Final Answer:
A 12-karat gold chain consists of 50% pure gold, as each karat represents 1/24th of the overall purity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the realm of gold purity, karats signify the proportion of pure gold in a piece of jewelry on a scale of 24. A 12-karat gold chain translates to
or
pure gold content. The conversion to percentage, calculated by multiplying the fraction by 100, reveals that the chain comprises 50% pure gold. This straightforward relationship between karats and percentage provides consumers with a quick method to assess the gold content in jewelry.
For instance, 18 karats equate to
or
pure gold, denoting a higher purity level. The simplicity of expressing gold purity as a fraction of 24 allows for easy comprehension and comparison of jewelry compositions.
Thus, understanding the karat system is instrumental for informed decisions, empowering consumers to discern the quality and value of gold jewelry based on its karat rating. In essence, the 50% pure gold in a 12-karat chain exemplifies how the karat scale serves as a practical metric for gauging the purity of gold in various jewelry pieces.