18K, 20K, 22K & 24K Gold Comparison: Purity and Value Explained

Gold has always played a central role in Indian culture, whether for jewellery, investment, or family inheritance. Yet many people still feel confused when choosing between different gold carats. This is where a clear 18k, 20k, 22k, 24k gold comparison becomes essential.

From understanding purity percentages to knowing which gold gives better resale value, this guide covers everything from beginner to advanced level. If you are buying jewellery, investing, or planning to sell old gold, this article will help you make confident decisions using a practical approach to comparing gold purity.

What Is the Meaning of Gold Carat?

Gold carat, explained in simple terms, refers to the purity of gold. Pure gold is soft, so it is often mixed with other metals to make jewellery durable. The carat system measures how much pure gold is present out of 24 parts.

• 24 carat means 24 out of 24 parts are pure gold
• Lower carats mean a higher alloy percentage
• Carat vs purity is directly linked

This gold carat meaning and purity system forms the base of every gold carat comparison and gold purity guide for selling gold.

Carat Stems From a Medieval Weight Unit of Gold

Historically, gold was measured using carob seeds. Over time, this evolved into the modern karate system. Today, gold purity standards are regulated through hallmark gold purity, especially in India.

Understanding this background helps users better grasp gold fineness explained and the logic behind the gold purity percentage.

Types of Gold Purity Explained (From 18K to 24K)

Below is a detailed breakdown of each gold type to support a complete 18K, 20K, 22K, and 24K gold comparison.

What Is 24-Carat Gold?

• 24k gold purity: 99.9%
• Pure gold content: Highest
• Gold alloy percentage: Almost zero

24K gold purity makes it ideal for investment, coins, and bars. However, it is too soft for daily jewellery use. If your priority is which gold carat has the highest purity, 24K is the clear winner.

What Is 22-Carat Gold?

• 22k gold purity: 91.6%
• Alloy metals: Copper or silver
• Best for: Traditional Indian jewellery

The difference between 22k and 24k gold lies mainly in hardness and durability. 22K is the most popular choice for ornaments in India.

What Is 20-Carat Gold?

• 20 carat gold purity percentage: ~83.3%
• Balanced durability and purity
• Less common but valuable

Many buyers now explore 20k gold purity comparison because it offers a middle ground between strength and gold content.

What Is 18-Carat Gold?

• 18k gold purity: 75%
• Higher alloy content
• Best for: Diamond jewellery

The difference between 18k and 22k gold becomes important for buyers who prefer durability over maximum purity. This also explains 18k gold vs 24k gold use cases.

Gold Carat Comparison Table (Easy Reference)

Below is a simplified gold carat purity chart that helps with quick understanding:

Carat	Purity %	Pure Gold Content
24K	99.9%	Highest
22K	91.6%	Very High
20K	83.3%	High
18K	75%	Moderate

This gold carat comparison table is useful for beginners and advanced users alike and supports gold carat percentage comparison decisions.

18K, 20K, 22K & 24K Gold Comparison for New Jewellery Buyers

A practical difference between 18k, 20k, 22k, and 24k gold depends on purity, usage, and resale value.

• 18K vs 22K vs 24K gold: Durability vs purity
• 20k vs 22k gold: Slight purity difference but noticeable value change
• Gold carat value difference: Higher purity usually means higher resale value

This gold carat value comparison becomes especially relevant when selling old jewellery.

Gold Purity Percentage and Value in India

India follows strict hallmarking norms. A gold purity chart in India helps buyers understand purity before purchase or resale.

Key points:

• Always check the BIS hallmark
• Understand gold content by carat
• Verify the purity of gold jewellery professionally

Knowing how to check gold purity by carat ensures transparency and better pricing.

18K, 20K, 22K & 24K Gold Comparison for Selling Old Jewellery

When selling gold, purity matters more than design. A detailed 18K 20K 22K 24K gold comparison helps sellers estimate value correctly.

Professional buyers like Sona Chandi Buyers evaluate:

• Purity level comparison
• Weight accuracy
• Current market rates

This approach helps customers avoid underpricing and ensures fair deals.

Which Gold Carat Should You Choose?

Choose based on purpose:

• Investment: 24K
• Traditional jewellery: 22K
• Daily wear or diamonds: 18K
• Balanced option: 20K

Understanding types of gold purity simplifies decision-making for every Indian buyer.

How Gold Purity Is Calculated (Beginner to Advanced Explanation)

To truly understand any 18K, 20K, 22K, or 24K gold comparison, it helps to know the simple formula behind gold purity.

Gold Purity Formula: Purity Percentage = (Carat ÷ 24) × 100

Examples:

• 24K: (24/24) × 100 = 99.9%
• 22K: (22/24) × 100 = 91.6%
• 20K: (20/24) × 100 = 83.3%
• 18K: (18/24) × 100 = 75%

This calculation explains gold content by carat and helps buyers understand pure gold content versus gold alloy percentage. It is also the foundation of every gold purity percentage mentioned in jewellery buying or selling.

Karat vs Purity – Clearing Common Confusion

Many people confuse karat with purity. While related, they are not the same.

• Karat: Measures parts of gold out of 24
• Purity: Expressed as a percentage
• Fineness: Often shown as 999, 916, 750

This karat vs purity clarity helps customers read hallmark stamps and understand gold fineness explained on jewellery invoices.

Gold Carat Value Comparison in Real Life

Gold value is influenced by purity, weight, and market rate. A higher gold purity level comparison usually means better resale value.

Key value insights:

• 24K fetches the highest per-gram price
• 22K offers strong resale and wearability
• 20K sits between premium and durability
• 18K has a lower gold value but higher design strength

This gold carat value difference becomes especially important when evaluating old jewellery for resale.

Difference Between 18K and 22K Gold (Buyer Perspective)

The difference between 18k and 22k gold matters based on usage.

• 18K: Stronger, more alloy, lower gold purity
• 22K: Softer, higher purity, traditional appeal

This comparison often comes up when customers debate durability versus gold purity chart values.

Difference Between 22K and 24K Gold (Investment vs Jewellery)

Understanding the difference between 22k and 24k gold helps avoid confusion.

• 24K: Best for investment, not jewellery
• 22K: Best for jewellery, slightly lower purity

Both play different roles in a complete gold purity guide for selling gold.

Hallmark Gold Purity and Indian Standards

In India, hallmarking protects buyers and sellers.

A BIS hallmark includes:

• Carat purity mark
• Assaying centre logo
• Jeweller identification

This system ensures gold purity standards and confirms the purity of gold jewellery before resale or investment.

Gold Purity Comparison for Selling Old Jewellery

When selling old gold, design does not matter as much as purity and weight.

Important points:

• Stones and alloys are deducted
• Purity is tested professionally
• Payment is based on the gold purity percentage

A transparent 18K 20K 22K 24K gold comparison helps sellers estimate fair value confidently.

Why Understanding Gold Carat Explained Matters Before Selling

Many sellers lose value simply due to a lack of knowledge. Knowing the gold carat ensures:

• Better negotiation
• Awareness of deductions
• Trust in evaluation

Experienced buyers like Sona Chandi Buyers focus on educating customers so they understand how purity, fineness, and market rates work together.

Conclusion – Making Smarter Gold Decisions

Gold is more than a metal. It represents value, security, and tradition. By understanding purity, fineness, and usage through this 18K, 20K, 22K, and 24K gold comparison, you can make smarter buying and selling decisions. Whether you are evaluating jewellery, checking hallmark gold purity, or preparing to sell old ornaments, clarity always leads to better outcomes.

With a strong reputation for ethical practices and transparent evaluation, Sona Chandi Buyers helps customers understand gold purity comparison clearly and confidently. We buy gold, silver, diamonds, platinum, and gemstones, ensuring accurate testing and fair valuation based on real purity, not assumptions. Many sellers trust us because every transaction is handled with honesty, professionalism, and complete transparency.

To make our services easily accessible and build local trust, Sona Chandi Buyers operates through multiple verified locations, including Dwarka Sector 7, Dwarka Sector 5, Gurugram Sector 31, and Gurugram Sector 42. Each location follows the same ethical standards, advanced purity testing methods, and customer-first approach.
If you are planning to sell gold, silver, or diamond jewellery or want to understand the true value of your assets, connect with Sona Chandi Buyers today. Visit our nearest Google Business Profile or contact our team to receive expert guidance backed by experience, integrity, and market knowledge.