Gold Hallmarking: In July 2025, the Central Government approved hallmarking of 9 carat gold jewellery. Now 9 carat gold has also joined the officially recognized gold category like 24K, 23K, 22K, 20K, 18K and 14K gold. That is, when you go to buy 9 carat gold jewellery, you will get hallmarked jewellery. Due to hallmarked jewellery, it will also be easy to sell. This gold of low purity is cheap. 9 carat gold has emerged as an option for those who are not able to buy higher carat gold. Amidst festivals like Dhanteras and Diwali, the question has arisen whether 9 carat gold will now become a new investment option?
Cheap but so what?
According to the India Bullion and Jewelers Association (IBJA), many investors are now buying lower carat gold so that they can participate in the gold asset class. 24K gold prices are very high, so many buyers are purchasing 14K or even 9K gold jewelry.
How good is 9K gold for investment?
If you want durable and affordable jewelry for everyday wear, 9K or 14K gold is great because mixing it with other metals makes it stronger. But if the purpose is investment or safety then invest in 22 or 24 carat gold. According to experts, 9 carat gold is not suitable for investment, even if its price is low because the amount of gold in it is less. 22K karat gold contains 91.6% gold and 18K contains 75% gold. Its resale value is directly linked to the market price.
What is better 18K or 9K?
Gold below 22K falls in the lifestyle category. Jewelry made of 18K or 9K gold certainly looks beautiful, but is not worth investing in. When you add making charges, GST and loss of purity, it becomes just a thing to wear. The resale value of 9K mostly depends on the making charges and not the price of the actual gold. Additionally, 22K or 18K gold can be easily sold or pawned across the country, whereas 9K gold is not accepted by most jewelers.