How many carats is this gold?
'Carati' — ca-RA-ti. Three syllables. Note: 'carato' (carat for gold purity) differs from 'carato' for gemstones (weight).
Ask when considering any gold jewellery. Carat purity affects both durability and value. Italian fine jewellery is almost always 18-carat — knowing this helps you assess quality and compare prices.
Gold purity in Italy: 24 carati (999 — pure gold, too soft for jewellery), 18 carati (750 — Italian standard, durable and rich), 14 carati (585 — less common), 9 carati (375 — mainly UK market). The number on the stamp is the gold content per thousand.
Questo è oro diciotto carati?
Is this eighteen-carat gold?
Confirms the standard.
Ha il punzone?
Does it have a hallmark?
Asks for the legal quality mark.
Qual è la differenza tra il 18 e il 14 carati?
What is the difference between 18 and 14 carat?
Asks for explanation.
Italian law requires all gold jewellery to carry a hallmark ('punzone') certifying purity. The mark includes the goldsmith's code, the item number, and the metal purity (750, 585, 375 for gold; 925 for sterling silver). Buying without a hallmark is buying without legal quality guarantee.