How to Check Purity for 21 Karat Gold

How to Check Purity for 21 Karat Gold

Learn simple techniques to check the purity of 21 karat gold and confirm it is genuine before you buy, sell, or pledge it.

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Why gold holds a special place in everyday Indian life

Gold is part of nearly every major celebration in India. It symbolises prosperity, faith, and continuity across generations, marking weddings, festivals, and family rituals, while also serving as a trusted form of savings. Knowing your gold's karat and current price helps you judge its true worth, whether you are buying jewellery, investing, or using gold as a financial resource.


What is 21 carat gold?

21 karat gold is an alloy of 21 parts pure gold and 3 parts other metals like silver, copper, zinc, or nickel. This gives it approximately 87.5% purity, calculated by dividing 21 by 24. The balance of purity and durability makes it a popular choice for detailed, long-lasting jewellery, combining a high gold content with the strength needed for intricate designs.


Additional read: What is 750 hallmark gold? Learn how hallmark standards confirm gold purity.

Quick tip: Want to make the most of your hallmarked gold? Check your gold loan eligibility today and unlock quick funds against your verified jewellery—all while ensuring complete safety and transparency.

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Techniques to check the purity of 21 carat gold

You can try a few simple things to check 21 carat gold purity. But for the best results, it is smart to talk to a jeweller or a gold expert.


  1. Magnifying glass inspection: Examine the gold closely for marks or stamps indicating purity, usually inscribed by reputable jewellers.
  2. Visual examination: Look for any discolouration, tarnishing, or irregularities on the surface, which may suggest impurities.
  3. Magnetic test: Authentic gold does not attract magnets, so using a magnet can help distinguish it from other metals that might contain iron.
  4. Nitric acid test: This test involves using chemicals to assess gold purity. However, it is advisable to seek a professional jeweller's assistance due to the potential hazards associated with the test.

Before buying or selling 21-carat gold jewellery, ensure it is genuine. Check for the BIS hallmark or use tests/machines to confirm its purity. Knowing its purity helps you understand its value for investment or style. With this info, make smart choices when dealing with 21-karat gold purity. 


How does 21 karat gold purity affect your gold loan?

Your gold's purity and weight decide how much you can borrow against it. Higher purity gold generally has a higher assessed value than lower purity gold of the same weight. For a gold loan, we do not use the day's displayed market rate directly. As per RBI guidelines, we use the lower of the previous day's closing price or the 30-day average closing price for your gold's specific purity, published by IBJA or a SEBI-regulated commodity exchange. The applicable LTV limit then applies. 

Check your gold loan eligibility to see what your 21 karat gold jewellery could be worth.

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Frequently asked questions

Gold Purity

Gold Purchase

How should I choose the best gold to buy?

Choose gold based on purity, intended use and budget. 24K gold suits investment, while 22K, 21K and 18K gold are commonly preferred for jewellery due to better durability. Check hallmarking, purity, making charges and the final price before buying.

Yes, besides jewellery, people invest in gold coins, bars, and digital gold. Gold ETFs and sovereign gold bonds are also options for those seeking long-term financial growth without physical storage.

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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. *