What are the measures of gold ?

The unit of measurement for gold is the carat. The carat is used to measure the weight of diamonds (0.20 grams per carat), but also gold. In the case of the precious metal, the carat does not designate the weight, but the purity according to the following scale:

• 24 carat: pure gold. 24 carat gold is found in gold bars and certain investment gold coins;
• 18 carats: it contains 75% pure gold and 25% alloy.

The lower the carat, the lower the purity of the object. Mixtures of gold, silver, zinc or even copper (called “alloys”) make it possible to harden the gold and work with it more easily. Certain metals also offer shades of color sought after in jewelry (rose gold, white gold, etc.).

Jewelry and other gold items are supplied with certificates of authenticity which indicate the purity and weight of the gold used.

The weighing of gold is a key factor in determining the price of the object. Indeed, for the same carat, the value of investment coins and bars varies. A 24-carat gold bar will not be sold at the same price if it weighs one kilo or 5 grams.

Jewelers and professionals in gold purchasing have scales certified and controlled by the authorities.

The official unit of measurement for the price of gold is the troy ounce, which is equivalent to 31.10 grams. The London Bullion Market Association determines the price of gold every day based on global supply and demand. Currently, an ounce of gold is worth around 1,838 euros. However, the price of bars and gold coins also takes into account:

• The bonus;
• The difficulty of manufacturing ingots;
• Purity.

Gold Union professionals are waiting for you in an agency or via our e-commerce site to help you discover the range of investment gold coins and bars.