How to Check Gold Purity

How to Check Gold Purity in Pakistan: 24K, 22K, 21K and 18K Explained

Gold purity tells you how much actual gold is present in a jewellery item, coin, or gold bar. In Pakistan, gold is commonly sold in 24K, 22K, 21K, and 18K purities. Understanding these karat values can help you make informed decisions when buying gold jewellery, selling old gold, or investing in gold bars.

However, gold purity cannot be confirmed by colour or appearance alone. A jewellery item may have a purity stamp such as 916 or 750, but the marking should be supported by reliable documentation and professional testing when necessary.

This guide explains how to check gold purity in Pakistan, what common gold markings mean, which testing methods are reliable, and how purity affects gold prices in Pakistani rupees.

What Is Gold Purity?

Gold purity refers to the proportion of actual gold in a metal item. Pure gold is relatively soft, so jewellery manufacturers often combine it with other metals to improve its strength, durability, and appearance.

Common metals used in gold jewellery include copper, silver, zinc, and other suitable alloys.

Gold purity is usually expressed in two ways:

• Karat (K): Indicates the proportion of gold out of 24 parts.
• Fineness: Indicates the number of parts of gold per 1,000 parts of the material.

For example, 22K gold contains approximately 91.67% gold, while 18K gold contains 75% gold.

Gold Purity Chart: 24K, 22K, 21K and 18K

The following table shows common gold purity levels used in jewellery and bullion markets.

Important: Karat values and fineness markings indicate gold content, but a stamp alone does not independently prove that an item has the stated purity.

What Does 24K Gold Mean?

24K gold represents gold that is very close to pure gold. Bullion marked 999 typically contains 99.9% gold, while 999.9 fineness represents 99.99% gold.

Because high-purity gold is relatively soft, 24K gold is commonly associated with investment bars and certain coins rather than everyday jewellery that needs greater resistance to wear.

What Does 22K Gold Mean?

22K gold contains 22 parts gold out of 24 parts total.

Calculation:

22 ÷ 24 × 100 = 91.67%

Therefore, 22K gold contains approximately 91.67% gold and 8.33% other metals.

The fineness mark commonly associated with 22K gold is 916.

In Pakistan, 22K gold is widely recognized in traditional jewellery, including necklaces, bangles, rings, and earrings.

What Does 21K Gold Mean?

21K gold contains 21 parts gold out of 24.

Calculation:

21 ÷ 24 × 100 = 87.5%

Therefore, 21K gold corresponds to 875 fineness, meaning approximately 87.5% of its weight is gold.

What Does 18K Gold Mean?

18K gold contains 18 parts gold out of 24.

Calculation:

18 ÷ 24 × 100 = 75%

Therefore, 18K gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals.

The common fineness marking for 18K gold is 750.

It is often used in jewellery featuring diamonds, gemstones, and modern designs because its alloy composition can provide useful strength and different colour options.

How to Check Gold Purity in Pakistan

If you want to check whether gold jewellery is genuinely 24K, 22K, 21K, or 18K, follow these steps.

1. Check the Gold Purity Stamp

Start by inspecting the jewellery for a small marking.

Common markings include:

• 999 or 999.9: high-purity gold
• 916: approximately 22K gold
• 875: 21K gold
• 750: 18K gold
• 585: approximately 14K gold

The marking may be located inside a ring, near a bracelet clasp, on a pendant, or near a necklace's locking mechanism.

A magnifying glass and good lighting can help you locate small stamps.

However, a purity stamp is only a starting point. A counterfeit or incorrectly marked item may display a misleading number.

2. Check the Gold Jewellery Bill

When purchasing gold from a jeweller in Pakistan, ask for a proper invoice.

The bill should clearly state the relevant details, including:

• Gold purity, such as 22K or 916
• Jewellery weight
• Net gold weight, where applicable
• Gold rate used for the calculation
• Making charges
• Stone or gemstone charges, if applicable
• Other applicable charges
• Seller's business details

For example, an invoice for a 22K necklace should ideally identify its purity and weight rather than simply describe it as a gold necklace.

Keep the invoice safe because it may be useful for future resale, exchange, or resolving a dispute.

3. Verify the Net Gold Weight

The total weight of jewellery is not always the same as its gold weight.

A necklace or ring may contain stones, decorative components, springs, or other materials.

Suppose a ring weighs 10 grams, including 2 grams of stones. Its remaining weight is 8 grams, assuming the other components have also been accounted for.

If that 8-gram portion is 22K gold, its theoretical pure-gold equivalent is:

8 × 22 ÷ 24 = 7.33 grams approximately.

This illustrates why both weight and purity matter when calculating gold value.

4. Ask for Professional Gold Purity Testing

If you are buying expensive jewellery, selling inherited gold, or dealing with an unfamiliar seller, consider professional testing.

A qualified jeweller, assay service, or testing laboratory can help determine whether the metal composition is consistent with the stated purity.

For a significant transaction, you may also consider obtaining an independent test.

Professional Gold Testing Methods

Different methods are used to assess gold purity. Their accuracy and suitability depend on the item, its construction, and the testing procedure.

XRF Gold Testing

XRF stands for X-ray fluorescence. It is a widely used technique for analysing the elemental composition of precious metals.

A professional XRF instrument measures the characteristic response produced when the sample is exposed to X-rays.

Advantages of XRF testing:

• Generally fast
• Usually non-destructive
• Can identify multiple elements
• Useful for jewellery and precious-metal analysis

However, XRF primarily analyses the material near the surface. Gold plating, surface coatings, solder, and differences between components can affect interpretation.

For this reason, a single surface reading may not always represent the composition of an entire jewellery item.

Acid Gold Testing

Acid testing is a traditional method used to estimate gold purity. A trained tester compares how a sample or test streak reacts with appropriate testing solutions.

The method can be relatively inexpensive and quick, but it has limitations.

Results depend on the testing procedure and the sample examined. Gold-plated items can also create misleading results if the test does not reach or adequately represent the underlying material.

Testing acids should not be handled casually at home because they can cause chemical burns and damage jewellery.

Electronic Gold Testing

Electronic testers estimate gold purity using electrical or other instrument-specific measurements.

Their usefulness depends on the device, calibration, sample composition, and testing technique.

They can provide a convenient screening method, but inexpensive consumer devices should not automatically be treated as definitive proof of purity.

Fire Assay

Fire assay is an established laboratory method for determining gold content. It generally involves taking a representative sample and processing it under controlled laboratory conditions.

It can provide highly accurate analytical results, but it is destructive or invasive because a sample must be taken.

It is more appropriate for certain professional, refining, or disputed-value situations than for routine checks of finished jewellery.

Can You Check Gold Purity at Home?

Several home tests are popular, but most cannot reliably establish whether gold is 22K, 21K, or 18K.

Magnet Test

Gold is not strongly attracted to an ordinary magnet. If an item is strongly attracted, it may contain magnetic material.

However, many non-gold metals are also non-magnetic.

A gold item passing the magnet test does not prove that it is genuine or that it has the stated purity.

Water and Density Test

Gold has a high density, so density measurements can sometimes help assess a simple, solid object.

The formula is:

Density = Mass ÷ Volume

However, jewellery often contains hollow sections, stones, solder, or multiple materials. These features can make home density calculations unreliable.

Skin Colour Test

A green or dark mark on the skin does not reliably establish whether an item is real gold.

Skin chemistry, sweat, cosmetics, and alloy metals can all affect the result.

Bite and Ceramic Scratch Tests

Biting gold or scratching jewellery against ceramic is not recommended.

These methods do not reliably measure exact gold purity and may damage the jewellery or your teeth.

For valuable gold, professional testing is a better option than relying on home experiments.

Gold-Plated vs Solid Gold: What Is the Difference?

Gold-plated jewellery has a layer of gold over another material. The underlying item may contain little gold compared with a solid gold alloy of the same total weight.

For example, a gold-plated ring may look similar to a solid 18K ring, but its recoverable gold content can be substantially lower.

Gold-filled jewellery is another category in which a gold layer is mechanically bonded to a base metal. It is also different from solid 18K or 22K gold.

When buying jewellery online or second-hand in Pakistan, check whether the product is described as solid gold, gold-plated, gold-filled, or gold-coloured.

These descriptions are not interchangeable.

How to Check 22K Gold in Pakistan

If a jeweller sells you a piece as 22K gold, use the following checklist:

1. Look for a 22K or 916 marking.
2. Check that the invoice identifies the stated purity.
3. Verify the total and net gold weight, where applicable.
4. Ask how the gold rate and making charges have been calculated.
5. Consider professional purity testing for a high-value purchase.

Remember that a 916 stamp indicates a claimed fineness. It is not, by itself, proof of independent verification.

How to Check 18K Gold

For jewellery sold as 18K, look for a marking such as 18K or 750.

Genuine 18K gold should contain approximately 75% gold by weight.

For example, a 10-gram item made entirely from an 18K gold alloy contains a theoretical pure-gold equivalent of:

10 × 0.75 = 7.5 grams.

The remaining 2.5 grams consist of other metals in the alloy.

For jewellery containing stones or other components, the calculation must use the relevant gold-alloy weight rather than the entire item's gross weight.

How to Check Gold Bars in Pakistan

Gold bars require careful verification because they may represent a significant financial investment.

Before purchasing a gold bar, check:

• Manufacturer or refiner
• Stated weight
• Gold fineness, such as 999 or 999.9
• Serial number, where applicable
• Packaging and identification details
• Certificate or assay documentation, where applicable
• Seller invoice and business credibility

Some standards for gold bars specify identifying marks such as the metal, mass, fineness, and unique serial number. The requirements applicable to a particular product depend on the relevant standard and product category.

Do not rely on packaging alone to establish authenticity. If you have concerns, consult a qualified dealer or testing service before opening sealed packaging, as opening it may affect the product's resale or verification arrangements.

How Gold Purity Affects Gold Prices in Pakistan

Gold purity affects the amount of gold contained in an item and therefore its underlying metal value.

Suppose the applicable 24K gold rate is Rs. 40,000 per gram.

The theoretical gold-content value of different purities can be estimated as follows:

These figures are illustrative calculations, not current Pakistani gold rates. The 24K row uses a 99.9% gold-content assumption; an exact calculation should use the actual fineness.

The general formula is:

Estimated Gold Content Value = Net Gold Weight × 24K Rate per Gram × Karat ÷ 24

This formula assumes that the quoted 24K rate represents pure-gold value per gram and that the weight refers to the relevant gold alloy, excluding stones and other materials.

Actual jewellery buying and selling prices can differ because of dealer margins, testing deductions, making charges, product premiums, and other applicable costs.

Example: Calculating the Gold Value of 22K Jewellery

Suppose you have 10 grams of 22K gold jewellery and the hypothetical 24K gold rate is Rs. 40,000 per gram.

Step 1: Calculate the gold fraction.

22 ÷ 24 = 0.916667 approximately.

Step 2: Calculate the equivalent pure-gold weight.

10 × 0.916667 = 9.1667 grams approximately.

Step 3: Calculate the theoretical gold value.

9.1667 × Rs. 40,000 = Rs. 366,668 approximately.

The estimated underlying metal value is therefore around Rs. 366,667, subject to rounding.

This is not necessarily the amount a jeweller will pay. The final offer may depend on verified purity, net gold weight, the dealer's buying rate, and any applicable deductions.

Gold Purity vs Gold Weight

Gold purity and gold weight measure two different things.

Consider two jewellery items that each weigh 10 grams:

• A 22K item contains approximately 9.17 grams of gold equivalent.
• An 18K item contains 7.5 grams of gold equivalent.

The items have the same total weight, but the 22K item contains more gold.

That is why you should check both purity and weight before comparing prices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Checking Gold

Avoid these common mistakes when buying or selling gold in Pakistan:

• Trusting colour alone: Yellow colour does not establish gold purity.
• Relying only on a stamp: A purity marking can be misleading if it has not been verified.
• Ignoring stones: Gross weight may include non-gold materials.
• Confusing gold-plated with solid gold: The products can have very different gold content.
• Accepting unclear invoices: Request a written breakdown of purity, weight, rate, and charges.
• Relying on one surface reading: Complex jewellery may need more than one measurement or a different testing method.
• Using damaging home tests: Scratching, biting, and inappropriate chemical testing can damage jewellery without proving its purity.

Gold Purity Checklist for Pakistani Buyers

Before buying expensive jewellery or a gold bar, confirm the following:

• Purity is stated clearly, such as 22K / 916 or 18K / 750.
• Weight is measured accurately.
• Net gold weight is identified where stones or other materials are present.
• The seller provides an appropriate invoice.
• Gold rates and making charges are explained separately.
• Product descriptions distinguish solid gold from plated or filled products.
• Professional testing is considered when the transaction is expensive or the purity is uncertain.
• The seller's identity and business details can be verified.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Purity

How can I check gold purity in Pakistan?

Start by inspecting the purity marking and invoice. Check the item's weight and whether stones or other materials are included. For greater confidence, use a qualified jeweller, assay service, or testing laboratory.

What does 916 mean on gold?

916 indicates a claimed gold fineness of approximately 916 parts per 1,000, or 91.6% gold. It corresponds closely to 22K gold.

What does 750 mean on gold?

750 indicates 75% gold by weight, which corresponds to 18K gold.

Is 875 gold 21K?

Yes. 21K gold represents 21 parts gold out of 24, equivalent to 87.5% gold or 875 fineness.

Is 999 gold 24K?

999 fineness represents approximately 99.9% gold and is commonly associated with 24K gold.

Is a 916 stamp enough to prove that gold is real?

No. A stamp is a useful clue, but it does not independently prove the item's composition. For expensive purchases, combine documentation, seller credibility, and professional testing where appropriate.

Can a magnet identify fake gold?

A magnet can sometimes identify suspicious magnetic materials. However, many non-gold metals are non-magnetic, so passing the test does not prove that an item is gold.

What is the best non-destructive gold purity test?

Professional XRF testing is widely used because it can analyse metal composition without the sample removal required by methods such as fire assay. However, surface readings can be affected by plating, coatings, solder, and complex construction.

Is 22K gold better than 18K gold?

Neither is universally better. 22K gold contains more gold by weight and is common in traditional jewellery. 18K gold contains 75% gold and may offer greater design flexibility or durability for certain jewellery applications. The best choice depends on intended use, design, price, and personal preference.

How do I calculate the value of 22K gold?

If you know the applicable 24K rate per gram and the net weight of the 22K gold alloy, use:

Net Gold Weight × 24K Rate per Gram × 22 ÷ 24.

The result is an estimated underlying metal value, not necessarily the final retail or dealer buying price.

Does gold purity affect resale value?

Yes. Gold purity affects the amount of gold contained in an item. Resale offers also depend on the verified weight, current buying rate, testing results, dealer spread, and any applicable deductions.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to check gold purity in Pakistan can help you make more informed decisions when purchasing jewellery, selling old gold, or investing in gold bars.

The most common gold purity markings to remember are:

• 999 = approximately 24K
• 916 = approximately 22K
• 875 = 21K
• 750 = 18K

Start by checking the purity marking, invoice, and net gold weight. For expensive or uncertain items, professional testing can provide stronger evidence than colour, magnets, or other home tests.

Most importantly, remember that a stamp tells you what purity is being claimed. It should not be the only basis for trusting a valuable gold purchase.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only. Gold purity testing methods have limitations, and jewellery construction can affect results. Gold rates and dealer buying prices can change. For significant transactions or purity disputes, seek professional verification and confirm the current rate and applicable charges before making a decision.