Gold has held a special place in Indian culture for centuries. From weddings and festivals to religious rituals and family heirlooms, gold is more than just a metal — it represents tradition, security, and wealth. Apart from jewellery, gold is also considered one of the most trusted forms of investment.
When buying gold, you often hear terms like 18 carat, 22 carat, and 24 carat. But have you ever wondered what these numbers mean and why we don’t usually see gold in 19 or 21 carats?
What Does Carat Mean in Gold?
Carat (or karat) is the unit used to measure the purity of gold. Pure gold is divided into 24 equal parts.
- 24 carat gold means all 24 parts are gold, making it the purest form.
- 22 carat gold means 22 parts gold and 2 parts other metals.
- 18 carat gold means 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals.
The remaining parts in lower carat gold are usually metals like copper, silver, or zinc, which are added to improve strength and durability.
Why Pure 24 Carat Gold Is Not Used for Jewellery
Although 24 carat gold is the purest, it is also very soft. Because of this, it bends and scratches easily. That makes it unsuitable for making jewellery that needs to hold stones, intricate designs, and daily wear.
This is why 24 carat gold is mainly used for:
- Gold coins
- Gold bars
- Investment purposes
For jewellery, stronger alloys are required.
Why 22 Carat Gold Is Popular in India
22 carat gold contains about 91.6 percent pure gold. The remaining portion is made up of other metals that provide strength while still maintaining a rich gold appearance.
This balance between purity and durability makes 22 carat gold ideal for traditional Indian jewellery. It is widely used for necklaces, bangles, earrings, and wedding ornaments.
Why 18 Carat Gold Is Used for Modern Jewellery
18 carat gold contains 75 percent pure gold and 25 percent other metals. Because of the higher metal content, it is stronger and more durable than 22 carat gold.
This makes 18 carat gold perfect for:
- Designer jewellery
- Diamond-studded jewellery
- Lightweight and daily-wear ornaments
It also allows jewellers to create white gold and rose gold by mixing different metals.
Why Not 19, 21, or 23 Carat Gold?
Technically, gold can exist in any purity level. However, the jewellery industry follows standard purity levels for consistency, trust, and hallmark certification.
In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recognises only specific carat categories for hallmarking and trade. These commonly include:
- 14 carat
- 18 carat
- 22 carat
- 24 carat (usually for coins and bars)
Since 19 or 21 carat gold does not fall under widely accepted standards, it is rarely produced or sold. Standardisation makes it easier for customers to understand purity, compare prices, and trust the quality of gold they are buying.
What Is Hallmarking and Why It Matters
Hallmarking is a certification process that confirms the purity of gold jewellery. In India, this is done by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
A BIS hallmark on gold jewellery assures buyers that the gold meets the stated purity level. This system protects customers from fraud and ensures transparency in gold purchases.
Final Thoughts
Gold purity is measured using the 24-part carat system, but only certain carat levels like 18K, 22K, and 24K are commonly used. These standards exist to balance purity, durability, and industry regulation.
While 24 carat gold is best for investment, 22 carat is preferred for traditional jewellery, and 18 carat works well for modern, stone-studded designs. Understanding these differences helps you make smarter choices when buying gold for both beauty and value.
