What is Gold Karat and Millesimal Fineness?
The term "Karat" (abbreviated as K or kt) measures the ratio of pure gold relative to alloying metals on a scale of 24 parts. Pure gold containing no other metal is 24 Karats (24/24 parts). Internationally, fineness is also expressed as parts per thousand (millesimal fineness): for example, 22 Karat gold contains 916.7 parts of pure gold per 1,000 parts, denoted as Gold 916.
Because 24K pure elemental gold is naturally soft and pliable, goldsmiths alloy it with copper, silver, zinc, or nickel to provide the structural hardness required for durable daily jewelry wear.
Purity Breakdown Matrix & Live Benchmarks
| Karat | Fineness (Hallmark) | Gold Percentage | Primary Use Case | Est. Price / Tola (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% | Bullion bars, coins, investment biscuits | Rs. 431,918 |
| 22K | 916 | 91.7% | Pakistani bridal jewelry & traditional bangles | Rs. 395,925 |
| 21K | 875 | 87.5% | Middle Eastern jewelry & heavy wear rings | Rs. 377,928 |
| 18K | 750 | 75.0% | Diamond settings, watch cases, Italian chains | Rs. 323,939 |
How Karat Affects Price Derivation
In Pakistan, daily bullion rates are anchored to the 24K pure gold standard. The baseline rate for other karats is derived mathematically from the 24K price:
For detailed comparisons between investment bars and jewelry gold, read our 24K vs 22K Gold Comparison or calculate custom weights with our Gold Calculator.
How to Verify Gold Purity in Pakistan
In Pakistan, hallmark laser stamping (such as "916" for 22K) is standard practice among established jewelers in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. For independent verification, consumers can test items at certified XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) assay testing laboratories situated in major jewellery trading hubs (such as Karachi Saddar, Lahore Suha Bazaar, and Rawalpindi Raja Bazaar), which determine elemental purity without damaging the piece.
Today's 24K Gold Rate in Pakistan: Rs. 424,422 / tola
Apply these concepts directly with our real-time precious metals calculation tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 24K gold suitable for daily wear rings and bangles?
No. 24K pure gold is too soft and can easily bend, scratch, or lose its shape under everyday mechanical pressure. 22K or 21K is standard for traditional jewelry, while 18K is preferred for stone-studded rings.
How is the price of 22K gold derived from 24K?
Multiply the 24K rate by (22 / 24). For example, if 24K gold is Rs. 431,918 per tola, 22K gold is approximately Rs. 395,925 per tola.
What does a 916 stamp on jewelry mean?
A 916 stamp denotes 22 Karat gold, meaning the item contains 91.67% pure gold and 8.33% alloyed metals.