| Purity | Gold % | BIS Hallmark | Price / Gram | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 999 | ₹14,205 | Investment, coins, bars |
| 22K | 91.6% | 916 | ₹13,021 | Wedding jewellery, heavy ornaments |
| 18K | 75.0% | 750 | ₹10,653 | Daily wear, diamond settings |
Purity comparison
24K vs 22K vs 18K Gold — Which Purity Should You Buy?
A complete guide to understanding gold purity in India. Compare prices, know the hallmarking system, and decide which karat is right for your purchase — jewellery, investment, or daily wear.
Today's Price Comparison by Purity
Understanding gold karats
Gold purity in India is measured in karats (K), where 24K represents pure gold (99.9%). The karat system divides gold into 24 parts — so 22K means 22 parts gold and 2 parts other metals (usually copper or silver), giving it 91.6% purity.
Pure 24K gold is extremely soft and malleable, which makes it unsuitable for everyday jewellery. Alloying it with harder metals creates more durable options: 22K for traditional Indian jewellery and 18K for modern, intricate designs with diamond or gemstone settings.
BIS Hallmarking in India
Since June 2021, BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmarking is mandatory for gold jewellery sold in India. Every piece must carry a unique HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number that lets buyers verify the gold's purity online through the BIS website.
The hallmark includes the BIS logo, purity grade (999 for 24K, 916 for 22K, 750 for 18K), and the jeweller's identification mark. Always check for the hallmark before purchasing gold jewellery to ensure you are getting what you pay for.
Which purity to choose?
For wedding jewellery and traditional ornaments, 22K is the standard in India — it offers a good balance of purity and durability. Most temple jewellery, mangalsutras, and bangles are made in 22K.
For investment purposes, 24K gold coins and bars offer the purest form with the highest per-gram value. They are easier to resell at bullion shops without deductions for alloy content.
For daily wear and modern designs, 18K is the practical choice — it is harder, more scratch-resistant, and holds gemstone settings better. It is also more affordable per gram, making it suitable for lightweight everyday pieces.
FAQ
What is 24K gold?
24K gold is 99.9% pure gold with no alloys. It is the purest form available, used for coins, bars, and investment products. Too soft for everyday jewellery.
Is 22K or 24K better for jewellery?
22K is better for jewellery — it is 91.6% pure gold alloyed with copper or silver for durability. Almost all Indian wedding jewellery is 22K. 24K is too soft and scratches easily.
What does 916 hallmark mean?
916 hallmark means the gold is 91.6% pure (22 karat). BIS hallmarking guarantees purity and is mandatory for gold jewellery sold in India since 2021.
Which gold purity has the highest resale value?
24K has the highest per-gram resale value because it is purest. However, 22K jewellery retains good value and is easier to sell in India due to higher consumer demand.
24K, 22K और 18K सोने में क्या अंतर है?
24 कैरेट सोना 99.9% शुद्ध होता है — यह सिक्कों और बार के लिए सबसे अच्छा है। 22 कैरेट (91.6% शुद्ध) भारतीय शादी की ज्वैलरी के लिए सबसे लोकप्रिय है। 18 कैरेट (75% शुद्ध) डेली वियर और डायमंड सेटिंग के लिए उपयुक्त है। आज 24K की कीमत ₹14,205, 22K की ₹13,021, और 18K की ₹10,653 प्रति ग्राम है।
Helpful external references
Use these independent references alongside today’s gold rate data before making a purchase or investment decision.
Check gold rates by city
Explore live 22K and 24K gold rate pages across India. Each city page includes per-gram pricing tables, 10-day history, a jewellery calculator, and buying FAQs updated from cached market data.