22K vs 24K vs 18K gold: which one should you buy?
The "K" is the karat, a measure of how much of the metal is pure gold out of 24 parts. A higher karat means purer gold, but not always the better choice.
24K gold (999)
24K is 99.9% pure. It is soft, so it is used for coins, bars and investment rather than everyday jewellery.
22K gold (916)
22K is 91.6% gold mixed with other metals such as silver and copper. It is strong enough to hold a shape and is the usual choice for Indian bangles, chains, necklaces and bridal sets.
18K gold (750)
18K is 75% gold. It is harder and holds stones securely, so it is common in diamond and studded jewellery. It costs less per gram than 22K.
Which should you pick?
Buy 24K coins or bars if the goal is investment. Buy 22K for traditional jewellery. Buy 18K for diamond and everyday wear. Whatever the karat, compare prices only against the same karat, and look for the BIS hallmark with the purity number.
Questions
Which is better, 22K or 24K gold?
24K is purer, but too soft for most jewellery. 22K is the usual choice for jewellery and 24K for coins and bars.
How much pure gold is in 18K?
75%, which is hallmarked as 750.
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