Gold purity is measured in karats (K), which indicates the proportion of pure gold. 24K gold is 100% pure, 22K gold contains about 91.6% gold, 20K gold has roughly 83.3% gold, and 18K gold is 75% pure. Higher-karat gold is softer and ideal for investment purposes or coins. Lower-karat gold is more durable and suitable for jewellery such as bangles, rings, and nose pins.
This guide will help you choose the right gold based on purity, needs, and budget.
Why Gold Purity Matters When Buying Jewellery
Gold purity determines the strength, appearance, and suitability of a piece of jewellery. The purity of gold also affects the type of jewellery you choose. Higher-purity gold is preferred for weddings, special occasions, and traditional rituals. However, lower-purity gold is better for everyday rings, necklaces, bangles, and work-friendly designs because it can withstand regular use without damage. Understanding gold purity helps buyers balance beauty, longevity, and practicality when selecting jewellery.
Understanding Gold Purity: Karat vs Carat
The purity of gold is determined using the karat (K)system, marked as 18K, 20K, 22K, or 24K. This indicates how much pure gold is present out of 24 parts. For example, 24K gold is pure gold, while 18K gold contains 18 parts gold and six parts other metals, such as copper or silver.
On the other hand, carat (ct) is a unit of weight used for gemstones such as diamonds and pearls. In the context of gemstones, one carat equals 0.2 grams. Although “karat” and “carat” sound similar, they represent completely different standards, karat measures gold purity, while carat measures gemstone weight.
Karat vs Carat: Key Differences
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Understanding 18K, 20K, 22K and 24K Gold
To choose the right type of gold, let's understand what each karat level actually means:
18K Gold: Durable and Ideal for Modern Jewellery
18K gold blends gold with other metals, creating a strong structure suitable for daily wear. It resists scratches, holds intricate designs, and pairs well with gemstones. It is also the preferred choice for diamond jewellery, as the metal does not affect the stone’s brilliance.
18K gold supports a wide range of colours. This includes white gold, rose gold, and even unique shades like soft blue or muted purple created through specialised alloy treatments. These colours are popular among women who prefer premium yet practical pieces in modern collections.
20K Gold: A Higher Purity Used in Select Gold Items
You don’t often see 20K gold, which is understandable because 18K and 22K are far more popular. 20K gold is a mid-point, containing roughly 83.3% pure gold and 16.7% alloy metals.
If you're looking for jewellery with a brighter shine than 18K gold but not as soft as 22K or 24K gold, 20K gold can be a suitable choice. It’s not commonly used in major cities; however, if you want a standout piece with noticeable lustre, 20K gold is certainly worth considering.
22K Gold: Traditional Choice Across India
22K gold is the most popular choice for traditional gold jewellery in India. 22K means the gold is roughly 91.6% pure. The remaining percentage is made up of other metals like copper, silver, or zinc to add strength.
This type of gold is commonly chosen for wedding jewellery, festive pieces, and heavy necklaces and bangles. It's warm, rich golden tone is widely loved across cultures, especially during festivals in India.
24K Gold: The Purest Form of Gold
24K gold is the purest form of gold, known for its bright, shiny appearance and high value. In terms of purity, 24K gold is approximately 99.9% pure (often rounded up to 100%).
However, 24K gold is too soft for everyday jewellery, which is why it’s rarely used for pieces that need durability. It is mainly used in coins, bullion, ceremonial items, high-end collectables, and specialised electronics due to its high purity. 24K gold is highly valuable and is considered a safe-haven asset, often performing well during economic uncertainty or inflation.
How to Verify Gold Purity While Shopping?
Knowing how to check gold purity helps you make informed decisions and avoid paying more for lower-quality gold while shopping.
BIS Hallmarking
To ensure authenticity, always look for hallmarking according to Indian standards, for example, a 916-purity mark for 22K gold or a 750 mark for 18K gold. The BIS hallmark, unique jeweller ID, purity mark, guarantee the gold’s purity, identifies the jeweller, and certifies it from an authorised body.
Understanding the Bill
A bill will include details such as purity, weight, making charges, taxes, and the type of gold. This information helps you compare rates and make informed decisions while price-shopping.
Why Trusted Sellers Matter
Reputable stores maintain high-quality standards and avoid mixing low-grade alloys. Buying from trusted sellers ensures transparency, fair pricing, and verified purity.
Read Also: How Many Grams Make 1 Carat of Gold?
To Conclude
Purity helps you choose the ideal balance of value, strength, and beauty. Whether you are buying casual jewellery, investment coins, or wedding rings, the karat you select should align with your budget and purpose. Choosing the right karat ensures your jewellery lasts longer while retaining its elegance and worth.
If you wish to raise funds without selling your jewellery, you can opt for a Gold Loan from Poonawalla Fincorp. Apply now and enjoy a fully digital process, competitive interest rates, and quick disbursal.
FAQs
Why does the Gold price change so often in India?
These changes are mainly caused by shifts in the global market, currency fluctuations, and investors' actions. Today's gold rate reflects, to some extent, changes in demand and international pricing.
Which Gold purity is best for daily wear?
18K gold is the best option for daily wear as it combines purity and durability perfectly. It is also suitable for jewellery that is adorned with diamonds or other gems.
Is 24K Gold good for jewellery?
Generally, 24K gold is not ideal for everyday jewellery, as it is very soft and prone to scratches and bending. It is mainly used for investment purposes, such as bars and coins, rather than elaborate or daily-wear jewellery.
What affects the charges on jewellery?
Making charges are determined by the design complexity, weight, labour involved, and finishing techniques. Handcrafted pieces are usually more expensive due to the high level of skill required.
Which karat of Gold has the best resale value?
From an investment perspective, 24K gold offers higher resale value due to its purity. Meanwhile, 22K gold jewellery also retains significant value, especially when purchased from authorised dealers.
We take utmost care to provide information based on internal data and reliable sources. However, this article and associated web pages provide generic information for reference purposes only. Readers must make an informed decision by reviewing the products offered and the terms and conditions. Loan disbursal is at the sole discretion of Poonawalla Fincorp.
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