Karat tells you how much of a piece is pure gold. The rest is a mix of other metals that make it stronger and change its colour. Higher karat means more gold, a deeper yellow and a higher price; lower karat means a harder, more durable piece at a lower price.
At a glance
- 22K (916) — 91.6% gold. Rich yellow colour, the classic choice for wedding and traditional jewellery and for value. Softer, so best for pieces that are not knocked about daily.
- 18K (750) — 75% gold. Strong enough to hold stones securely; the usual choice for diamond jewellery and detailed modern designs.
- 14K (585) — 58.5% gold. Harder and more scratch-resistant, lighter on the pocket — good for rings and earrings you wear every day.
- 9K (375) — 37.5% gold. The most affordable hallmarked gold, for light everyday pieces and gifts.
Which karat for which occasion
- Weddings and heirlooms: 22K — see the Wedding Collection.
- Diamond rings and earrings: 18K or 14K, which hold stones more securely — browse diamond jewellery.
- Daily wear: 18K or 14K for durability — see Daily Wear under ₹20,000.
- Gifting on a budget: 14K or 9K — see the Gift Collection.
How karat affects the price
The gold value is proportional to the karat: an 18K piece has 18/24 of the gold of a 24K piece of the same weight. Read how gold jewellery prices are calculated for the full formula. Whatever the karat, look for the BIS hallmark and HUID — here is how to check them.
Frequently asked questions
Is 22K or 18K gold better?
22K has more gold and a richer colour, and suits traditional and wedding jewellery. 18K is stronger and holds stones better, so it is preferred for diamond and modern designs.
Which gold is best for daily wear?
18K or 14K gold is best for daily wear because it is harder and more scratch-resistant than 22K.