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When you shop for gold jewellery in India, you’ll encounter two common choices: 22 karat and 18 karat gold. The difference matters — not just for price, but for durability, design possibilities, and how well the gold holds its value. This guide explains both, with a clear comparison to help you decide.
What Is 22 Karat Gold?
22 karat gold contains 91.6% pure gold, with the remaining 8.4% made up of other metals (usually silver, copper, or zinc). This alloy gives the gold strength while keeping it close to pure. In India, 22K is the standard for traditional jewellery — bangles, chains, necklaces, and earrings. On BIS hallmarked jewellery, 22K is marked as 916.
What Is 18 Karat Gold?
18 karat gold contains 75% pure gold, with 25% other metals. The higher proportion of alloy metals makes it harder and more durable than 22K. This makes 18K the preferred choice for diamond-set and gemstone jewellery, where the prongs and settings need to withstand daily wear without bending. On BIS hallmarked jewellery, 18K is marked as 750.
22 Karat vs 18 Karat Gold: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 22 Karat (916) | 18 Karat (750) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold purity | 91.6% | 75% |
| BIS hallmark number | 916 | 750 |
| Price per gram | Higher (more gold content) | Lower (less gold content) |
| Colour | Richer yellow tone | Slightly paler; can be rose or white gold |
| Hardness / durability | Softer — can scratch and bend | Harder — better for daily wear |
| Best for | Traditional jewellery, bangles, chains | Diamond/gemstone-set jewellery, rings |
| Investment value | Higher — more gold per gram | Lower — 25% alloy reduces gold content |
| Skin sensitivity | Generally fine for most people | Higher alloy content — more risk for sensitive skin |
| Resale / exchange value | Better — higher gold content returned | Lower — 75% gold content at resale rate |
Price Difference Between 22K and 18K Gold
The price of a gold jewellery piece depends on the gold rate for that day multiplied by the net gold weight. Because 22K contains more gold per gram than 18K, it costs more per gram. However, 18K is not necessarily cheaper overall — making charges can be higher on 18K pieces because of the precision required for diamond settings.
To understand how making charges add to the final price, see our guide on gold making charges in India.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose 22K if you want traditional jewellery (bangles, necklaces, chains), care more about gold content and resale value, or are buying for investment purposes.
- Choose 18K if you want diamond or gemstone-set jewellery, want a harder piece that holds up to daily wear (like rings), or want rose gold or white gold options.
- For everyday wear (rings, bracelets): 18K is more practical since it is harder and less prone to scratching.
- For bridal sets and heirloom pieces: 22K is the traditional choice and holds more gold value.
How to Verify Karat on Your Jewellery
Always check the BIS hallmark on any piece before buying. A 22K piece will show “916” stamped alongside the BIS logo and a 6-digit HUID code. An 18K piece will show “750”. You can verify the HUID on the free BIS Care app. For a full explanation of all hallmark numbers, see our guide on what 916, 750 and 585 mean on gold jewellery.
Browse 22K and 18K Gold Jewellery Online
Whether you’re shopping for 22K traditional jewellery or 18K diamond-set pieces, Amazon India stocks BIS-hallmarked options from certified sellers:
Browse 22K Gold Jewellery on Amazon India ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 22K or 18K gold better for a wedding ring?
For a plain gold band worn daily, 18K is more durable and less prone to scratching. For a traditional Indian wedding ring or bangle, 22K is the conventional choice.
Which has better resale value — 22K or 18K?
22K has better resale value per gram because it contains more gold. When you exchange or sell, you receive today’s gold rate for the actual gold content — 22K yields more gold content per gram than 18K.
Can I mix 22K and 18K pieces?
Yes — there is no problem wearing both. They will look slightly different in tone (22K is richer yellow), but both are genuine gold.
The Bottom Line
22 karat gold is the right choice when you want high gold purity, traditional jewellery, or pieces you plan to exchange or resell later. 18 karat gold is better for diamond-set and everyday-wear jewellery where durability and design precision matter more than gold content. Both are BIS hallmarked — always verify the HUID before buying.