Gold has always been the first choice of Indians for jewelery and investment. Now the price of 24 carat 10 gram gold in the country is trading above Rs 1,26,000. Most of the jewelery in the country is made in 22 carat because it is best for jewellery. Also its price is less than 22 carat. Now since the record rise in the price of gold, common people are also buying 18 and 14 carat gold jewelery because its price is less than 22 carat gold. Still, people often get confused as to how many carats of jewelery is right to buy?
What is carat?
The purity of gold is measured in karat. Pure gold is of 24 carat, that is, it is not adulterated with any other metal. This is why it is very soft and can bend easily. For this reason, 24 carat gold is not considered suitable for making jewellery, rather it is the best option for gold coins, biscuits or investment.
22 carat gold
At the same time, 22 carat gold is most used in the Indian market. About 91.6% pure gold and the remaining 8.4% other metals like copper, silver or zinc are added to it, which makes it stronger. It is considered best suited for traditional jewelery like necklace, earrings, bangles or mangalsutra. Apart from being durable, it also has good resale value.
18 carat gold
If you want to buy designer or diamond jewellery, then 18 carat gold is a good option. It contains about 75% pure gold and the remaining 25% is mixed with other metals. It is a little hard and durable, hence designer jewelery studded with stones or diamonds is made in it.
14 karat gold
The amount of pure gold in 14 carat gold is about 58.5%. It is strong and durable, but its shine and value are lower than 22K or 18K. Nevertheless, it is considered good for daily wear jewellery, such as rings, bracelets or earrings, as it does not tarnish easily. Always remember one thing that while buying gold, definitely check BIS Hallmark. This is a government certificate that verifies the purity, carat and jeweler’s code of the gold. With this you can avoid buying fake or low carat gold.