22K vs 24K vs 18K gold: which purity to buy
Compare purity, durability and price differences between 18 karat, 22 karat and 24 karat gold jewellery.
Karat is purity. Higher karat means more gold content and a higher price per gram—but also softer metal that can scratch or bend more easily in daily-wear jewellery.
Quick comparison
- 24K — ~99.9% gold. Best as coins, bars or investment pieces; rarely used for intricate jewellery.
- 22K — ~91.6% gold. The Indian jewellery standard for bridal and daily wear.
- 18K — 75% gold. Harder alloys, popular for gem-set and western designs; lower metal value per gram.
How to choose
Buy 22K when you want cultural resale familiarity and jewellery use. Prefer 24K / digital gold / SGB / ETF when the goal is pure metal exposure. Check live city prices on gold rates today and estimate totals with the gold value calculator.