Loans
Cards
Insurance
Investment
Stock Market
Electronics Mall
CIBIL Score
Knowledge Centre
Calculators
Do not call
En
Table of Content
Learn about different karats of gold, their purity, durability, and the best choices for jewellery, investment, and daily wear.
Gold has been valued for centuries for its beauty and versatility. The karat in gold indicates how much of the metal is pure gold compared to other metals in the alloy. A higher gold karat means greater purity, which affects the metal’s colour, strength, and value. For instance, 24K gold is 99.9% pure, while 14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold.
Understanding the different karats of gold helps you choose the right type for jewellery, investment, or daily use. Common types of gold karats include 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K, each offering a balance of purity and durability. In India, gold karat purity greatly influences both cost and quality, making it important to know the types of gold in India before buying.
Choosing the right karat in gold is crucial when purchasing jewellery, as it affects both its durability and appearance. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used types of gold karats in jewellery:
18K gold is widely favoured for its perfect balance of purity and strength. Containing 75% pure gold, it is ideal for pieces like rings, necklaces, and bracelets that are worn daily.
14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold, making it both durable and affordable. It’s a common choice for jewellery, especially in regions like India, where pieces must endure regular use.
10K gold has the lowest gold content at 41.7%, offering an affordable yet durable option for everyday jewellery. This gold is ideal for those who need a long-lasting piece at a lower cost.
20K gold and 22K gold are more commonly used for traditional or ornamental jewellery. 22K gold, which contains 91.7% pure gold, is softer and better suited for special occasion pieces like engagement rings.
24K gold is the purest form of gold, containing 99.9% gold, but it is too soft for most jewellery. It is often used for investment purposes or in pieces that are not meant for everyday wear.
In addition to the more common karats, you may find variations like 833 gold karat (83.3% gold) in certain regions. These alternatives offer a different balance of purity and strength for specific jewellery types.
For daily use, durability and strength are key when selecting gold. 14K gold, containing 58.3% pure gold, is highly durable and commonly used for rings, bracelets, and other jewellery exposed to regular wear. 18K gold, with 75% pure gold, is a slightly more luxurious option that still offers the toughness needed for everyday jewellery.
While 22K gold and 20K gold are softer and more prone to scratches, they are better suited for special occasions rather than daily wear. 14K gold and 18K gold provide the right balance of gold karat purity and durability, making them ideal for everyday jewellery.
Understanding the karat in gold helps you identify the right balance between purity, durability, and value when buying jewellery. Here is a simple gold karat comparison chart that highlights the most common types of gold karats and their ideal uses:
| Gold Karat | Purity Level | Percentage of Pure Gold | Durability | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
24K Gold |
Pure |
99.90% |
Very soft |
Investment, coins, special occasion jewellery |
22K Gold |
High purity |
91.70% |
Soft |
Traditional jewellery, antique pieces |
20K Gold |
High purity |
83.30% |
Moderate |
Ornamental jewellery, collectibles |
18K Gold |
Medium-high purity |
75% |
Strong |
Engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets |
14K Gold |
Medium purity |
58.30% |
Very strong |
Everyday jewellery, rings, and bangles |
10K Gold |
Low purity |
41.70% |
Extremely strong |
Budget jewellery, casual wear |
24K gold is the pure gold karat, perfect for investment but too soft for regular wear
22K gold and 20K gold are suitable for traditional or ornamental pieces
18K gold and 14K gold are ideal for daily jewellery due to their strength and balanced gold karat purity
10K gold offers the most durability at a lower cost, making it great for everyday wear
This gold karat list gives a clear view of how different karats of gold vary in purity and use, helping you select the right type for your lifestyle and budget.
Determining whether gold is real or fake can be tricky, but there are several reliable tests you can use to assess its authenticity. Whether you have 20K gold, pure gold karat, or other types of gold karats, these methods will help you distinguish genuine gold from gold-plated or fake alternatives. Here are some simple and effective ways to figure out if your gold is real:
Look for karat markings such as 10K, 14K, or 24K to confirm the gold's purity. These karat in gold stamps are typically found in hidden areas of the jewellery, indicating the gold karat purity.
Gold is non-magnetic, so a magnet won’t attract real gold. If the piece is drawn to the magnet, it is likely not real gold.
Gold has a high density and will sink in water. If your piece floats, it is not genuine or is likely a gold-plated item.
Look for markings like GP (gold plated), GF (gold filled), or RGP (rolled gold plate), which indicate that the jewellery is not made from solid gold but rather gold-plated.
Rub your gold item against an unglazed ceramic tile. If it leaves a yellow streak, it's likely real gold; if the streak is black or brown, the gold is fake.
Hold the gold against your skin for a few minutes. If it leaves a greenish mark or causes irritation, it's likely not pure gold karat and may be gold-plated.
Place a drop of nitric acid on a small hidden area of the gold. If there’s no reaction or colour change, the gold is real; a green reaction indicates the piece is not pure gold.
Place a few drops of vinegar on your gold piece. If the vinegar changes the colour of the gold, it’s likely not genuine; if the colour remains unchanged, the piece is likely real.
Rub the gold item on your skin after applying foundation. If it leaves a black or green residue, the gold is likely fake or gold-plated.
Gold is dense and heavy compared to other metals. If the gold piece feels unusually light for its size, it’s likely not real gold.
By performing these simple tests, you can confidently determine whether your gold is real or fake. Whether you're exploring different karats of gold or curious about types of gold in India, these methods will help you make informed decisions before making a purchase.
Here’s a breakdown of some common myths about gold karat and the facts that can help you make better decisions when buying or caring for gold jewellery:
Not all gold jewellery is the same, as it comes in different karat values, which affect its purity and price.
24K gold is the purest but also the softest, making 18K or 21K gold a better choice for durability.
While pure gold doesn’t tarnish, alloys in lower karat gold can tarnish over time, especially in 14K and 18K gold.
White gold is created by alloying yellow gold with metals like palladium and nickel, and is often coated with rhodium for a white finish.
The value of gold jewellery is based on factors like gold karat purity, design, and craftsmanship—not just weight.
Gold-plated jewellery is not the same as gold-filled or gold vermeil, which have thicker layers of gold for better durability.
Modern gold designs, such as 18K gold, are perfect for daily wear and can last a lifetime with proper care.
While stamps are helpful, not all real gold pieces are stamped, especially vintage or custom-made items.
Gold bullion and high-purity gold pieces are more reliable investments than fashion jewellery with high markups.
Even high-purity gold karat pieces need regular cleaning and proper storage to maintain their shine and condition.
Gold jewellery with a karat value below 14K contains less pure gold, making it more affordable but less lustrous. 10K gold, for example, contains only 41.7% pure gold, with the rest made up of other metals like copper or nickel. While gold below 14K is durable and resistant to scratches, it often has a more muted colour and may cause skin irritation for some. It offers a budget-friendly option, but it may not hold its value as well as higher-karat gold.
Know the Gold Rate in Various Cities
Know the Gold Loan in Various Cities
The value of 10 grams of 24K gold depends on the current market price of gold, which fluctuates daily. At today's prices, you can calculate its value by multiplying the gram weight by the current price per gram of pure gold karat.
Yes, 18K gold contains 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals, such as copper or silver, which provide durability and colour. This makes it a popular choice for jewellery, offering a balance of purity and strength.
Yes, 18K gold is often referred to as 916 gold because it contains 91.6% pure gold. This term is commonly used in regions like India, where gold karat purity is often measured in millesimal fineness.
22K gold is made up of 91.7% pure gold, while 24K gold is 99.9% pure, making it the most refined form. 22K gold offers a better balance of gold karat purity and durability, making it suitable for daily wear. In contrast, 24K gold is softer and more prone to damage, making it ideal for investment or decorative use.
14K gold is the best for daily wear due to its durability and strength. It contains 58.3% pure gold, making it resistant to scratches and damage, while still retaining a good amount of gold purity.
24K gold, being 99.9% pure, is the best for investment purposes as it offers the highest purity. Gold bullion or coins made from pure gold karat are often preferred, as they have a stable value and are easily liquidated.
Not always. While higher karat gold (such as 24K) has more purity, it is softer and less durable for daily wear. 18K or 14K gold offers a better balance of gold karat purity and practicality, especially for jewellery that needs to withstand regular use.
18K gold is ideal for engagement rings because it combines gold karat purity (75% gold) with enough durability for daily wear. However, 14K gold may also be a good choice if you prefer a more affordable, durable option with less maintenance.
Academy by Bajaj Markets
96084
Unlock the world of credit! From picking the perfect card to savvy loan management, navigate wisely.
47081
Money Management and Financial Planning covers personal finance basics, setting goals, budgeting...
23955
Explore the investment cosmos! From beginner's guides to sharp-witted strategies, explore India's treasure trove of options.
35031
Navigate the tax maze with ease! Uncover Income Tax 101, demystify jargon with Terms for Beginners, and choose between Old or New Regimes.
15580
Discover essential insights on various types of insurance in India.
4447
Welcome to Tech in Finance, where we explore the exciting intersection of technology and finance...
Personal Loan, Business Loan, Collateral
Credit Score, Report & Analysis
Fixed Deposit, Mutual Fund, NPS, Demat A/C, SGB
General Insurance, Life Insurance, Term Insurance
Stocks, IPOs
Smart Phone, Speaker, EarPhone
Academy 
