14K is 58.5% pure, and 10K is 41.7% pure. The remaining percentage is alloy metals that provide hardness and color.