19.2 ktPortuguese gold tradition
ENVIOS GRÁTIS EM PORTUGAL EM ENCOMENDAS SUPERIORES A 150 €
Exceto Ouro de Investimento — barras e moedas
Gold expertise
Understand how purity is measured, what shapes price, how professionals verify authenticity and how to protect each piece. Clear answers grounded in specialist practice and official references.
Knowledge & trust
At Gold Store Premium, we turn a technical subject into useful decisions: buying, selling, investing or caring for jewellery with greater confidence.
Informational content informed by official appraisers and references from the Portuguese Assay Office and LBMA.
Gold purity
Karats measure purity, not weight. The whole alloy is divided into 24 parts.
| Karats | Fineness | Pure gold |
|---|---|---|
| 9 kt | 375‰ | 37.5% |
| 14 kt | 585‰ | 58.5% |
| 18 kt | 750‰ | 75% |
| 19.2 kt | 800‰ | 80% |
| 22 kt | 916‰ | 91.6% |
| 24 kt | 999‰ | 99.9% |
A higher fineness means more gold in the alloy; it does not necessarily mean a more resistant jewel. Lower-fineness alloys can be mechanically harder.
01 · Au
Gold is the chemical element Au, valued for its rarity, lustre, malleability and resistance to corrosion. Its density is about 19.3 g/cm³.
Pure gold is naturally yellow and soft, so jewellery normally combines it with other metals to improve strength or alter colour.
Gold is used in jewellery, investment bars and coins, electronics, dentistry, aerospace and selected medical applications. Its conductivity, stability and workability make it valuable beyond ornament.
It is gold whose fineness complies with a legally recognised standard. In Portugal, the hallmark applied by the Assay Office certifies the precious metal and fineness when legally required; the responsibility mark identifies the operator.
The traditional Portuguese standard is 19.2 karats, equivalent to 800‰ or 80% gold. Other legal finenesses are also sold, including 9, 14, 18, 22 and 24 karats.
Check the fineness hallmark: 375, 585, 750, 800, 916 or 999 correspond respectively to 9, 14, 18, 19.2, 22 and 24 karats.
Very light pieces may have legal hallmark exemptions, so a professional test is the safest answer.
02 · 800‰
Colour, weight and a magnet are only preliminary clues and cannot confirm authenticity. Avoid destructive home tests or acids.
An official appraiser can combine visual examination, hallmarks and suitable instruments to determine metal and fineness.
Official appraisers →The international spot price changes continuously. The LBMA Gold Price is a global benchmark set twice each London business day.
The amount offered for a piece differs from the benchmark because fineness, net weight and appraisal or commercial costs must be considered.
Current gold price →There is no single price for every gram. Value depends on the day’s reference, the piece’s fineness and whether the figure is a selling or buying price.
For an estimate: fine-gold price per gram × purity percentage × net precious-metal weight.
Its value mainly reflects fine-gold content, current market price and the refiner, format and commercial premium. Many investment bars include a serial number or certificate, depending on producer and size.
Confirm weight and fineness with an established operator before trading.
When valued for metal, the essentials are verified fineness, net precious-metal weight and the day’s buying quote. Stones and non-gold components are normally excluded.
Design, brand, rarity and condition may add value only when the piece can be resold as jewellery or a collectible.
Choose an identified precious-metals operator that explains the test, weighs the piece in your presence and presents a clear quote before acceptance.
Gold Store Premium offers specialist appraisal and the option to compare at one of its stores, without obligation.
Sell or appraise gold →03 · 22 kt
A Sovereign’s value depends on year, mint, rarity, condition, demand and gold content. The modern standard, introduced in 1817, is normally 22 karat and contains about 7.32 g of fine gold.
A numismatic assessment is essential before treating a coin only as metal.
Gold may help diversify assets and preserve value over long periods, but its price can rise or fall and returns are never guaranteed. Physical gold also involves spread, custody, insurance and liquidity considerations.
Assess objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance; this is general information, not personal financial advice.
04 · Au
It is better to remove jewellery first. Chlorine, salt, cosmetics and sudden movement can affect alloys, solder, finishes, settings or delicate components even though gold itself resists corrosion.
The gold has not necessarily lost authenticity. Alloy metals can react with air, sweat, cosmetics or chemicals; dirt and wear on a plated or polished finish can also change appearance.
A professional inspection identifies whether cleaning, polishing or replating is appropriate.
For compatible pieces, use lukewarm water, a little neutral soap and a very soft brush; rinse and dry fully with a lint-free cloth. Never use abrasives, bleach or toothpaste.
Pearls, porous stones, glued elements and delicate finishes require specific care—ask a professional when uncertain.
Consult the current quote, request an appraisal or visit a Gold Store Premium store for specialist, transparent support.
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