What is Gold Purity?
Pure gold is 24 karat (24K), meaning it's 99.9% gold. However, pure gold is too soft for everyday jewelry. That's why gold is mixed with other metals to create durable alloys.
Gold Purity Chart
| Karat | Gold % | Purity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | Pure | Investment, coins |
| 22K | 91.6% | High | Traditional Indian jewelry |
| 18K | 75.0% | Medium | Daily wear, diamond settings |
| 14K | 58.3% | Lower | Budget-friendly, western styles |
22K Gold - The Indian Standard
Why 22K is Popular in India
- Traditional preference for high purity
- Rich, deep yellow color
- High resale value
- Cultural significance
Characteristics
- Color: Deep, rich yellow
- Durability: Slightly soft, prone to scratches
- Best for: Heavy necklaces, bangles, wedding jewelry
- Price: Higher due to gold content
22K Gold Examples
18K Gold - Modern Choice
Why Choose 18K
- More durable than 22K
- Ideal for stone settings
- Available in multiple colors
- International standard
Color Options
| Type | Composition | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Gold + Silver + Copper | Warm yellow |
| White | Gold + Palladium/Nickel | Silver-white |
| Rose | Gold + Copper | Pink/rosy |
18K Gold Colors
How to Verify Purity
Hallmarking
Look for BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmark:
- BIS Logo - Certification mark
- Purity Grade - 916 (22K), 750 (18K)
- Assayer Mark - Testing center ID
- Jeweller Code - Maker identification
Hallmark Example
Always ask for: Hallmarked jewelry with proper documentation and invoice.
Price Comparison
For a 10-gram piece (example rates):
| Purity | Gold Content | Approximate Price* |
|---|---|---|
| 22K | 9.16g pure | ₹52,000 |
| 18K | 7.50g pure | ₹42,500 |
| 14K | 5.83g pure | ₹33,000 |
*Prices are indicative and vary with market rates
Which Purity Should You Choose?
Choose 22K If:
- You want traditional Indian jewelry
- Resale value is important
- You're buying wedding jewelry
- You prefer deep yellow color
Choose 18K If:
- You want diamond/stone jewelry
- Durability is priority
- You prefer modern designs
- You like white or rose gold
Choose 14K If:
- Budget is a constraint
- You want trendy, fashion jewelry
- Durability is top priority
- You prefer western designs
Care Tips by Purity
22K Gold Care
- Store separately (soft metal)
- Avoid harsh chemicals
- Regular professional cleaning
- Check for dents/scratches
18K Gold Care
- Can handle daily wear better
- Clean with mild soap
- Annual professional polish
- Check stone settings regularly
