Gold jewellery is an inevitable part of Indian culture; it is not merely a piece of ornament but a symbol of prosperity, harmony, and security. From festivities to weddings, gold is deeply associated with rituals and customs. However, buying gold jewellery involves careful consideration of factors such as purity, authenticity, and live gold price. This guide simplifies your plight of choosing the right gold purity for jewellery. Let’s start.
Understanding Gold Purity
When purchasing gold, checking its purity is the most important factor to consider. Gold purity is measured in Karats (K), which indicates the amount of alloys mixed in the gold. Here is an overview of the gold purity available in Indian markets today.
- 24 Karat Gold (99.9% Pure) – It is the purest form of gold, characterized by a vibrant yellow hue, but is too soft and brittle, making it unsuitable for daily wear jewelry applications.
- 22 Karat Gold (91.6% Pure) – 22K gold is the most widely used to create stunning jewelry pieces. It has a purity of 91.6 %, making it an ideal composition for casting intricate ornaments with higher durability and shine.
- 18 Karat Gold (75% Pure) – 18K gold contains a higher amount of alloys and is often used for crafting rose gold jewellery. It is commonly used for creating intricate jewellery pieces and has higher durability.
- 14 Karat Gold (58.3% Pure) – It is known for higher durability due to a higher ratio of alloy and is used to create budget-friendly daily wear jewellery.
At Gemlay Jewels, we offer a wide range of gold jewellery with different purities to match your style and budget requirements. Also, all our jewellery pieces come with the BIS hallmark, which stands testimony to their purity and authenticity. For a better understanding of gold purity, you can reach out to us or check out the World Gold Council’s Guide on Gold Purity.
6 Factors To Consider While Shopping For Gold Jewellery
1. BIS Hallmark
Apart from confirming the gold karat, it is crucial to look for the BIS Hallmark while you shop for gold jewellery. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Hallmarking is another way to check for the purity and authenticity of gold jewellery. Also, you should look for these components on a hallmark-
- BIS Logo
- Purity in karat & finesse
- Assaying and hallmarking the center’s mark
- Jeweler’s identification mark
2. Purity Certificate
You should always ask your jeweler to provide a purity certificate or an invoice that mentions purity, weight, and making charges of a gold ornament. A purity certificate not only ensures that a jewellery piece is pure and authentic but also makes exchange or return easy and convenient.
3. Lookout For A Karatmeter
Many reputed jewelers offer an on-the-spot purity verification check using a karatmeter. So next time you go on a gold shopping spree, look out for your jeweler offering you a live gold purity check using a karatmeter.
4. Usage and Durability
It is important to choose gold jewellery according to utility and durability. The higher the purity, the softer the gold metal. If you are looking for jewellery such as bangles and rings that are prone to daily wear and tear, 18 or 22k gold purity makes an ideal choice.
5. Color Preferences
Nowadays, the concept of gold jewellery has transformed, and you can find gold jewellery in different hues such as rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold. The type and alloy can define the color of the gold jewellery.
- Traditional Yellow Gold- The warm-hued yellow gold is available in 24K, 22K, and 18K with a higher ratio of pure gold as compared to 14K yellow gold. It is mixed with small amounts of copper and zinc to retain its traditional warm yellow hue.
- White Gold- White Gold is achieved by mixing yellow gold with palladium or nickel metal and is often coated with rhodium for a silvery shine. It is available in 14K and 18K purity.
- Rose Gold- it is available in 18K and 14K purity, and the pinkish tint is achieved by mixing gold with copper.
6. Skin Sensitivity
While ensuring the purity and authenticity of the gold jewellery holds paramount importance, it is equally important to pick daily wear gold jewellery that is gentle to your sensitive skin. 22K gold is often recommended for people with sensitive skin. 18K or 14K gold may cause allergies to people with sensitive skin due to a higher concentration of metal alloys in their composition.
The Bottom Line
The idea of buying gold jewelry brings excitement and confusion together. A considerate gold shopping involves steps such as checking for gold purity, durability, intended use, and personal preferences. By understanding all these aspects, you can buy stunning jewellery pieces for all occasions that help you carry a regal look and stand the test of time.