22K vs 24K vs 18K Gold: Which Purity Should You Buy? (Diwali 2026 Prices)

Karat is a measure of how much of an alloy is gold. 24K is pure gold. 22K is 22 parts gold in 24, with the rest being metals such as copper and silver that make it hard enough to wear. The question is not which one is "better". It is which one fits what you are buying gold for.

The purity table

What each costs per gram today

Each purity is priced from the 24K rate by its gold content. As of 23 Oct 2026, 6:17 am IST:

• 24K: ₹14,113 per gram (₹1,41,132 per 10 grams)
• 22K: ₹12,941 per gram (₹1,29,406 per 10 grams)
• 18K: ₹10,596 per gram (₹1,05,955 per 10 grams)

These are rates before making charges and GST. Per gram, 18K costs roughly three-quarters of 24K because it is three-quarters gold. That does not make it cheaper for the same look, since an 18K piece usually has more complex work and higher making charges. See how to calculate the real price.

24K: pure, soft, for holding

24K gold is too soft for everyday jewellery: it bends and scratches, and stones do not stay secure in it. That is why 24K is sold mostly as coins and bars. If your purpose is to hold gold as savings or gift a token, 24K is the sensible choice, and it carries a much smaller premium than jewellery. See gold coin vs jewellery.

22K: the traditional jewellery standard

22K is hard enough to wear daily but still rich in gold, which is why most Indian bangles, chains, necklaces and wedding sets are 22K. It is also what jewellers most commonly accept for exchange. If you want to wear it and keep reasonable resale value, 22K is the default.

18K and 14K: for design, not for savings

18K and 14K are harder and take colour and stones well, so they suit diamond and gemstone jewellery. You pay less per gram, but you also own less gold per gram, and the making charge on intricate pieces is high. Treat these as fashion purchases rather than savings.

A 10 gram comparison

At today's rate, 10 grams of metal is worth ₹1,41,132 in 24K, ₹1,29,406 in 22K and ₹1,05,955 in 18K. Those are not the same amount of gold. The 24K holds the most, and the 18K holds the least. The price difference tracks the gold content almost exactly, so you are not getting a bargain by choosing a lower purity. You are getting less gold.

How to check the purity you are buying

• Look for the BIS hallmark with the fineness mark, such as 22K916, and the 6-character HUID code on the piece.
• Match the purity on the bill to the purity on the hallmark. Do not accept a bill that says only "gold".
• Use the karat calculator to convert a weight between purities if you are exchanging old gold.

Which should you buy this Diwali?

• To wear and keep for years: 22K.
• To hold or gift as a token: a 24K coin or bar.
• For a diamond or stone piece: 18K, with your eyes open about resale.

For the dates, prices and paperwork around the festival, use the Diwali 2026 gold buying guide.

How much 22K equals 10 grams of 24K?

Because 22K contains less gold per gram, you need more of it to hold the same amount of fine gold. Ten grams of 24K (99.9%) holds the same pure gold as about 10.9 grams of 22K (91.6%), and as about 13.3 grams of 18K (75%). So "cheaper per gram" is not the same as "cheaper per unit of gold".

How purity is tested

Purity is commonly tested with XRF analysers, which read the metal's composition without damaging the piece, and with older touchstone and acid methods. A BIS-recognised hallmarking centre tests the piece and applies the mark. A shop's own tester is not a substitute for the hallmark. If you doubt a piece, take it to a BIS-recognised assaying and hallmarking centre.

Myths worth dropping

• "24K jewellery is the best jewellery." It is the purest and the softest, which is why it is rarely used for pieces you wear every day.
• "18K is not real gold." It is genuine gold alloyed for strength, and it is hallmarked 750.
• "A higher karat is always better value." It is better if you want the most gold per gram. If you want something to wear for years, strength matters too.
• "The hallmark guarantees a fair price." It certifies purity, not price. You still need to compare making charges.

Sources

• BIS hallmarking: hallmark = BIS mark + purity (22K916, 18K750, 14K585) + 6-character HUID; fee ₹45 per piece; 9K added from 1 July 2025: vikaspedia.in (hallmarking of gold jewellery) and outlookmoney.com (hallmarking charges)

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