The Encyclopedia · Metals & marks
9 karat gold
Gold alloy of 37.5 percent pure gold, marked 9ct or 375, common in British jewelry.
Nine karat gold contains 9 parts gold out of 24, or 37.5 percent, and is marked 9ct or 375. It became a legal standard in Britain in 1854 and is common in British jewelry, chains and clasps. It is durable and paler than higher karats.
What to look for
A 9 karat clasp on a necklace of beads or pearls is common and does not lower the value of the stones; the description should simply say so.
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