What is 24 carat gold?
24 carat gold is the highest-purity form commonly referred to as pure gold. It contains about 99.9% gold and is softer than gold mixed with other metals. This makes it less suitable for most jewellery that needs to withstand regular wear.
24K gold is commonly used for investment products, including gold bars and coins. Its higher gold content generally gives it a higher price per gram than 22K gold, although the actual price depends on the applicable gold rate.
What is 22 carat gold?
22 carat gold contains about 91.6% gold, with the remaining 8.4% made up of other metals. These metals improve its strength and make it more suitable for jewellery than 24K gold.
In India, 22K gold jewellery is commonly marked as 22K916, indicating a fineness of 916 parts per 1,000. You can check the purity marking and hallmark details when buying gold jewellery.
What does karat mean in gold purity?
Karat measures the proportion of gold in an item out of 24 parts. The higher the karat, the greater the proportion of gold.
- 22K gold: 22 out of 24 parts are gold, or about 91.6% pure.
- 24K gold: nearly all 24 parts are gold, or about 99.9% pure.
You can learn more about gold purity before buying gold or assessing your existing jewellery.
Difference between 22K and 24K gold
The main difference between 22K and 24K gold is the amount of pure gold each contains. This affects their strength, common uses and price.
| Parameter | 22K gold | 24K gold |
|---|
| Gold purity | About 91.6% | About 99.9% |
| Hallmark fineness | Commonly marked 916 | Depends on the product and applicable standard |
| Strength | Stronger than 24K gold | Softer and more malleable |
| Common uses | Jewellery and ornaments | Investment bars and coins |
| Price per gram | Generally lower than 24K gold | Generally higher than 22K gold |
| Suitability for regular jewellery | More suitable | Less suitable for most everyday jewellery |
The price difference mainly reflects the higher gold content in 24K gold. However, the final price you pay for jewellery may also include making charges and applicable taxes.
Which is better: 22K vs 24K gold?
The right choice depends on how you plan to use the gold.
- Choose 22K gold if you want jewellery that offers a balance of gold purity and strength.
- Choose 24K gold if your priority is high gold purity for investment products such as bars or coins.
- Compare the applicable rate for the same weight and purity before buying.
- Check the hallmark and purity details instead of relying only on appearance.
Neither type is universally better. Your intended use, budget and preference for purity should guide your choice.
Which gold is best for jewellery: 22 carat or 24 carat?
22K gold is generally more suitable for jewellery because the added metals make it stronger than 24K gold. It is commonly used for ornaments that need to retain their shape during regular use.
24K gold is softer and can scratch or bend more easily. It is therefore less suitable for most jewellery intended for frequent wear. If you are buying jewellery, check its purity, hallmark and net gold weight before making a decision.
How can you check whether gold is 22K or 24K?
Check the purity marking and hallmark on the gold item. In India, 22K jewellery is commonly marked 22K916. Hallmark details help you identify the declared purity of the item.
For hallmarked jewellery, you can also check the HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number using the BIS Care app. If you are unsure about the purity, seek verification from an appropriate testing facility.
