Gold's Purity: The Difference Between 22k and 24k

 

Gold is often bought in India for both financial and decorative reasons. There are some karats of gold to choose from when making a purchase. How well-versed are you in the distinctions between 24k and 22k gold? Which is a safer bet, investing in 24k or 22k? If you're curious about the difference between 24k and 22k gold, you can learn everything about it by reading our detailed guide.

In Other Words, What Does Karat Stand For?

The purity of gold is measured in karats, sometimes abbreviated as k. More karats indicate better purity. On a scale from 0 to 24, the finest gold available is 24 karat.

It's important to note that pure gold is a relatively malleable metal. For its strength, it is sometimes combined with other metals like copper, nickel, silver, or palladium before being shaped into jewellery. Thus, Karat may also be used to express the percentage of gold in a particular alloy.

What Is 22-Karat Gold?

Several other metals or alloys, such as copper, silver, nickel, and zinc, make up the other two parts of 22-karat gold. There are two names for gold with a 22-karat purity rating: 916 gold for its composition of 91.67% gold and 918 gold for its 24-karat purity. This gold's texture is more challenging and long-lasting than 24k gold because of the residues of the metal composition. Hence, jewellery of suitable quality is often crafted from 22k gold.

24K Gold

As it is composed of 99.99% pure gold, 24-karat gold goes by the name "pure gold." If you're familiar with gold, you know that 24 karat is the highest quality you can get. If this is the purest kind of gold, then why is it not 100% pure? This makes pure gold too malleable to keep its form at an average temperature. Because of this, the ore is mined and refined until it achieves a purity level of 99.99%.

Every day, the price of 24-karat gold in India changes. As 24-karat gold is the purest, it also commands the highest price. Consequently, 24k is best used for investment reasons rather than crafting jewellery because of its fragility.

Which Is the Best Way to Invest?

Gold is bought for several reasons in India, including as an investment, an emergency reserve (or portfolio diversification), and jewellery. Yet, because 24k gold is 99.9% pure, it is the finest investment alternative.

Because of its higher purity and a higher percentage of gold, 24k gold has a higher market value than 22k gold, which is only 91.67% pure. To confirm the purity of a 24-karat gold coin or bar, you should always look for a hallmark while making your purchase. When selling gold, it is crucial to receive the correct price. Thus buying from a BIS-hallmarked jeweller is a good idea.

What is the ideal Karat for jewellery?

22-karat gold is superior for use in jewellery. Because in its pure form, 24k is very flexible, this is why. 24-karat gold jewellery is particularly fragile because of its flexibility. 22-karat gold is more durable than 24-karat gold because it is alloyed with other metals such as zinc, copper, and silver. In addition, selling jewellery made of 22-karat gold often fetches a higher price.

Conclusion

The complexity and kind of jewellery you want are also essential factors. If you are looking for something you can wear every day or have a detailed design, 14k or 18k karat gold is a popular choice. 22-karat gold can be too malleable to retain stones securely.