22k vs 24k gold: What’s the Real Difference and Which Should You Buy?

When you’re buying gold jewelry in India, you’ve probably seen 22k gold, a standard for Indian jewelry that’s 91.6% pure gold mixed with other metals for strength. Also known as 916 gold, it’s what most wedding sets, temple jewelry, and everyday pieces are made from. Then there’s 24k gold, the purest form—99.9% gold, soft as butter, and rarely used in jewelry because it bends with a light touch. The big question isn’t which is better—it’s which one actually works for your life.

Most Indian families buy 22k gold because it strikes the perfect balance. It’s still rich in gold value, holds intricate designs well, and lasts for decades. Think of temple jewelry from Tamil Nadu or Chettinad gold—those heavy, hand-carved pieces? They’re almost always 22k. You can wear them daily, pass them down, and still sell them later at a solid price. On the flip side, 24k gold, often used in bars, coins, or ceremonial items, is too soft for rings, bangles, or necklaces that get worn regularly. A 24k bangle? It’ll dent if you bump it against a doorknob. A 22k one? It’ll survive your morning rush.

Price-wise, 24k gold costs more per gram—but that doesn’t mean it’s a smarter buy. You’re paying for purity you can’t use. In fact, jewelers in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh rarely even offer 24k for finished pieces. Why? Because it’s impractical. Even the gold used in temple rituals is often 22k, with a blackened silver finish to make it stand out. And if you’re thinking about resale? 22k gold is what buyers in local markets and pawn shops actually want. 24k? It’s harder to sell because it’s not jewelry—it’s bullion.

So if you’re choosing between the two, ask yourself: Do I need something that shines on a shelf, or something that lives in my life? For most people, the answer is clear. 22k gold is the real workhorse of Indian jewelry. It’s what your mother wore, what your grandmother passed down, and what you’ll likely hand to your daughter. 24k has its place—but not in your jewelry box.

Below, you’ll find real stories from Indian families about how they choose gold, why temple jewelry sticks to 22k, and what hidden costs come with chasing pure gold. No fluff. Just what matters when you’re spending your money.