Walk into any jewellery store and the first question you will hear is about purity. 18 karat or 22 karat? Both are real gold, both are hallmarked, and both make beautiful jewellery — but they behave very differently on the wrist, in the price tag and over the years. Here is a simple guide to choosing the one that suits you.

What the karat number actually means

Pure gold is 24 karat. It is soft, so it is mixed with small amounts of other metals to make it strong enough to wear every day. The karat number tells you how much of the piece is gold:

• 22 karat — about 91.6% gold. Rich, deep yellow colour.
• 18 karat — 75% gold. A slightly lighter tone, and noticeably harder.

When to choose 22 karat

22 karat is the traditional choice for bridal sets, bangles, chains and heirloom pieces. Its warm colour is unmistakable, and because it carries more gold it holds more of its value when you exchange it later. It is a little softer, so it is perfect for pieces worn on special occasions and treasured for generations.

When to choose 18 karat

18 karat is made for everyday wear and for intricate, modern designs. The harder alloy keeps fine filigree crisp and holds stones and diamonds firmly in place, which is why most rings, studs and lightweight pendants are crafted in 18 karat. It is also lighter on the budget for the same design.

A simple rule of thumb: choose 22 karat for heritage and investment, 18 karat for daily wear and detailed designs.

How Taqwa prices your piece

At Taqwa, many designs can be ordered in either purity. Select 18 Karat or 22 Karat on the product page and the price updates instantly, based on the day’s gold rate and the exact weight of the piece. Every piece carries a BIS hallmark with its own HUID number, so the purity you choose is the purity you receive.

Still unsure? Visit one of our stores or message us — we are always happy to help you choose.