24K vs 22K vs 18K Gold: Differences, Price and Which to Buy
Compare 24K, 22K and 18K gold by purity, hallmark, price and use, and learn which karat to buy for investment, bridal jewellery or diamond pieces.
24K vs 22K vs 18K Gold: The Quick Answer
The difference is purity. 24K gold is almost pure and best for coins and bars, 22K gold is the traditional choice for jewellery, and 18K gold is harder and suits diamond and stone-set pieces. The higher the karat, the more pure gold you get per gram, and the higher the price.
Gold Purity Comparison Chart
| Karat | Purity | Hallmark | Pure Gold in 10 g | Illustrative Price per 10 g | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 999 | About 9.99 g | ₹1,42,000 | Coins and bars |
| 22K | 91.6% | 916 | About 9.16 g | ₹1,30,150 | Traditional and bridal jewellery |
| 18K | 75% | 750 | 7.5 g | ₹1,06,500 | Diamond and stone-set jewellery |
The prices above are rounded, illustrative figures, so check today's live rate before you buy. Price follows purity: 22K costs about 91.6% of the 24K rate and 18K about 75%.
24K Gold: Purest but Soft
24K gold is the purest form you can buy. It is too soft for daily-wear jewellery, so it is mostly sold as coins and bars. These carry lower making charges, which makes them a common choice for investment and gifting.
22K Gold: The Jewellery Standard
22K gold is mixed with metals such as copper and silver, which makes it strong enough for necklaces, bangles and chains while keeping a rich yellow colour. It is the most popular purity for traditional and bridal jewellery in India.
18K Gold: Strong and Stylish
18K gold has 25% other metals, so it is harder and holds stones more securely. It is widely used for diamond jewellery, rose gold and everyday rings. You pay for less gold per gram, so the price per gram is lower.
Which Karat Should You Buy?
- For investment: choose 24K coins or bars, or consider gold funds, as they avoid making charges on jewellery.
- For weddings and festivals: choose 22K hallmarked jewellery.
- For diamond and daily wear: choose 18K for strength and style.
Does Karat Affect Gold Loans and Resale?
Yes. Lenders and buyers value your gold by its purity, so 22K jewellery fetches more per gram than 18K. On resale, you generally get the value of the gold content, while making charges and GST paid at purchase are not recovered.
Smart Buying Tips
- Check the BIS hallmark, the purity grade and the 6-digit HUID.
- Ask which karat the quoted rate refers to, as the 24K rate is higher than the 22K rate.
- Compare making charges and GST (3% on gold and 5% on making charges).
- Get a bill showing weight, purity, rate and charges.
Conclusion
Pick the karat for the purpose: 24K to hold, 22K to wear traditionally and 18K for diamond and daily pieces. Always verify the hallmark and compare the final price, not just the rate per gram.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 24K, 22K and 18K gold?
It is the purity: 24K is about 99.9% gold, 22K is 91.6% and 18K is 75%. Higher purity means a higher price and softer gold.
Which is better for jewellery, 22K or 18K gold?
22K suits traditional and bridal jewellery, while 18K is harder and better for diamond and stone-set pieces.
Is 24K gold good for jewellery?
It is usually too soft for daily-wear jewellery, so it is mostly bought as coins and bars.
Which karat is best for investment?
24K coins and bars are the usual choice, as they carry lower making charges than jewellery.
What do 999, 916 and 750 mean on gold?
They are purity marks: 999 is 24K, 916 is 22K (91.6% gold) and 750 is 18K (75% gold).
How much cheaper is 22K gold than 24K gold?
The price is roughly in line with purity, so 22K costs about 91.6% of the 24K rate. Check the live rates for exact numbers.
Does 18K gold have resale value?
Yes, buyers value it by its gold content, so it fetches less per gram than 22K, and making charges are not recovered.
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Check today's 24K, 22K and 18K prices on our Gold Rates
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not financial or tax advice. Gold rates, deductions and taxes change often, so verify them before you buy or sell.
