What is 18K Gold?

What is 18K Gold?

Understand 18K gold purity, its value, and its role in gold loan eligibility.

To find the nearest gold loan branch,

Enter phone and OTP | Check amount you can get | Apply for quick funds

What does 18K gold mean?

18K gold is 75% pure gold. The "18" means 18 of 24 parts are gold, and the other 6 parts (25%) are metals such as copper or silver. These added metals make 18K gold harder than 24K gold, so it holds its shape in rings, bracelets and chains you wear daily.

The trade-off is gold content. 18K pieces cost less per gram than 22K pieces, but they hold less gold and fetch a lower resale value per gram. Check for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark 750, which confirms 75% purity.

Choose 18K for durability and a lower price per gram. Bajaj Finance accepts 18-22 karat jewellery for a gold loan, so 18K pieces qualify.

Show More Show Less
 
 

Key takeaways

Understanding 18K gold helps you choose jewellery based on purity, durability and budget.

  • 18K gold contains 75% pure gold, while the remaining 25% consists of other metals that improve its strength.
  • It is commonly used for diamond-studded jewellery, rings, earrings and everyday accessories.
  • Check the BIS hallmark and look for the 750 purity mark to identify 18K gold.
  • The value of 18K gold depends on its weight, purity and the applicable market rate.
  • Bajaj Finance offers gold loans from Rs. 5,000 up to Rs. 2 crore, subject to eligibility and applicable terms. 
  • Eligible gold is assessed for purity and value before determining the loan amount.

Knowing the purity of 18K gold helps you make informed jewellery purchases and understand its potential value.

Significance of 18 Karat gold

If you love jewellery that feels luxurious but can still handle daily wear, 18 carat gold is an ideal choice. Because it has 75% pure gold, it has a beautiful shine that immediately stands out, yet it remains strong enough for everyday use. This combination makes it a favourite for rings, earrings, necklaces, and even heirloom pieces that you want to pass down. You get elegance without worrying too much about scratches or bends. When you pick 18 carat gold, you choose something that blends sophistication with long-lasting quality. It is perfect for anyone who wants jewellery that stays stunning for years while holding sentimental and financial value.


How to check purity for 18 k gold?

Before buying any 18K gold jewellery, it helps to know how to check if it is genuinely 18K. Here are some easy ways to do that:

  • Look for a hallmark: Check for marks like 18K or 750, which show that the piece has 75% pure gold.
  • Get it tested professionally: A certified jeweller can test your gold using acid testing, electronic machines, or XRF analysis for accurate results.
  • Do a quick visual check: Pure gold has a richer yellow tone. Though not fully reliable, checking the colour and finish can give you an idea.
  • Ask for a certificate: Reputable jewellery sellers provide purity certificates to confirm authenticity.

These simple checks help you buy confidently and ensure your 18K gold truly holds the value you expect.


Have idle gold lying at home? Turn it into instant funds with a Bajaj Finance Gold Loan today! Apply now

Show More Show Less

Impact of 18 karat gold rate on gold loan

The rate of 18 karat gold plays a big role in how much loan amount you can get. Since lenders calculate your loan value based on the purity and current market rate of your gold, a higher 18K gold rate means you may qualify for a higher loan amount. When the rate dips, the eligible amount may reduce. Keeping an eye on daily prices helps you plan your gold loan smartly and borrow at the right time. 


Pro tip: Manage planned to urgent expenses with ease. Check your gold loan eligibility now and make your gold work for your needs.


Please note: We also do not simply use today's headline rate. As per RBI, 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 as collateral for our 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.

Show More Show Less

Frequently asked questions

Gold Purity

Is 18K gold good quality?

Yes, 18 karat (18K) gold is considered good quality. It contains 75% pure gold, making it durable and valuable. The remaining 25% consists of alloyed metals, enhancing its strength and longevity. 18K gold is popular for its balance of purity and durability, making it a trusted choice for jewellery.


 

The choice between 22 karat (22K) and 18 karat (18K) gold depends on personal preferences and intended usage. 22K gold is more pure, but softer and less durable than 18 carat gold, which contains more alloy. Consider factors like appearance, durability, and budget to determine the best option for you.


 

Yes, 916 gold is equivalent to 18 karat (18K) gold. The number 916 represents the purity of gold, indicating that it is composed of 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% alloyed metals. This makes it a popular choice for jewellery due to its durability and lustre.



 

Show More Show Less

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. *