What karats does yellow gold come in?
Yellow gold jewellery is sold in 22K and 18K, among other karats. Karat tells you how many parts out of 24 are pure gold.
| Karat | Gold content | BIS purity mark | Bajaj Finance Gold Loan |
| 24K | 99.9% | 999 | Accepted as coins only |
| 22K | 91.6% | 916 | Accepted as jewellery and ornaments |
| 18K | 75% | 750 | Accepted as jewellery and ornaments |
Jewellery below 18 karat, such as 14K, falls outside the accepted gold loan range. See what is 750 gold for the 18K mark in detail.
Is yellow gold real gold and how do you know it is real?
Yes. Yellow gold is real gold, but it is not pure gold, because it is alloyed with other metals. Colour and shine cannot confirm the purity of gold, so check the hallmark.
Check three marks on each piece:
- The BIS logo.
- The purity mark, such as 916 for 22K or 750 for 18K.
- The six-digit HUID code, which all gold jewellery in India must carry from 1 April 2023.
Verify the HUID with the BIS Care app, and keep your purchase invoice. A piece without a hallmark has no verified purity.
What is the difference between white gold and yellow gold?
The main difference between white gold and yellow gold is colour, which comes from the metals mixed with the gold. At the same karat, both hold the same share of pure gold.
| Feature | Yellow gold | White gold |
| Alloy metals | Silver and copper, sometimes zinc | White metals such as nickel, palladium or platinum |
| Colour | Warm yellow | Silvery white |
| Gold content at 18K | 75% | 75% |
| Base price | Follows karat and net weight | Follows karat and net weight |
Making charges differ by design. Compare yellow gold with another colour on the yellow gold vs rose gold page.
Why choose yellow gold?
Choose yellow gold if one or more of these reasons applies to you:
- You want the natural colour of gold.
- You want daily-wear jewellery that is harder than 24K gold.
- You want a choice between 22K for higher gold content and 18K for more hardness.
- You want jewellery that you can verify with a BIS hallmark and HUID code.
- You want an asset you can pledge for a gold loan instead of selling it.
The trade-off is purity against hardness. Higher-karat yellow gold is softer and scratches more easily. Lower-karat yellow gold holds less gold and resells for less per gram.
Yellow gold prices and recommended products
The base price of yellow gold follows its karat and net gold weight, not its colour.
Gold value = net weight in grams x rate per gram for the karat
For example, assume a rate of Rs. 10,000 per gram for 22K gold. A 10 gram chain has a base value of Rs. 1,00,000. An assumed making charge of 8% adds Rs. 8,000, and Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 3% on Rs. 1,08,000 adds Rs. 3,240. The total is Rs. 1,11,240. These figures are assumptions for illustration, and each jeweller sets its own making charge.
Check the live rate on the gold rate today in India page before you buy.
Should white gold or yellow gold be preferred?
Neither is better for every buyer. Your choice depends on colour preference, the design and how you plan to use the piece.
- Choose yellow gold for a traditional look and for jewellery that suits daily wear.
- Choose white gold for a silvery finish that pairs with diamonds and other stones.
- Compare the karat, hallmark and net gold weight on both before you buy.
Read the yellow gold vs rose gold comparison if rose gold is also on your list.
Which type of gold is eligible for a gold loan?
Bajaj Finance accepts 18-22 karat gold jewellery and ornaments, and 24 karat gold coins, as collateral for a gold loan. Yellow gold jewellery in 22K or 18K falls in this range.
The lender values each piece by its actual karat and net gold weight, and net weight excludes stones. It uses the lower of two prices: the previous day's closing price or the 30-day average closing price. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) or a commodity exchange regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) publishes both.
Loan to Value (LTV) is the maximum share of your gold's value that the lender gives as a loan. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) caps it by loan amount.
| Loan amount | Maximum LTV |
| Up to Rs. 2.5 lakh | 85% |
| More than Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh | 80% |
| More than Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 2 crore | 75% |
Worked example. Anita, 41, is a self-employed professional in Jaipur. Her 22K yellow gold jewellery has an eligible value of Rs. 2,00,000 after valuation. At 85% LTV, her maximum loan is Rs. 2,00,000 x 85% = Rs. 1,70,000. Branch valuation and credit assessment decide the final amount, so this example is not an offer.
Regulatory Context: The RBI issued the Reserve Bank of India (Lending Against Gold and Silver Collateral) Directions, 2025 on 6 June 2025. The Directions took effect on 1 April 2026 and cover LTV limits and valuation. Bajaj Finance applies them to every Bajaj Finance Gold Loan.
Bajaj Finance Gold Loan offers amounts from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 2 crore, with interest from 9.50% p.a. and a tenure of 1 day to 12 months. Plan your repayment with the gold loan calculator, and check the gold loan interest rate and charges before applying.
It takes just 2 steps to check your eligibility for a Bajaj Finance Gold Loan. Enter your mobile number now.
