What Is 916 Gold? – Is It a Good Investment? Let’s Explore.

Published: 02 Feb 2025

Hey, dears!

Have you ever wondered what 916 gold is? Is it real gold? Is it better than 24K or 18K gold? If you have been confused about these terms and questions, stop thinking here,, and let’s step to your answer right now.

Just briefly, the 916 gold is another name for 22-karat gold, meaning it contains 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% other metals.

Here is an in-depth guide on “What 916 gold means, how can you identify it, where it is used, its pros and cons, and whether it’s a good investment.

So let’s start and dive into the deep guide.

Table of Content

What Does 916 Gold Mean?
How to Identify Real 916 Gold?
Where 916 Gold Is Used
Is 916 or 22k Gold a Good Investment?
1. Pros.
2. Cons
Interesting Facts About 916 Gold.

What Does 916 Gold Mean?

Guys, as I previously shared, 916 is another name for 22K gold, meaning it contains 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% other metals like copper and silver.

Now, you might be confused. If 22-carat and 916 gold are the same, then why are they known by different names? So let me tell you.

The term 916 comes from the Hallmark numbering system, which was introduced in the UK to standardize gold purity. This system uses a scale ranging from 375 to 1,000(sometimes 0.375 to 0.999),, and 916 represents 91.6% pure gold.

On the other hand, 22K gold simply refers to the karat measurement, where 22 means 22 parts of pure gold out of 24.

So, even though they refer to the same thing, 916 gold is a more precise way of indicating purity, while 22K is a karat measurement. Both terms are used to describe the same high-quality gold that is durable, beautiful, and perfect for jewelry.

Here are some key properties of 916 or 22k gold.

Color: Bright yellow due to high gold content.
Purity: 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% other metals.
Strength: softer than 18k and 14k but stronger than 24k gold.
Durability: suitable for daily wear but requires care.

How to Identify Real 916 Gold?

Guys, I already shared an in-depth guide on how you can tell if gold is real, with 8 proven ways, including the lighter test, water test,, and 6 others.

Here, we will discuss only one method, and that is checking for hallmarks or karat.

Just look at every point of your jewelry using a magnifier and find 916 or 22k stamps. These stamps are usually placed on discrete areas of jewelry like on the clasp of a necklace or inside of a ring band.

If your jewelry contains these stamps,, that means your gold is 22k or 91,6, containing 91.6% pure gold.

But if your gold doesn’t contain any type of stamp or sign, you can go to the next guide that shared the link above to examine your gold’s purity in easier ways.

Where 916 Gold Is Used

916 or 22k gold is widely used in different industries due to its high purity and durability. Here are some of the common uses of this type of gold.

Jewelry Making

916 gold is the most popular choice for making jewelry, especially in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
It is the best choice for creating necklaces, bangles, earrings, rings, and bridal sets.

Gold Coins and Bars

Many investors buy 916 gold coins and bars as a store of value.

It is a preferred option for those who want to invest in gold but still need some durability for safe storage.
These coins and bars are often issued by banks and certified mints.

Religious and Cultural Items

916 gold is used in making idols, statues, and religious ornaments in many cultures.

It is commonly seen in Hindu temples, mosques, and other places of worship.
People also buy 916 gold as a gift for religious and festive occasions.

Luxury Watches and Accessories.

Some high-end brands use 916 gold for watch cases, dials, and bracelets. For example, the Totaram website sells 916 or 22k gold watches online all over India.
It is also used in luxury pens such as scrivener gold luxury fountain pens, cufflinks,, and decorative items.

Is 916 or 22k Gold a Good Investment?

Yes, 916 gold can be the best investment, especially for jewelry as it contains 91.6% pure gold, making it valuable while still being durable.

Here are some key pros and cons of 916 gold for investment.

Pros.

916 gold has higher purity than 18k, 14k, and 10k, that’s why it holds a handsome resale value.
It is the best option for jewelry as compared to pure 24k gold, which is soft and not suitable for daily wear.
22K gold jewelry, coins, and bars are in high demand in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, making resale easier.
As previously I mentioned, It is stronger than 24K gold due to the added metals, which help reduce scratches and bending.

Cons

If the gold market goes down, it may not give you a good resale value against your investment.
If you buy 916 gold jewelry, jewelers add making charges, which are not recovered when reselling.
Buying larger amounts will need safe storage, which may lead to extra costs for lockers or safes.

Interesting Facts About 916 Gold.

916 gold is just another name for 22K gold, but many people don’t realize it. The number 916 represents 91.6% pure gold in the alloy.
The hallmarking system that certifies 916 gold was first introduced in the UK and later adopted worldwide to ensure gold purity.
Despite being softer than lower-karat gold, 916 gold is still strong enough to make durable jewelry, thanks to the 8.4% of other metals like copper and silver.
In countries like India and the UAE, people trust 916 gold more than 24K gold for jewelry because it is less prone to bending and holds better shape.
Many central banks and investors prefer gold bars with 999 (24K) purity, but 916 gold coins are still popular due to their durability and ease of handling.
916 gold has a natural deep yellow color, making it look richer and shinier than lower-karat gold like 18K or 14K.
Unlike white or rose gold, 916 gold does not require additional plating to enhance its color—its shine comes naturally from its high purity.
Some luxury watch brands, like Rolex, use 916 gold (22K) for their premium models, giving them a mix of elegance and durability.
916 gold does not tarnish or rust, but it can develop a slight patina over time due to the alloyed metals, which can be easily polished.
In some cultures, newborn babies are gifted 916 gold jewelry as a sign of good fortune and prosperity.