How to Check Purity of 22 Carat Gold

31 Jan, 2026 10:00 IST
How to Check Purity of 22 Carat Gold

The process of verifying the purity of 22 carat gold stands as a vital requirement for all Indian buyers who seek gold loans. The article explains purity standards and testing procedures and loan evaluation methods and cultural significance and price determinants to help readers understand their gold investments better.

What Is 22 Carat Gold Purity?

The 22 carat gold purity standard indicates that the metal contains 22 parts of pure gold out of 24 total parts, while the remaining 2 parts consist of copper, silver, or zinc alloys. For anyone wondering what is the purity of 22 carat gold, the specific mixture of metals results in a 22 carat gold purity percentage of 91.67%, which makes it suitable for jewellery production.

The purity of 24 carat gold reaches 99.9%, but its softness makes it unsuitable for regular applications. That’s why 22 carat gold is mixed with alloys, to add strength and maintain shape while preserving high value. The inclusion of alloy metals also enhances resistance to wear, making 22 carat gold purity perfect for ornaments, bangles, and necklaces that are used regularly.

By balancing durability and lustre, 22 carat gold achieves the ideal middle ground between investment-grade and wearable gold.

Why Is 22 Carat Gold Popular in India?

Gold holds deep cultural, emotional, and financial value in India. From festivals to weddings, the metal symbolizes prosperity, purity, and security. Buyers across the country prefer 22 carat gold India jewellery because it blends purity with strength, making it ideal for ornaments that last for generations.

The balance of 22 carat gold purity ensures that jewellery retains its shine and value while remaining durable enough for regular wear. People buy gold during Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya and Dhanteras celebrations because they want to symbolize their wealth and receive blessings through 22 carat jewellery which represents authentic heritage value.

The high purity level of 22 carat gold enables Indian craftsmen to create detailed designs which maintain their strength and durability. In both rural and urban India, gold continues to serve as an emotional heirloom and a dependable financial asset.

Beyond tradition, 22 carat gold India maintains strong resale value, liquidity, and market demand. Its consistent quality and cultural importance make it a timeless investment. The combination of 22 carat gold purity brings together three essential elements which maintain trust and elegance throughout Indian homes.

Methods to Check 22 Carat Gold Purity

The verification process of 22 carat gold requires immediate attention because it protects customers from buying fake or mislabelled gold products. The following are effective 22k gold purity test methods:

  • Check for BIS Hallmark

The BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmark provides official verification that the gold product fulfills both Indian purity requirements and all relevant legal standards. The hallmark shows the BIS logo together with the 22K916 carat rating and jeweller identification number and hallmarking year.

  • Acid Test

To check 22k gold purity, a drop of nitric acid is applied to a small jewellery sample. Genuine 22 carat gold shows no reaction or discoloration, while impure items change colour. Though inexpensive, this test can cause slight surface damage and should be done carefully.

  • Electronic Gold Tester

This non-destructive device measures purity using electronic sensors that analyse conductivity and resistance. It delivers quick and fairly accurate results, making it popular among jewellers, pawnshops, and gold loan agents.

  • X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Testing

This lab-grade test uses X-rays to identify the metal’s elemental composition and gold concentration. It provides an exact reading of 22 carat gold purity with high precision, suitable for certification and valuation. The method is easy, contactless, and ideal for verifying high-value ornaments or bulk gold during trade and auctions.

  • Density Test / Specific Gravity Method

The traditional method determines gold density by measuring its weight in air and water to calculate its density. The density of pure 22k gold remains constant at 17.7–17.8 g/cm³. The method provides a basic purity assessment but its accuracy depends on the alloy content and air bubble presence which leads to inconsistent results.

  • Consult a Certified Jeweller

When uncertain, consult a certified jeweller for professional testing. They use advanced machines such as karat analysers or spectrometers to assess gold purity precisely. Expert evaluation ensures accuracy, helps confirm hallmark details, and provides documentation, which is crucial for resale or loan eligibility based on gold value.

What Does 22 Carat Gold Purity Mean for Gold Loans?

Gold purity plays a crucial role in determining the value of your gold loan. Lenders assess both weight and purity to calculate the eligible loan amount, and 22 carat gold is often preferred because its 91.67% purity ensures reliability, high valuation, and strong market acceptance.

The impact of gold purity on loan amount is straightforward, the purer the gold, the higher its value. Jewellery with gold loan 22 carat purity fetches better returns compared to lower-carat pieces. Financial institutions offer Gold Loans against jewellery in the 18 to 22 carat range, as this purity band supports consistent valuation, easy liquidity, and stable demand in the Indian market.

To maximize your gold loan, ensure your jewellery is BIS-hallmarked and verified for 22 carat purity. The process of obtaining certified gold enables you to get faster loan approval while simultaneously boosting your loan amount and lender trust.

The process of borrowing money becomes more efficient when you use 22K gold as collateral because lenders provide clear valuation and fast processing and better loan-to-value ratios. The knowledge about your gold purity enables you to handle lender negotiations better while protecting your assets from undervaluation and making better financial choices between different loan providers and repayment plans.

Choosing a trusted lender like IIFL Finance further enhances your borrowing experience. With transparent valuation, quick approvals, and competitive interest rates, IIFL ensures you get the maximum value for your 22-carat gold against a loan without hidden charges.

Factors Affecting 22 Carat Gold Purity and Pricing in India

The 22 carat gold price in India depends on several key elements that influence both purity and valuation. Market trends, hallmark certification, and regional variations play a major role in shaping gold’s worth. Additionally, alloy composition and purity testing directly affect resale value and loan eligibility. Understanding these aspects helps buyers and investors make informed purchasing decisions while protecting long-term asset value.

Key Factors:

  • Market demand and seasonal patterns influence gold prices in India.
  • Government-issued Hallmark certification ensures purity and authenticity.
  • Regional price differences arise due to local taxes and transportation costs.
  • Alloy composition affects 22 carat gold purity and overall strength.
  • Testing methods impact the accuracy of purity results and pricing.
  • Global market fluctuations and domestic taxation rates affect gold purity price India.
  • Hallmarked and certified 22 carat gold fetches better resale and loan value.
  • Festivals and weddings periodically raise market demand and prices.
  • Intricate designs and craftsmanship add aesthetic and monetary value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.Is 22 carat gold pure enough for investment? Ans.

Yes, 22 carat gold with 91.67% purity offers both value and durability, making it a practical choice for jewellery investment in India

Q2.How is 22 carat gold different from 24 carat gold in terms of durability? Ans.

22 carat gold is alloyed with metals like copper and zinc, giving it more strength, while 24 carat gold is softer and prone to bending.

Q3.Can I get a gold loan using 22 carat gold jewellery? Ans.

Absolutely. Most lenders accept 22 carat gold jewellery as collateral due to its market-standard purity and reliability

Q4.How does the weight and purity of 22 carat gold impact loan eligibility? Ans.

Both weight and 22 carat gold purity determine the loan amount. Higher purity and heavier pieces result in a higher sanctioned value.

Q5.Does the purity affect the resale value of gold? Ans.

Yes. Verified 22 carat gold purity ensures better resale value and easier liquidity compared to lower carat or unverified gold.

Disclaimer : The information in this blog is for general purposes only and may change without notice. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Readers should seek professional guidance and make decisions at their own discretion. IIFL Finance is not liable for any reliance on this content. Read more

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