The four purities compared
| Purity | Gold | Hallmark | Price a gram | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 24K999 | ₹14,357 | Coins and bars |
| 22K | 91.6% | 22K916 | ₹13,160 | Traditional jewellery, chains, bangles |
| 18K | 75% | 18K750 | ₹10,768 | Diamond and stone-set jewellery, rings |
| 14K | 58.5% | 14K585 | ₹8,399 | Everyday wear, the hardest wearing |
Which gold for which piece
- Investment: 24K coins or bars, with no making charge to lose.
- Ring: 22K for a plain band; 18K if it holds stones or is worn every day, since it scratches and bends less.
- Chain: 22K is the classic; 18K links last longer worn daily and cost less.
- Daily wear: 18K or 14K, which stand up to knocks; 22K is softer and shows wear sooner.
- Diamond jewellery: 18K, which holds a setting firmly.
Lower purities are mixed with more copper and silver, which makes them harder and changes the colour: 22K is a deep yellow, 18K and 14K paler. White and rose gold are 18K or 14K.
Price and value
A 5 gram 22K chain costs about ₹75,907 today, the same design in 18K about ₹63,773. The 22K piece sells back for more, since it holds more gold; the 18K piece costs less and wears better. For more on what pieces weigh, see gold jewellery price by weight.
Questions
- Which gold is best for daily wear?
- 18K or 14K: they are harder than 22K, so they scratch and bend less, and cost less a gram.
- Which gold is best for a ring?
- 22K for a plain band; 18K for a ring with stones or one worn every day.
- Which gold is best for investment?
- 24K coins or bars: they carry no making charge and are priced at the fine rate, ₹14,357 a gram on 7 Nov 2026.