Is a 9ct Gold Nugget Considered Solid Gold? - Expert Advice

Question
Hello Thomas.  Is it not fraudulent to claim a 9ct man made charm nugget as "Solid Gold?"  Isn't the pure gold mixed with another or other metals to make it 9ct?  Therefore it cannot be "solid gold" nor advertised as a "Solid Gold Nugget" or can it? Appreciate you taking the time to answer what may be a compromising question.  I am in Australia.  Regards,  Juanita

Answer
Juanita, unfortunately I am not familiar with the legal allowances in describing gold items in Australia.  I do know the standards for marking jewelry items is rather strict.

Generally overall the term "solid gold" infers a high karat(you use ct and we use kt in the USA). The term "solid gold" is not allowed in my country simply because it is deceiving.

It is possible the item may be advertised as "solid 9ct gold" but not as "solid gold".  The idea is to make certain the nuggets are not seen as plated or gold filled.  Still, even if legal when worded clearly, I do not like the term solid used at all. A simple "9 ct. nugget" would be sufficient and accurate but not so dramatic.

Pure gold is considered 24 ct. and 9 ct is 9 parts gold out of 24 parts total in the metal mix. That means 9/24 = 0.375.   So, 37.5% of the metal mix is gold and the rest is other metals.  A 9 ct alloy is far from being "solid gold".

I do hope my rambling answer helps to some extent.  God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.