How to Check Purity for 18 Karat Gold

How to Check Purity for 18 Karat Gold

Learn simple techniques to check the purity of 18 karat gold and confirm it is genuine before you buy, sell, or pledge it.

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Why 18-carat gold is popular in India

18 karat gold contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals like silver, copper, or zinc, making it stronger than 24 karat gold. This strength makes it well-suited for detailed, intricate jewellery designs that can be worn daily without losing their shape.

This balance of strength and beauty makes 18-carat gold highly popular in India, especially for traditional jewellery. Understanding the current 18-carat gold price is important for buyers who want lasting, ornate jewellery that combines elegance with everyday wearability


Methods for testing 18 carat gold purity

Checking gold purity involves various simple techniques. While these methods offer a basic understanding, for accurate measurements, consulting a certified jeweller or a professional gold assayer is recommended.

  • Use a magnifying glass: Inspect the gold for marks indicating purity.
  • Visual examination: Look for any discolouration or tarnishing, which might suggest impurities.
  • Magnetic test: Real gold is not magnetic, so a magnet can help distinguish it from other metals.
  • Nitric acid test: This test uses nitric acid to assess gold, but it is best done by a professional due to the use of chemicals.

Verifying 18 karat gold's purity before you buy or sell it matters — check for the BIS hallmark, or confirm it through an acid test or electronic gold tester. Understanding your gold's purity helps you determine its value and secure a fair deal, whether you're buying it as an investment or a fashion piece.


Turn your gold into instant support—handle any expense with ease. Check your gold loan eligibility and access funds when you need them most.

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What is the 18 carat gold purity percentage?

Gold purity is measured in karats, with 24 karats representing pure gold. 18 karat gold means 18 parts pure gold out of 24, working out to 75% purity. The remaining 25% consists of other metals like copper, silver, or zinc, which add strength and durability. This composition makes 18 karat gold a practical choice for jewellery you wear daily, combining a substantial gold content with added resilience.


Do not let your gold sit idle—tap into its value with a gold loan that suits your needs. Check your gold loan eligibility today! 


Please note: We also do not simply use today's headline rate. We use whichever is lower between the previous day's closing price or the 30-day average closing price published by IBJA or a SEBI-regulated commodity exchange. This protects you from a sudden price spike inflating things unrealistically. You can pledge your 18-22 karat gold jewellery or ornaments, or gold coins up to 24 karat purity aas collateral for our gold gold loan offering. 

The maximum LTV eligible for a loan depends on the loan amount and cannot be more than the limits given. To know more, click here.

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Frequently asked questions

Gold Purity

Which is better, 18K or 22K gold?

Choosing between 18K and 22K gold depends on your needs. 18K gold offers 75% purity with added strength, making it ideal for everyday jewellery. 22K gold is 91.6% pure, providing a richer gold appearance but is softer and more prone to wear. For durable, frequently worn pieces, 18K gold is better. For more traditional, less-worn items, 22K gold is preferred due to its higher purity and luster.

No, 18 carat gold purity is not 90%. 18 carat gold purity means the gold is 75% pure, with the remaining 25% made up of other metals like copper, silver, or zinc. This combination increases the gold’s strength and durability, making 18k purity gold ideal for everyday jewellery. If you are looking for 90% purity, you might consider 21.6 karat gold instead.

18K gold purity means the gold is 75% pure, with 18 parts out of 24 being gold. The remaining 25% is composed of other metals like copper, silver, or zinc, which provide additional strength and durability. This balance makes 18k purity gold a popular choice for jewellery, offering a good mix of purity and robustness, suitable for everyday wear while retaining a significant amount of gold content.

The 18 carat gold purity percentage directly affects the gold rate. 18K gold has 75% purity, meaning it contains less pure gold compared to higher karat gold like 22K, which is 91.6% pure. Consequently, 18K gold is generally cheaper than 22K gold due to its lower gold content. The addition of other metals also impacts the gold rate in India, making 18K gold a more affordable option for jewellery while still maintaining a substantial gold presence.

Interest rates on gold loans are generally not directly affected by 18K gold purity. Lenders primarily consider the overall value of the gold and market conditions when determining interest rates. However, since 18K gold contains 75% pure gold, its valuation will be lower than higher-purity gold like 22K or 24K. This lower valuation may influence the loan amount you can secure, but the interest rate itself remains influenced by broader financial factors.

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Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL) has the sole and absolute discretion, without assigning any reason to accept or reject any application as per BFL policy. *