Gold has fascinated people for centuries — a symbol of wealth, power, and beauty. But not all gold is the same. When you buy jewellery, you’ll often hear terms like 24K, 22K, 18K, 14K, 10K, or even 9K gold. These numbers represent karats, which measure the purity of gold.
Here’s a complete guide to understanding gold karats and what makes each of them unique.
24 Karat Gold – Purest of All
24K gold contains 99.9% pure gold. It has a rich, bright yellow color that shines beautifully, making it the most dazzling form of gold. But it comes with a drawback: pure gold is very soft.
That’s why 24K gold is rarely used for making jewellery. It bends, scratches, and loses shape easily. Instead, it’s commonly used in gold bars, coins, and investment pieces.
Think of 24K gold as the gold you keep, not the gold you wear.
22 Karat Gold – India’s Favourite
22K gold is 91.6% pure gold, mixed with small amounts of copper, silver, or other metals. This slight alloying makes it harder and stronger than 24K, while keeping its beautiful yellow shine.
Because it strikes the perfect balance between purity and strength, 22K is the most popular choice in India for wedding jewellery, traditional ornaments, and temple pieces. From Kasu Malas to bangles, most heavy bridal jewellery is made in 22K.
If you want jewellery that is both precious and practical, 22K is the go-to.
18 Karat Gold – Modern & Versatile
18K gold is 75% pure gold, alloyed with stronger metals. Its slightly paler yellow tone makes it a perfect canvas for different finishes like white gold or rose gold.
Because it’s tougher, 18K is widely used in diamond and gemstone jewellery. It holds stones firmly, resists scratches better, and looks stylish without being overly traditional. Many engagement rings and designer collections use 18K gold.
For people who love a mix of luxury and everyday wearability, 18K is ideal.
14 Karat Gold – Stylish Everyday Choice
14K gold contains 58.3% gold, with the rest being alloys like silver, copper, or nickel. The result is a strong, scratch-resistant metal that’s more affordable than higher karats.
It’s especially popular for rings, chains, and casual jewellery. With less gold content, its yellow color is softer and more muted, but it works beautifully in white and rose gold jewellery.
14K gold is perfect for budget-conscious buyers who still want stylish jewellery that lasts.
10 Karat Gold – Tough & Affordable
At 41.7% purity, 10K has less gold and more alloys, giving it a paler look. The big advantage? It’s very durable and cost-effective.
This karat is popular in Western countries for casual jewellery, but it’s less common in India since cultural preferences lean toward higher purity.
Best for those who want strength over shine.
9 Karat Gold – Budget-Friendly & Durable
9K gold has only 37.5% pure gold, mixed with a high percentage of other metals. It’s strong, affordable, and tarnish-resistant, but the color is much paler compared to 22K or 24K.
This type of gold is widely used in the UK, Australia, and Europe, where practicality often wins over tradition. In India, however, 9K gold isn’t very popular because buyers value gold as both jewellery and investment.
Perfect for fashion jewellery that’s affordable and long-lasting.
How to Identify Real Karat Gold
No matter what karat you choose, authenticity is key. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the real deal:
- BIS Hallmarking (India): Look for the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmark stamp that certifies purity.
- Karats Marked: Jewellery should be stamped with 22K, 18K, 14K, etc.
- Other Signs: Check weight, magnet test (real gold isn’t magnetic), and buy only from trusted jewellers.
Every karat of gold tells a story:
- 24K represents purity and investment.
- 22K is the heart of Indian tradition.
- 18K & 14K balance style with durability.
- 10K & 9K are practical, budget-friendly choices.
The “best” karat depends on your purpose — whether you want gold as a cultural treasure, a fashion statement, or a financial investment.
At the end of the day, all that glitters is gold — it just shines in different ways. ✨