24K vs 22K vs 21K vs 18K Gold: Which Purity Should You Buy?
Gold purity is measured in karats, where 24 karat (24K) represents essentially pure gold (99.9% or higher) and lower karat numbers indicate gold alloyed with other metals like copper, silver, or zinc for added strength. The purity you choose affects both the price per tola and how durable the final piece is.
What each karat means
| Karat | Purity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | Investment bars, coins, biscuits |
| 22K | 91.6% | Traditional South Asian jewellery |
| 21K | 87.5% | Everyday jewellery, common in Middle East & South Asia |
| 18K | 75.0% | Fine/Western-style jewellery, gemstone settings |
How karat affects price
Since lower-karat gold contains a smaller proportion of actual gold, it is priced proportionally lower than 24K for the same weight. As a rough formula: 22K price = 24K price × (22/24), and similarly for 21K and 18K. Our live widget lets you toggle between these purities directly to see the current price for each.
24K: purest, but not always practical
24K gold is soft and prone to scratching and bending, which is why it's mostly used for bars, coins, and biscuits meant for storage rather than daily wear — it's rarely used for jewellery that will see regular use.
22K and 21K: the traditional jewellery standard
Most traditional South Asian jewellery — bangles, sets, and necklaces — is made in 22K or 21K gold. This purity strikes a balance between a rich gold colour, reasonable durability, and strong resale value, since it's still a high proportion of pure gold.
18K: durability and design flexibility
18K gold is harder and more scratch-resistant, making it popular for rings, gemstone settings, and pieces meant for daily wear. It's less common in traditional heavy jewellery but increasingly used in modern, Western- influenced designs.
Which should you buy?
If your primary goal is investment and resale value, 24K (for bars/coins) or 22K (for jewellery with high gold content) are the standard choices. If you want a durable, everyday-wearable piece and are less concerned with maximizing resale value, 18K may suit you better. Always confirm the karat is hallmarked or stamped — see our guide on how to identify pure gold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more valuable, 22K or 24K gold?
Gram for gram, 24K gold contains more pure gold and is therefore more valuable, but 22K is preferred for jewellery because it is more durable.
Is 18K gold considered real gold?
Yes. 18K gold is 75% pure gold alloyed with other metals for strength; it is genuine gold jewellery, just at a lower purity than 22K or 24K.
Can I convert 22K jewellery back into 24K gold value?
A jeweller or refiner can melt down and refine 22K gold to a higher purity, but this involves processing costs and loss, so you won't recover the full 24K-equivalent value.