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Short answer
Casting grain is gold pelletized into small beads — already refined and alloyed to a specific karat. Jewelers melt it and pour it into molds for custom pieces, repairs, and casting work.
What casting grain is physically
Casting grain looks like small uniform pellets or beads — typically 1–5mm in diameter — packaged in pouches or tubes by weight. Each pellet is already the karat and color the jeweler ordered. The pellet form makes the metal easy to measure precisely (jewelers work in tenths of a gram), easy to melt evenly (small pieces reach pouring temperature uniformly), and easy to alloy further if needed. Casting grain is distinct from scrap gold: scrap is finished jewelry being recycled; casting grain is already-refined gold prepared specifically for fabrication.
Available karats and colors
Common casting grain karats are 10K, 14K, 18K, and 22K — matching the same purity standards as finished jewelry. Colors vary by alloy: yellow gold (copper + silver alloys), white gold (palladium or nickel alloys), and rose gold (higher copper content). A jeweler making an 18K rose-gold ring orders 18K rose casting grain — not pure gold and not raw alloys to mix on-site. Some jewelers do mix their own alloys for custom colors or specific working properties, but most prefer pre-alloyed casting grain for consistency.
Who actually uses casting grain
Custom jewelers building one-off rings, pendants, and bracelets. Production shops casting batches of identical pieces (multiples of the same ring design). Repair jewelers who need to add metal to a damaged piece (laser welders use casting grain or wire for sizing repairs). Hobby goldsmiths and metalsmithing students learning casting techniques. Casting grain isn't useful for investors or general consumers — it's raw material, not a finished product. If you're not making or repairing jewelry, this isn't what you want.
How to buy casting grain — what to ask the dealer
Buying casting grain is by weight, karat, and color. Ask: (1) what karat (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K)? (2) what color (yellow, white, rose, custom)? (3) what's the price per gram or per ounce? (4) any minimum quantity? Casting grain is typically sold at a small premium over the raw-gold value of the metal — the premium covers refining and the convenience of getting it pre-alloyed. Premium varies by quantity (more is cheaper per gram) and refinery. Call or text our counter to ask what we have on hand today and at what premium.
What Are Gold Beads or Casting Grain? FAQ
Can regular buyers buy casting grain?
Yes, but understand what you're buying. Casting grain is jewelry-making raw material — already alloyed, not pure-gold bullion. If you don't plan to melt and cast it, you're better off with bullion coins or bars.
What karat should I order?
Match what you're making. 14K casting grain for typical American daily-wear rings; 18K for designer-grade pieces; 22K for Indian-style wedding gold; 10K for budget or class-ring repairs. Mixing karats during a melt changes the final purity and gets messy — order the specific karat you need.
Can I bring you scrap gold to convert into casting grain?
Not directly on the counter — that requires a refining run. But we can buy your scrap at our standard rates and sell you casting grain at our standard rates. Some sellers prefer that approach when they want to repurpose old jewelry into something new. Call or text to talk through your situation.
Do you stock specific casting grain inventory online?
No — inventory is inquiry-led. Call or text the shop with the karat, color, and approximate quantity you need; we'll tell you what's on hand and at what price. We typically keep common karats and colors in stock and can source less-common combinations on request.
