Key factors affecting gold rates in Kolkata
Several factors can affect the 24 carat gold price in Kolkata today. These include global market movements, currency changes, taxes and local demand.
- International gold prices: Gold prices in global markets can affect the rates you see in Kolkata.
- USD-INR exchange rate: A weaker rupee can make imported gold more expensive in India.
- Import duties and GST: Applicable duties and taxes can add to the cost of gold.
- Local demand: Buying often increases during Durga Puja, weddings and other occasions, which can affect local rates.
- Dealer margins: Transport, storage and other dealer costs can cause small differences between sellers.
Gold purity also matters. 24K, 22K and 18K gold have different purity levels, prices and common uses, so the rate can vary based on the type of gold you buy or sell.
What is the difference between 18K, 22K, and 24K gold?
The karat value shows how much pure gold a piece contains. A higher karat means a higher percentage of pure gold.
- 18K gold: Contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. This makes it stronger and suitable for everyday and diamond jewellery.
- 22K gold: Contains 91.6% pure gold. It is widely used for traditional jewellery in Kolkata as it offers high purity with good strength.
- 24K gold: Contains 99.9% pure gold. It is softer than lower-karat gold and is mainly used for investment bars and coins.
| Parameter | 18K Gold | 22K Gold | 24K Gold |
|---|
| Purity | 75% | 91.6% | 99.9% |
| Strength | Highest | High | Lower |
| Common Use | Diamond jewellery and daily wear jewellery | Traditional jewellery | Investment bars and coins |
| Price | Lowest | Higher | Highest |
Pro tip: Check the hallmark and purity of your gold before buying or pledging it. If you plan to use eligible gold as collateral, you can check your gold loan eligibility to understand the basic requirements.
How to check gold purity in Kolkata
Before buying or pledging gold in Kolkata, check its purity to know how much pure gold it contains. You can use the following methods:
- BIS hallmark: Check for the BIS hallmark on the gold. It provides details such as the purity grade, hallmark centre mark and jeweller identification mark.
- Acid test: A trained professional applies nitric acid to a small sample of the gold. The reaction helps assess its purity.
- X-ray fluorescence (XRF): XRF testing uses X-rays to check the metal composition without damaging the gold.
- Electronic gold tester: This device checks the gold's electrical properties and gives an estimate of its karat level.
- Assay testing: A certified assayer examines the gold to determine its purity through a detailed testing process.
- Density testing: The item's weight and volume are used to calculate its density, which can then be compared with the density of pure gold.
For a reliable result, get your gold tested by a certified jeweller or professional assayer in Kolkata.
How can you calculate the value of your gold?
You can estimate the current value of your gold using three simple details:
- Gold weight
- Gold purity
- Today's gold rate per gram
Formula: Gold Value = Gold Weight × Gold Rate per Gram
This estimate helps you understand what your gold is worth. However, the final loan amount depends on the applicable Loan-to-Value (LTV), the actual purity of the pledged gold, and the lower of the previous day's closing price or the 30-day average closing price published by IBJA or a SEBI-regulated commodity exchange.
Now that you know what your gold is worth, find out how much you can borrow. Check your gold loan eligibility online.
How do gold rates influence gold investments?
Gold prices directly affect the value of gold investments in Kolkata. When gold prices increase, the value of physical gold, Gold ETFs, and Sovereign Gold Bonds generally rises. When prices decline, their value may also decrease. Although each investment option has different features, all are influenced by changes in the underlying gold price.