Gold Purity Chart: 24K 22K 18K 14K – Complete Guide
Gold purity determines exactly how much of your jewellery is actual gold – and therefore how much cash you receive when you sell. Understanding the gold purity chart is the sing…
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Gold Purity Chart: 24K 22K 18K 14K – Complete Guide for Sellers
Gold purity determines exactly how much of your jewellery is actual gold – and therefore how much cash you receive when you sell. Understanding the gold purity chart is the single most important step before selling any gold ornament.
This guide explains every purity level, the BIS hallmark codes on your jewellery and how purity directly impacts your resale value.
At a Glance
24K gold purity | 999 – 99.9% pure gold |
|---|---|
22K gold purity | 916 – 91.6% pure gold |
18K gold purity | 750 – 75.0% pure gold |
14K gold purity | 585 – 58.5% pure gold |
Most Indian jewellery | 22K (916) hallmark |
XRF test at Attica | Confirms exact purity |
Last Updated | May 2026 |
Complete Gold Purity Chart
Karat | Fineness | % Pure Gold | BIS Hallmark | Rate Today (per g) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
24K | 999 | 99.9% | 999 | ₹15,250 | Gold coins, bars, investment |
23K | 958 | 95.8% | 958 | ₹14,619 | Rare; some traditional jewellery |
22K | 916 | 91.6% | 916 | ₹13,965 | Most Indian jewellery |
20K | 833 | 83.3% | 833 | ₹12,703 | Some traditional/antique pieces |
18K | 750 | 75.0% | 750 | ₹11,438 | Diamond jewellery, white gold |
14K | 585 | 58.5% | 585 | ₹8,921 | Western jewellery, some modern |
10K | 417 | 41.7% | 417 | ₹6,360 | Rare in India |
9K | 375 | 37.5% | 375 | ₹5,719 | Not common in India |
How to Find Your Gold’s Purity
· BIS hallmark on your jewellery – look for the 6-digit HUID and the purity code (916, 750, etc.)
· XRF (X-ray fluorescence) test – the most accurate method; takes 30 seconds at the branch
· Acid test – older method; less common now that XRF is standard
· Stamping alone – not always reliable; XRF gives the final definitive reading
How Purity Affects Your Resale Value
A 10g necklace at 22K yields ₹1,39,690 today. The same 10g piece at 18K yields ₹1,14,375 – a difference of ₹25,315. Knowing your purity before selling prevents being underpaid. Formula: Cash Value = Weight (g) × (Purity / 24) × Today’s 24K Rate.
What Purity to Expect by Jewellery Type
Jewellery Type | Typical Purity | Why |
|---|---|---|
Bangles (Indian traditional) | 22K (916) | High purity preferred for gifting |
Necklaces (Indian) | 22K (916) | Traditional preference |
Mangalsutra | 22K (916) | Auspicious traditional piece |
Diamond ring/solitaire | 18K (750) | Durability for stone setting |
White gold jewellery | 18K (750) | Rhodium plated for white appearance |
Gold coins | 24K (999) | Investment grade |
Gold bars | 24K (999) | Investment grade |
Antique/vintage pieces | 20K–22K | Older crafting standards |
Why Choose Attica Gold Company
Attica Gold Company is ISO 9001:2015 certified with 200+ branches across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Pondicherry. Your wait is over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purity of 22K gold?
22K gold is 91.6% pure gold – it has 22 parts gold and 2 parts alloying metals (usually copper and silver for strength). The BIS hallmark code is 916.
How do I check gold purity at home?
The most reliable way is to visit a gold buyer or jeweller for XRF testing. At home, look for BIS hallmarks stamped on the jewellery (916 = 22K, 750 = 18K, 999 = 24K).
Is 22K or 24K gold better for resale?
24K gold gives a higher per-gram payout (since it is 100% gold), but most Indian jewellery is 22K. At resale, each is paid at the correct rate for its actual purity as tested by XRF.
What does the BIS hallmark mean?
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmark certifies gold purity. The 6-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique ID) on BIS-hallmarked jewellery allows you to verify purity via the BIS Care app.
Can the acid test prove my gold is 22K?
The acid test can indicate approximate purity ranges but is less accurate than XRF. Attica Gold uses XRF for all purity testing.
Why does my antique jewellery test at 20K?
Older jewellery was often made to traditional standards (20K or 21K) before BIS hallmarking became standard. This is common and expected.
Does a higher karat mean more durable jewellery?
No – higher karat (more pure gold) is actually softer. 24K pure gold is the softest; 18K and 14K are more durable because of alloying metals. For resale, higher purity gives a higher per-gram rate.
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