Gold Purity Table: 24K, 22K, 18K and 14K Explained

Gold purity table (carat, fineness, gold %)

The rest of the metal in 22K, 18K and 14K is an alloy (for example copper or silver) that makes the gold harder. Narayan Jewellers sells 18K jewellery online; you can compare it with 22K in our guide on 18K vs 22K gold.

What is the BIS hallmark?

The BIS hallmark is the Bureau of Indian Standards' proof that a piece of jewellery was tested at a BIS-recognised hallmarking centre and matches the purity written on it. A hallmarked piece carries three marks: the BIS logo, the purity grade (carat plus fineness, such as 18K750) and the 6-character alphanumeric HUID.

The HUID is the part that lets you verify the piece yourself. Step-by-step instructions are in our guide HUID number kaise check kare, and our Hallmark & Certification page explains how this applies to our jewellery.

How purity changes the price

Gold is priced per gram for each purity, so a lower carat has a lower rate per gram. Today's rates on our site: 22K = ₹13,283.40 per gram and 18K = ₹10,868.20 per gram. The full 24K, 22K, 18K and silver table, with a 7-day history, is on the live gold rate page.

Remember that a lower per-gram rate does not always mean a lower final price. The final price also depends on weight, making charges, stone value and GST - see how gold jewellery price is calculated.

Check purity before you buy

• Look for the BIS logo, the purity grade and the HUID on the piece.
• Make sure the carat and fineness on the bill are the same as on the piece.
• Verify the HUID on the BIS Care app.

Our 8-point buying checklist covers the rest of the bill.