22K Gold Jewelry: Purity, Weight & Selling in Los Angeles
22K gold is nominally 22 parts gold out of 24, about 91.67%. A purchase evaluation still needs the actual material and net metal weight, plus consideration of the design, condition and any stones.
Understand what 22K means
Karat measures the gold proportion in an alloy. Dividing 22 by 24 gives about 91.67%, compared with 75% for 18K. The World Gold Council's karat and fineness guide provides the broader purity context. A 916 marking commonly describes approximately 91.6% fineness, but the marking still needs to be assessed against the piece.
Color is not a purity test. Nor does a high karat guarantee a particular level of resistance to wear: construction, thickness, alloy and use all matter. Do not squeeze a hollow bangle or bend a chain to test whether it is soft.
Keep the full piece separate from its gold content
A scale weighs stones, attachments and other components together with the gold alloy. Ask what weight is used in a metal estimate. The FTC's jewelry descriptions also distinguish karat-gold pieces from gold-filled and plated materials.
For a material-content example only, 12 grams of verified 22K alloy contains about 11 grams of gold: 12 × 22 ÷ 24. This assumes the full 12 grams is that alloy. It is not a market price or purchase offer, and it excludes any separate stones or components.
Organize sets and inherited pieces carefully
Keep matching necklaces, earrings and bangles together, with receipts or maker records where available. Note damage and previous repairs. Ask whether the complete set or a signed piece needs consideration beyond metal content before separating it into scrap.
For a large mixed lot, label the pieces you can identify and leave uncertain items for examination. Our gold-jewelry visit checklist covers preparation. You do not need to buy testing equipment or a new appraisal to start the conversation.
Compare purchase offers without a fixed payout assumption
Retail prices may include workmanship, distribution and brand premiums. Those are not automatically recovered when selling. Ask the buyer to explain the actual purchase amount, tested purity, weight and treatment of the whole item.
Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds buys gold jewelry and scrap in Downtown Los Angeles, including substantial quantities. Call 310-663-1340 to discuss your pieces and payment by cash, bank wire or business check.
Can I bring 22K jewelry without a receipt?
Yes. Bring existing records if you have them, and explain what you know about the jewelry. The purchase evaluation concerns the actual items.
Is 22K jewelry guaranteed to return its purchase price?
No. Gold content is only one part of a jewelry purchase. Current market conditions, the item and the buyer's offer determine what is available when you sell.