22K vs 18K Gold – Which is Worth More and Why It Matters When Selling

One of the most common questions we get from customers at Naishitha Gold is: "I have some jewellery at home – how much will I get for it?" And our first question back to them is always: "What karat is your gold?" The answer to that question makes a very big difference to the final price you receive.

Most people in India know that gold is measured in karats, but many do not fully understand what this means or how it affects the selling price. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about 22K and 18K gold, why the difference matters, and how to identify which type of gold you have at home.

What Does "Karat" Mean in Gold?

The karat (K) system is used to measure the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 karat – meaning 24 out of 24 parts are pure gold. In practice, 24K gold is too soft to use in jewellery, so other metals like silver, copper, and zinc are mixed in to make it harder and more durable. The more of these other metals are mixed in, the lower the karat number.

• 24K gold = 99.9% pure gold (used in coins, bars, and investment gold)
• 22K gold = 91.7% pure gold (most common for Indian jewellery)
• 18K gold = 75% pure gold (used in modern, studded, and designer jewellery)
• 14K gold = 58.3% pure gold (common in international jewellery)

So when you are selling gold, the karat number directly tells you how much actual gold is in your jewellery. Higher karat = more gold content = higher selling price per gram.

22K Gold – What You Need to Know

22K gold is the most commonly used karat for traditional Indian jewellery – including chains, bangles, mangalsutras, rings, and earrings. It contains 91.7% pure gold, which means that for every 10 grams of 22K jewellery, about 9.17 grams is actual gold and the rest is other metals.

When you look at the BIS hallmark stamp on 22K gold, you will see the number 916 stamped on the jewellery. This 916 stands for 91.6% (essentially 91.7%) purity.

18K Gold – What You Need to Know

18K gold contains 75% pure gold. It is commonly used in modern jewellery, diamond-studded pieces, white gold, and jewellery designed with intricate work that requires harder metal. The BIS hallmark for 18K gold shows the number 750.

18K gold looks slightly less yellow than 22K gold because of the higher percentage of other metals mixed in. Some 18K gold jewellery is coated with rhodium or other materials, giving it a white or rose-gold appearance.

The Price Difference – How Much Does It Matter?

Let us look at a real example to understand the price difference. Suppose today's gold rate for 24K gold is ₹7,500 per gram.

• 22K gold price per gram = ₹7,500 × 0.917 = ₹6,877.50 per gram
• 18K gold price per gram = ₹7,500 × 0.750 = ₹5,625 per gram

That is a difference of ₹1,252.50 per gram. If you have 20 grams of jewellery, the difference in value between 22K and 18K is:

20 × ₹1,252.50 = ₹25,050 – a significant difference!

This is why it is so important to know the purity of your gold before visiting a buyer and to ensure the buyer is testing it accurately.

What Happens If You Don't Know the Karat?

This is very common. Many people receive gold as gifts at weddings or from family members, and they have no idea what purity it is. Some jewellery is old and has no hallmark. In these cases, you need a professional test.

There are two main ways gold purity is tested:

1. Karatometer (XRF Testing): An electronic machine that measures gold purity by emitting X-rays. It is fast, accurate, and non-destructive (it does not damage the jewellery). The result appears in seconds on a screen. This is the most modern and trusted testing method.
2. Acid Testing: A small scratch is made on the jewellery and different acid solutions are applied. The reaction of the metal to the acid determines the purity. This is an older method and slightly damages the surface of the jewellery.

At Naishitha Gold, we use the karatometer as our primary testing method because it is accurate and does not harm your jewellery. We show you the result on the screen so you can see it yourself.

Common Mistakes People Make When Selling 18K Gold

One very common problem we see is that customers with 18K gold come expecting to receive the same price as 22K gold. This happens because they did not realise the difference in purity. When a buyer offers them less (which is correct – because 18K has less gold), they feel cheated and argue with the buyer.

The buyer is not cheating – they are correctly pricing the gold based on its actual gold content. This is why understanding karat before you visit a gold buyer is so important. It saves you from confusion and misunderstandings.

What About Mixed Jewellery Pieces?

Some jewellery pieces have gold of different purities in different parts. For example, the main body of a necklace may be 22K but the clasp could be a lower karat. In such cases, a good gold buyer will test multiple parts of the jewellery and arrive at an average purity calculation.

Also, if your jewellery has stones – diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc. – the buyer will typically remove the stones (or account for their weight) before pricing the gold. Stones are priced separately if they have value, or they are simply excluded from the calculation.

Which Should You Sell – 22K or 18K?

You should sell whichever gold you no longer need or use. Both are valuable. Just know that per gram, you will always receive more for 22K than for 18K gold. There is no reason to hold onto gold you are not wearing – the market rate changes daily and the decision to sell should be based on your need for money and the current gold price, not on which karat you have.

How Naishitha Gold Handles Your Gold

At Naishitha Gold, whether your jewellery is 22K, 18K, or any other purity, we treat every customer with the same honesty and care. We test your gold using our karatometer in front of you, show you the result, weigh the gold on our certified scale, and explain the calculation clearly. We offer you a price based on today's live market rate and give you time to decide without any pressure.

You can visit our Madhurawada branch at Shop No 2, Surya Bhaskara Complex, Car Sheed Jn, Pm Palam, Madhurawada – or our Pendurthi branch opposite Goshala, near Govt School. Working hours are 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between 22K and 18K gold is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect yourself when selling gold. Know your purity, check the day's market rate, and choose a transparent buyer who tests gold in front of you. With these basics in place, you will always get a fair deal.

If you have more questions, feel free to call us at 8019 70 8019 or send a WhatsApp message to 8019 70 8019. Our team is happy to guide you.