✔ Live 22K (916) gold price for India
✔ Complete 916 vs 999 purity & price comparison
✔ Step-by-step HUID verification method
💡 Key Takeaway:
916 = 22K = 91.6% pure gold. It is the jewellery standard in India — durable enough for daily wear, valuable enough to hold its worth. Pure 24K (999) gold is for coins and investment; 916 (22K) gold is for ornaments. Always verify the BIS hallmark and 6-digit HUID before buying.
🟡 Live Gold Rate Today (India) — 24K / 22K / 18K
📐 The 916 Gold Definition
If you have ever bought gold jewellery in India, you have seen the number "916" stamped on it. Walk into any jewellery shop — Tanishq, Malabar Gold, Kalyan Jewellers or your local goldsmith — and every ornament will carry this three-digit number along with the BIS logo. But what does 916 actually mean? Is it the same as 22K? Is it good gold or cheap gold? Should you insist on 916 or pay more for 999?
This guide explains everything about 916 gold — its exact purity, why it is the jewellery standard, how to verify it, how its price differs from 24K, and the smart way to buy it. By the end, you will know more about gold purity than 95% of Indian buyers.
Table of Contents
1. What Does 916 Mean in Gold? (The Simple Answer)
"916" is a purity number. It tells you how much pure gold is in the metal, measured in parts per thousand. A piece marked 916 means that out of every 1,000 parts of the metal, 916 parts are pure gold and the remaining 84 parts are other metals.
In karat terms, this is exactly 22 karat (22K)gold — because 22K = 22 ÷ 24 = 91.6% purity. The BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) uses the three-digit "fineness" number system on hallmarks, so you will see:
| Hallmark Number | Karat | Purity % | Typical Use in India |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% | Coins, bars, investment |
| 958 | 23K | 95.8% | Rare — some coins |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% | ✅ Jewellery (the standard) |
| 875 | 21K | 87.5% | Some regional jewellery |
| 750 | 18K | 75.0% | Diamond / studded jewellery |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% | Cheap / lightweight jewellery |
2. The 916 Purity Breakdown — What's in Your Gold?
Genuine 916 gold is not 100% gold — it is an alloy, a deliberate mix of gold and other metals. Here is the exact composition of a typical 22K (916) gold piece:
| Metal | Percentage | Why It's Added |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Gold (Au) | 91.6% | The precious metal — gives value and colour |
| Copper (Cu) | 4.0–5.0% | Adds strength and a warm rose tint |
| Silver (Ag) | 2.0–3.0% | Improves malleability and brightness |
| Zinc (Zn) | 1.0–2.0% | Improves melting and workability |
These alloy percentages are not random — BIS specifies the allowed range so that 22K gold hits the sweet spot: pure enough to hold strong resale value (91.6%), yet hard enough to survive decades of daily wear, gem setting and intricate design work.
3. Why is 916 Used for Jewellery (And Not 24K)?
This is the question every curious buyer asks: "If 24K is purer, why do jewellers use 22K?"The answer comes down to one word — durability.
24K (999) — Too Soft
- Bends and dents with finger pressure
- Cannot hold gemstones securely
- Loses shape in chains and bangles
- Scratches easily with daily wear
- Only suitable for coins, bars, biscuits
22K (916) — Just Right
- Hard enough for daily-wear jewellery
- Holds intricate designs (temple, kundan)
- Securely holds uncut/diamond settings
- Resists bending and scratching
- Still 91.6% pure — strong resale value
💡 The Golden Rule: Pure 24K gold is for investment. 22K (916) gold is for wearing. The 8.4% alloy is what makes your bangle survive a lifetime instead of bending on day one.
4. 916 vs 999, 958, 750 — Full Purity Comparison
The BIS hallmarking system recognises several purity grades. Here is how 916 stacks up against the rest, with the approximate price difference at today's rates:
| Hallmark | Karat | Purity | Relative Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% | Highest (base rate) | Investment, coins, bars |
| 958 | 23K | 95.8% | ~+4% vs 916 | Rare — some premium coins |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% | Base jewellery rate | ✅ All ornaments (chains, bangles, rings) |
| 875 | 21K | 87.5% | ~-4% vs 916 | Some regional / Gulf-style jewellery |
| 750 | 18K | 75.0% | ~-18% vs 916 | Diamond & studded jewellery |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% | ~-36% vs 916 | Cheap / Western-style jewellery |
5. How to Verify That Your Gold is Really 916
With hallmarking now mandatory, verifying 916 gold is straightforward. Here are the four reliable methods, from quickest to most accurate:
✅ Method 1: Check the BIS Hallmark (30 seconds)
Look on the jewellery for these four stamps together:
- BIS logo (a triangle mark)
- Purity mark "916" (confirming 22K)
- Jeweller's identification mark
- 6-digit HUID (alphanumeric, since 2021)
If any of these four are missing, the hallmark is incomplete and you should not buy.
📱 Method 2: Verify HUID on BIS Care App (2 minutes)
- Download the free BIS Care App (Android / iOS)
- Open the app and tap "Verify HUID"
- Enter the 6-digit HUID stamped on your jewellery
- The app confirms: purity (916), jeweller name, and registration validity
- If the HUID is fake, the app shows "not found" — do not buy
🔬 Method 3: XRF Machine Test at a Jeweller (Instant & Accurate)
Most reputed jewellers have an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) machine that reads the exact purity of any gold piece in seconds without damaging it. Ask them to test your jewellery — a genuine 916 piece will read 91.5–91.7%. If it reads 85% or 75%, you have been sold under-karat gold.
⚖️ Method 4: Density Test (At Home, No Damage)
22K (916) gold has a known density of about 17.0–17.5 g/cm³(higher than 18K's 15.2–15.9 but lower than 24K's 19.32, because the alloy is lighter than gold). Weigh your jewellery, then measure its volume by water displacement, and divide weight by volume. A genuine 916 piece will measure in this range; under-karat or fake pieces measure far lower. This is a free, non-destructive sanity check you can do at home. For full step-by-step instructions, see our BIS Hallmark & HUID verification guide.
6. 916 Gold Price — How It Is Calculated & Today's Rate
The price of 916 gold per gram is set each morning by the India Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA), based on international gold prices, the USD/INR exchange rate, import duty and GST. Because 916 is 91.6% pure, its rate is always slightly lower than the 24K (999) rate.
🔥 Quick Price Example
If today's 22K (916) rate is ₹13,740/gram, then:
• 10g of 916 gold value = ₹1,37,400
• 1 Pavan (8g) of 916 gold = ₹1,09,920
• For jewellery, add making charges (8–25%) + 3% GST on gold + 5% GST on making
| Weight | 916 (22K) Value | 999 (24K) Value | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gram | ₹13,740 | ₹14,994 | +₹1,254 (9.1%) |
| 8 grams (1 Pavan) | ₹1,09,920 | ₹1,19,952 | +₹10,032 (9.1%) |
| 10 grams (1 Tola) | ₹1,37,400 | ₹1,49,940 | +₹12,540 (9.1%) |
| 100 grams | ₹13,74,000 | ₹14,99,400 | +₹1,25,400 (9.1%) |
7. 7 Smart Tips for Buying 916 Gold
- Always insist on the BIS hallmark with all four marks (BIS logo, 916, jeweller mark, HUID) — never accept verbal purity claims
- Verify the HUID on the BIS Care App before paying — it takes 2 minutes and catches fakes instantly
- Check today's 22K rate online first, then compare with the jeweller's quoted rate — a big gap means hidden charges
- Ask for an itemised bill showing gold value, making charges and GST separately — refuse a lump-sum bill
- Compare making charges across 3 jewellers — they range 8–25% and are where profit is hidden
- For investment, choose 24K coins/SGBs — 916 jewellery loses 15–30% on resale due to making charges
- Buy from BIS-registered jewellers only — the jeweller ID on the hallmark must match a valid BIS registration
8. 6 Costly Mistakes Buyers Make With 916 Gold
- Confusing 916 with 999 — 916 is 22K (jewellery), 999 is 24K (investment). They are not the same purity or price
- Believing old "KDM" labels — KDM (cadmium solder) is banned since 2005; only the BIS 916 hallmark matters now
- Not checking the HUID — a stamped 916 without a valid HUID can still be fake; always verify on the BIS Care App
- Buying 916 jewellery as "investment" — making charges (8–25%) are lost on resale, so jewellery is wearable savings, not the best investment
- Ignoring making charges — two 916 chains of the same weight can cost ₹5,000–15,000 differently based purely on making %
- Not getting an itemised bill — without a bill you cannot prove purity, claim buyback, or file a consumer complaint later
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What does 916 mean in gold?
916 means the gold is 91.6% pure — the BIS hallmark number for 22-karat (22K) gold. Out of every 1,000 parts, 916 parts are pure gold and the remaining 84 parts (8.4%) are alloy metals like copper, silver and zinc that make the gold hard enough for jewellery. So 916 gold = 22K gold, the standard used for almost all gold ornaments in India.
Q2. Is 916 gold 22K or 24K?
916 gold is 22K gold. The number 916 directly translates to 22 karat (91.6% purity). 24K gold is 99.9% pure and its hallmark number is 999 (or 995), not 916. If a jeweller tells you 916 is 24K, that is incorrect — 916 is always 22K and is the jewellery-grade purity used across India.
Q3. What is the purity percentage of 916 gold?
916 gold is 91.6% pure gold. The remaining 8.4% is a mix of alloy metals — typically copper (4–5%), silver (2–3%) and zinc (1–2%). These alloys are added because pure 24K gold is too soft and bends easily; the alloy gives 22K gold the strength needed to hold intricate jewellery shapes, gem settings and daily wear.
Q4. Why is 916 gold used for jewellery and not 24K?
916 (22K) gold is used for jewellery because it is the ideal balance of purity and durability. Pure 24K (999) gold is too soft — it bends, scratches and loses shape with daily wear, so it cannot hold gemstones or intricate designs. By mixing 8.4% alloy, 22K gold becomes hard enough for chains, bangles, rings and bridal sets while still retaining 91.6% gold value. 24K is reserved for coins, bars and investment.
Q5. How can I check if my gold is really 916?
Three ways: (1) Look for the BIS hallmark logo with "916" stamped on the jewellery. (2) Find the 6-digit HUID number next to the hallmark and verify it free on the BIS Care App (Android/iOS). (3) Ask any jeweller to test it on an XRF purity machine — it gives an instant, accurate purity reading. Since 16 June 2021, hallmarking is mandatory in India, so all 22K jewellery must carry the 916 BIS mark.
Q6. Is 916 gold good for investment?
For wearing, yes — 916 gold holds value well and is the most liquid form of physical gold in India (every jeweller buys it back). For pure investment, 24K coins/bars, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) or Gold ETFs are better because they avoid making charges (8–25%) and GST recovery loss. 916 jewellery loses 15–30% on resale due to making charges, so treat it as wearable savings, not the best investment.
Q7. What is the difference between 916 and 999 gold?
916 gold is 22K (91.6% pure) and used for jewellery; 999 gold is 24K (99.9% pure) and used for coins, bars and investment. 916 is harder and holds shape; 999 is soft and bends easily. 916 carries making charges (8–25%) while 999 coins/bars charge only 2–5%. On price, 999 trades higher per gram because of higher purity — roughly 8–9% more than 916 at any given rate.
Q8. What is the full form of 916 in gold?
916 is not an abbreviation — it is a purity figure expressed in parts per thousand. It means 916 out of 1,000 parts (91.6%) of the metal is pure gold, equivalent to 22 karat. Other common marks: 999 (24K, 99.9%), 958 (23K), 875 (21K), 750 (18K), 585 (14K). The BIS hallmarking system uses these numbers so buyers can verify purity at a glance.
Q9. Is hallmarking 916 mandatory in India?
Yes. Since 16 June 2021, BIS hallmarking is compulsory for gold jewellery and artefacts sold in India (in the notified 28 districts initially, now expanded). Every 22K piece must carry the BIS logo, the purity mark "916", the jeweller identification mark, and a 6-digit HUID. Selling non-hallmarked gold jewellery is a punishable offence under the BIS Act.
Q10. What is the price difference between 916 and 999 gold?
999 (24K) gold is roughly 8–9% more expensive per gram than 916 (22K) gold because it is purer. For example, if 22K is ₹7,300/g, 24K is around ₹7,950/g. However, on jewellery the final cost also includes making charges — 22K jewellery is cheaper to make (8–25% making) while 24K coins have low making (2–5%), so the out-of-pocket difference depends on the product.
Q11. Can 916 gold be used for gold loan?
Yes. Banks and NBFCs accept 916 (22K) gold jewellery for gold loans — it is the most common purity pledged in India. The loan amount is calculated on the gold value at the day's 22K rate, capped at 75% LTV (Loan-to-Value) per RBI rules. 18K (750) gold is also accepted but valued lower; 24K coins are often not accepted for gold loans (only jewellery).
Q12. Does 916 gold tarnish or change colour?
No, genuine 916 gold does not tarnish, rust or change colour — gold is a noble metal and does not react with air or moisture. If your "916" jewellery is turning black or green, it is likely under-karat (less than 22K) or fake, with a higher copper/zinc content. Always verify the BIS hallmark and HUID to ensure you have real 91.6% gold.
Q13. What is 916 gold rate today in India?
916 gold rate is the same as the 22K gold rate and changes daily. It is set each morning by the India Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA) based on international gold prices, the USD/INR exchange rate, import duty and GST. You can check today's live 22K (916) rate on our Gold Rate page, which updates every hour for major Indian cities.
Q14. Is 916 hallmarked gold the same as KDM gold?
No. KDM (Cadmium solder) gold referred to the old soldering technique and has been banned by BIS since 2005 because cadmium fumes are toxic. Modern 916 hallmarked gold uses BIS-approved solder (with gold + zinc + copper) and is safer. The purity of genuine 916 gold is the same whether it was once called KDM or not — always go by the current BIS 916 hallmark and HUID, not old KDM labels.
🔗 Related Guides on WealthMinty
- Pure investment gold → What is 999 Gold? 24K Pure Gold Guide
- Diamond jewellery gold → What is 18K Gold? 750 Hallmark Guide
- Compare purities → 22K vs 24K Gold: Which Should You Buy?
- Verify hallmark → BIS Hallmark & HUID Check Guide
- Calculate jewellery price → How to Calculate Gold Jewellery Price
- Check live prices → Today's Gold Rate in India
- Investment options → SGB vs Physical Gold — Which is Better?
- Gold forecast → Gold Price Forecast 2026
- Need a loan? → Gold Loan vs Personal Loan
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🎯 Golden Rule
916 gold is 22K gold — 91.6% pure, durable, and the trusted jewellery standard in India. Always verify the BIS hallmark and HUID, check today's rate before buying, and get an itemised bill. Buy 916 for wearing, 24K for investing.
💡 The number on your gold is not just a stamp — it is a promise of purity. Know it, verify it, and never pay for less than 91.6%.