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Gold purity determines the percentage of real gold in any ornament or coin. Knowing how to check gold purity helps you make informed decisions, whether you are buying jewellery, investing, or applying for a gold loan. The measure of purity also affects the pure gold price today, which changes daily based on international rates and market demand.
In India, gold is commonly sold as 24K, 22K, or 18K, depending on its fineness. Understanding these distinctions protects you from overpaying and ensures you get fair value. As gold remains both a cultural and financial asset, verifying its authenticity is crucial for both purchase and resale.
Gold purity refers to the proportion of gold in an alloy mixed with other metals like silver, copper, or nickel. This ratio is expressed in karats (K) or fineness numbers, which denote how much pure gold a piece contains.
24K gold is the purest form, containing 99.9% gold. It is soft and mostly used for coins and bars rather than jewellery.
22K gold contains 91.6% gold and 8.4% other metals, making it more durable for ornaments.
18K gold has 75% gold and 25% alloy metals, commonly used in gemstone-studded or designer jewellery.
To simplify these comparisons, a gold purity chart in India is used. It displays the karat and fineness values, helping buyers identify the correct grade before purchase. For instance, 22K gold corresponds to 916 fineness, while 18K equals 750.
Knowing the different ways to test gold purity helps you confirm whether your jewellery or coin is genuine. In India, several methods are used by jewellers and consumers to verify authenticity.
Here are some of the most common and reliable options:
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark is the most trusted indicator of purity
It includes the BIS logo, carat value (e.g., 22K916), the jeweller’s identification mark, and a six-digit HUID code
Always look for this mark while purchasing any gold item
A small sample of the gold is rubbed on a testing stone
Nitric acid is applied to observe colour changes
While this test is inexpensive, it can slightly damage the surface of the ornament
Pure gold is non-magnetic
If the jewellery is attracted to a magnet, it likely contains other metals
This test is a quick way to detect fakes, but not a definitive measure of purity
Gold’s density is around 19.3 g/cm³
A jeweller may measure displacement in water to determine if the metal’s density matches that of real gold
This is a modern, non-destructive method used to determine karat value precisely
It is highly accurate and safe for both customers and jewellers
| Test Method | Accuracy | Damage Risk | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
BIS Hallmark |
Very High |
None |
Every day jewellery purchase |
Acid Test |
Moderate |
Slight surface damage |
Old gold valuation |
Magnet Test |
Low |
None |
Quick basic check |
Density Test |
Moderate |
None |
Professional inspection |
Karat Meter |
Very High |
None |
Jeweller and gold loan valuation |
When purchasing gold, taking a few simple steps can help you ensure authenticity and avoid paying more than the item’s real worth.
Here’s how you can check gold purity before completing your purchase:
Ensure your gold ornament or coin carries the BIS logo, karat value, jeweller’s code, and HUID number.
Many certified jewellers provide a karat meter facility. It tests the purity level quickly and accurately.
The invoice should clearly state the karat, weight, making charges, and current pure gold rate per gram.
Check the pure gold price today using trusted sources or financial news to confirm you are paying a fair amount.
This document provides proof of quality and can be helpful during resale or when availing a gold loan.
Gold is classified based on its purity level, which directly affects its appearance, durability, and price. The most common types in India are 22K and 24K gold.
Here’s a clear comparison to help you understand their key differences:
| Feature | 22K Gold | 24K Gold |
|---|---|---|
Purity Level |
91.6% gold + 8.4% other metals |
99.9% pure gold |
Fineness |
916 |
999 |
Durability |
Strong and less prone to scratches |
Very soft, easily bendable |
Colour |
Slightly duller yellow due to alloy metals |
Bright yellow and lustrous |
Common Uses |
Ideal for jewellery and ornaments |
Used for coins, bars, and investments |
Price per Gram |
Slightly lower than 24K |
Higher due to higher gold content |
Suitability for Gemstones |
Better suited as it holds stones firmly |
Not recommended due to softness |
Resale Value |
High, especially when hallmarked |
Highest, due to the purity level |
Verifying the gold purity of your ornaments is essential to ensure you receive genuine value for your money.
Here’s why it matters:
Hallmarking and purity tests confirm that the jewellery contains the correct percentage of gold.
Knowing the karat helps you calculate the correct price based on the pure gold rate per gram.
Jewellery with certified purity fetches a higher resale value and is easier to exchange.
Lenders assess the purity before approving gold loans; purer gold leads to better loan offers.
Testing helps you avoid gold-plated or mixed-metal items sold as high-purity jewellery.
BIS hallmark ensures that your purchase meets government-approved standards for quality and purity.
A karat meter is one of the most accurate and non-destructive tools for checking gold purity. It is widely used by BIS-certified jewellers and financial institutions that deal in gold loans or valuations.
Here’s how the testing process works:
The jewellery or coin is placed on the machine’s testing platform. The karat meter uses X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology to scan the metal.
The device analyses the metal composition within seconds and displays the result on the screen in both karat and fineness values.
Results are typically accurate within a margin of ±0.1 karat, making it one of the most reliable ways to test purity.
Unlike acid or density tests, the karat meter does not scratch or damage the jewellery, preserving its condition.
Jewellers using BIS-approved karat meters issue a printed purity certificate, which serves as proof of authenticity for buyers.
Here’s a table for clarity:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Technology Used |
X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) |
Accuracy Level |
±0.1 Karat |
Time Taken |
Less than 60 seconds |
Damage to Gold |
None |
Output Format |
Karat value and fineness number |
Common Users |
Jewellers, lenders, gold buyers, and testing centres |
The purity of gold significantly affects the amount you can borrow against it. Lenders, including banks and NBFCs, determine the loan amount based on the purity level and current market price of gold.
Here’s why verifying gold purity is crucial before applying for a gold loan:
Purer gold fetches a higher valuation, increasing your loan eligibility
As per RBI guidelines, lenders can offer up to 75% of the gold’s market value as a loan, depending on its purity
Since high-purity gold poses a lower risk, lenders may offer better interest rates
Gold verified using a karat meter allows faster valuation and instant approval
Certified purity prevents lenders from estimating the gold’s value too conservatively
Before sanctioning a gold loan, lenders conduct a detailed gold purity test to determine the ornament’s real value.
For example, if your 18K gold necklace weighs 40 grams and the pure gold rate per gram is ₹6,000, the effective gold content is 75%. Hence, the total gold value is ₹1,80,000, and at a 75% LTV, the loan amount would be around ₹1,35,000.
This process ensures that the loan amount is based on accurate and verifiable purity data.
Here’s how the evaluation typically takes place:
The lender examines the gold’s appearance and hallmark for purity markings, such as BIS symbols and HUID numbers.
A karat meter is used to confirm the exact percentage of gold in the ornament. The reading is usually displayed in both karat and fineness.
Once the purity is established, the lender calculates the ornament’s total value using the pure gold rate per gram applicable on that day.
If the item is less than 22K (for example, 20K or 18K), its value is proportionately reduced to reflect the lower gold content.
The total value, multiplied by the lender’s Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, determines how much loan amount can be sanctioned.
The higher the purity of gold, the greater its market value — and, in turn, the higher the loan amount you can receive.
Here’s a table for clarity:
| Purity Level | Gold Weight (g) | Pure Gold Rate (₹/g) | Total Gold Value (₹) | Loan at 75% LTV (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
24K (99.9%) |
50 |
6,200 |
3,10,000 |
2,32,500 |
22K (91.6%) |
50 |
6,200 |
2,83,000 |
2,12,250 |
18K (75%) |
50 |
6,200 |
2,32,500 |
1,74,375 |
As you can see, even with the same weight and market rate, the loan amount varies because of the difference in gold purity. Thus, confirming purity ensures a fair loan valuation and prevents underestimation of your gold’s worth.
You can perform simple checks like the magnet test or the float test. Pure gold is non-magnetic and does not float in water. For a more accurate reading, visit a BIS-approved jeweller and request a karat meter test.
The easiest and most reliable method is to look for the BIS hallmark. It contains four marks — the BIS logo, karat number (e.g., 22K916), jeweller’s identification mark, and a six-digit HUID code. This hallmark confirms the jewellery’s authenticity and purity.
Gold purity refers to the proportion of gold present in an alloy. It is measured in karats (K) or by fineness numbers. For example, 24K gold is 99.9% pure, 22K gold is 91.6%, and 18K gold is 75% pure. These values help you compare the gold’s quality accurately.
Gold marked as 999 or 24K is considered the purest form, containing 99.9% gold. It is soft and unsuitable for jewellery but ideal for coins, bars, and investments where purity is the main priority.
Hallmarking ensures that your gold item meets BIS-approved purity standards. It verifies the karat, jeweller’s details, and the testing centre’s identification. This guarantees you are purchasing genuine gold and protects you during resale or when applying for a gold loan.
Gold loans are sanctioned based on the purity and weight of your ornaments. Purer gold has a higher value, which increases the sanctioned loan amount. Lenders assess purity using a karat meter and apply the RBI’s Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, usually capped at 75%, to determine eligibility.
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