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Gold purity is measured in karats. 24-karat gold is pure gold, but its purity makes it more expensive and less durable than gold alloyed with other metals. Jewelers use different alloys for greater strength, durability, and color range. Pure gold is too soft to withstand everyday wear and tear, so jewelers alloy it with silver, copper, nickel, and zinc to increase strength and durability. Karat age, noted by a number followed by "k," indicates purity, or how much of the metal in a piece of jewelry is gold. Karat age is expressed in 24ths, making 24k gold 100% gold.
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