22 Carat Gold

What is 22ct Gold?

22 carat gold is a term used to describe any alloy that is 22 parts pure gold out of 24, which equates to the alloy containing 91.67% pure gold. One of the highest gold purities used in jewellery, 22ct gold offers a rich deep yellow colour that is loved by high end jewellery buyers. The remaining 8.33% is composed of other metals such as copper or silver. These metals are added to enhance durability and can adjust the metal colour, such as with rose gold. However, due to its relative softness compared to more alloyed gold (like 9ct or 18ct), 22ct gold is most often used in items where high purity is essential such as investment coins (British Sovereign coins) and special occasion jewellery.

Hallmarking and Authenticity of 22ct Gold in the UK

In the UK, 22 carat gold is typically hallmarked with “916” hallmark. On older British jewellery you will often just see “22” hallmark. This mark guarantees that the piece contains at least 91.6% pure gold. Each jewellery piece will have a maker's mark, fineness mark, and an Assay Office mark. This rigorous process protects consumers and maintains the integrity of gold trading in the marketplace in the UK. British 22ct hallmarks are trusted globally for their accuracy. Internationally, you may see “22K” hallmarked on jewellery.

Why People Choose 22 Carat Gold

Jewellery

22ct gold is in the upper purity limits for making functional items. As gold is naturally a soft metal, it can become impractical to make jewellery in pure gold as it can bend and damage easily. 22 carat gold is a staple in ceremonial and bridal jewellery across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. It is common in designs like mangalsutras, bangles, necklaces, and intricate Kundan or Meenakari work. It's important to note that with Indian and Asian gold, although a “22K” hallmark may be present, jewellery produced in these countries does not have to pass the strict hallmarking rules we have in the UK. Often, 22ct gold from international origins can contain less than the stated 22 parts of pure gold.

In the UK, we tend to see older wedding bands and plain bands made of 22ct gold; in modern UK jewellery, it is not frequently used.

Investments

22ct gold is a popular choice for investment grade coins due to its balance of high purity and durability. Many coins, like the British Gold Sovereign produced by the Royal Mint with a £1 face value, were intended for circulation and needed to be resistant to daily handling and wear. Many other countries use 22ct gold for their official coinage, including South Africa with the Krugerrand and America with the Gold Eagle. British 22ct legal tender coins in the UK also attract some tax benefits, with Capital Gains tax exemptions.

How Much Is 22ct Gold Worth?

You can calculate how much your 22ct gold is worth by following a few simple steps. Valuing 22 carat gold is a straightforward process:

1. Determine the Gross Weight: Weigh the entire piece in grams, ensuring that only the gold (and not additional embellishments like gemstones) is considered.
2. Calculate the Pure Gold Content: Multiply the total weight of the item by 0.916 (reflecting 91.6% purity) to find the weight of pure gold contained in the piece.
3. Apply the Current Spot Price: Multiply the pure gold weight by the current spot price per gram. This gives you the intrinsic gold value.

As an example, if you had a 60g 22ct gold bangle, you would calculate the following way:

60 x 0.916 = 54.96g of pure gold (the remaining 5.04g is made up of other metals).

If we use £75 as the current spot price per gram for pure gold, then:

54.96 x 75 = £4,122

This will give you the spot value of your 22ct gold bangle. Please keep in mind that when looking to sell Indian gold or sell British 22ct jewellery, you may receive a price slightly below the spot value as gold buyers work on a small profit margin.

How To Care For & Clean 22 Carat Gold

Caring for your 22ct gold is important to ensure it maintains its deep, rich colour and beauty. The following practices can help:

• Gentle Cleaning: Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to clean your 22ct gold items. Avoid harsh chemicals that could cause discolouration or abrasive materials that could damage or scratch the surface.
• Regular Polishing: Occasional professional polishing can restore the natural shine and remove minor scratches. Keep in mind that each polishing session removes a small amount of gold; if you have deep scratches, more gold will be removed to smooth the surface, so avoid over-polishing or polishing too frequently. It is not recommended to polish 22ct coins where the coin's design can be easily worn away.
• Secure Storage: Store your jewellery in a soft pouch or a dedicated jewellery box to protect it from accidental knocks and scratches.