Gold Purity Guide: 9K vs 12K vs 14K vs 18K vs 22K
What karats mean, how each purity looks and wears, and which gold is right for your piece.
What does “karat” mean?
Karat (K) measures how much of a piece is pure gold, out of 24 parts. The rest is a blend of metals such as silver, copper and zinc that adds strength and creates yellow, white or rose tones.
Higher karat means a richer yellow colour and more gold value; lower karat means a harder, more scratch-resistant piece at a lower price.
Purity at a glance
| Purity | Pure gold | Colour | Durability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9K | 37.5% | Pale yellow | Very high | Everyday rings, budget-friendly gifts |
| 12K | 50% | Soft yellow | High | Daily wear with a warmer tone |
| 14K | 58.5% | Classic yellow | High | Engagement rings, everyday fine jewelry |
| 18K | 75% | Rich yellow | Medium | Diamond settings, luxury pieces |
| 22K | 91.6% | Deep traditional gold | Softer | Indian bridal and festive jewelry, kadas |
How is purity guaranteed?
Our 9K, 14K, 18K and 22K pieces are hallmarked under India’s BIS standard, which independently verifies the gold content.
12K is not one of the BIS hallmark grades, so every 12K piece is tested by an independent assay laboratory and ships with a purity certificate instead.
Which purity should I choose?
- Wearing it every day (rings, bracelets)? 9K–14K resists scratches and dents best.
- Setting a diamond or precious stone? 14K or 18K holds stones securely and looks luxurious.
- Want traditional Indian gold? 22K gives the deep yellow colour and heirloom value.
- Sensitive skin? Higher karats (18K+) contain fewer alloy metals.