Best Gold Purity: What 22K, 24K, and 18K Really Mean for Indian Jewelry

When you buy gold jewelry in India, you’re not just buying metal — you’re buying gold purity, the measure of how much pure gold is in an alloy, usually shown as karats (K). Also known as gold fineness, it’s what decides if a piece is soft enough for temple designs or strong enough for daily wear. Not all gold is the same. 24K sounds perfect — and it is, if you’re melting it down. But wear it as a bangle? It’ll bend in your pocket. That’s why most Indian families don’t buy 24K for jewelry. They choose 22K — the sweet spot between shine and strength.

22K gold, contains 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% other metals like copper or silver to add hardness. Also known as Indian standard gold, it’s the backbone of traditional pieces like Chettinad temple jewelry and Kerala black gold. It holds intricate carvings without crumbling, stays bright for decades, and is what most brides in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh inherit. Meanwhile, 18K gold, with only 75% pure gold, is lighter and more durable, making it popular for modern designs and daily wear. Younger buyers in cities are switching to 18K for earrings and necklaces because it’s less likely to scratch or dent during busy mornings. And then there’s 24K gold, the purest form at 99.9% gold, used mostly for investment bars or religious idols, not jewelry. It’s too soft for rings, too fragile for chains — but it’s what you see in temple offerings and wedding dowries.

The right gold purity isn’t about what’s fanciest — it’s about what fits your life. If you wear your jewelry every day, go 18K. If you want something that lasts through generations, 22K is the classic choice. And if you’re buying gold as savings, 24K makes sense — but keep it sealed in a bank locker, not on your wrist. What you choose affects how it feels, how long it lasts, and even how much you’ll get back if you ever sell it. Below, you’ll find real stories from Indian homes about the gold they wear, the traditions behind it, and why some families swear by 22K while others switched to 18K without looking back.