While 24-karat gold is the purest form of gold (99.9% pure), most jewellery is crafted in 22-karat gold. This choice isn't about cost-cutting—it's about creating durable, wearable, and beautiful pieces.
Understanding Karat Purity:
- 24K Gold: 99.9% pure gold - very soft and malleable
- 22K Gold: 91.7% pure gold - mixed with 8.3% other metals
- 18K Gold: 75% pure gold - mixed with 25% other metals
- 14K Gold: 58.3% pure gold - mixed with 41.7% other metals
Why 22K is Preferred for Jewellery:
- Durability: 24K gold is extremely soft (2.5 on Mohs scale) and can easily bend, scratch, or lose its shape. 22K gold is more durable while maintaining high purity.
- Wearability: 22K jewellery can withstand daily wear without losing its form or getting damaged easily.
- Design Flexibility: The added strength allows for intricate designs, detailed engravings, and secure stone settings that wouldn't be possible with pure gold.
- Value Balance: 22K offers an excellent balance between gold purity and practical durability, making it ideal for heirloom pieces.
- Cultural Preference: In many cultures, especially in India, 22K gold is the traditional standard for jewellery, representing both purity and practicality.
When 24K is Used:
24K gold is typically reserved for investment purposes (bars, coins) or simple, minimal jewellery pieces that don't require structural strength. For most jewellery, especially pieces with stones or intricate designs, 22K is the practical choice.