What is 916 Gold Jewellery?

Gold jewellery is a timeless piece of adornment used since centuries ago. Its imperishable beauty brings a unique appeal and shines on anybody. If you are a lover of gold jewellery, you probably have heard about 916 gold pieces before. But what does this "916 gold" really mean? Welcome to the ultimate guide on 916 gold jewellery! Here, we are going to dissect the importance of choosing the right purity, the differences between types of gold, and how to identify genuine gold jewellery.

Ask yourself why understanding gold purity is so important. Well, think of it as getting to know your jewellery better, learning everything from colour, shine, and wearability to price. The higher the level of purity, such as 916 gold, the better the hue of gold will stand out. But how do you figure out which jewellery to buy that not only looks incredible but lasts for a long time? Without further ado, let's dive into the guide.

What is 916 Gold Jewellery?

Cut to the chase, 916 gold is a type of gold that represents 91.6% pure gold, while the remaining 8.4% comprises alloyed metals. Simply put, out of 1000, 916 particles are pure gold. Jewellery does not exist in 100% form because gold is a soft metal that is too delicate to be made into ornaments or jewellery unless combined with alloys such as copper, zinc or nickel that provide strength. Therefore, pure gold only exists for investment purposes. So, 916 gold jewellery is the finest type of gold jewellery there is.

The history of 916 gold jewellery goes back centuries. In many cultures and regions, such as South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, 916 gold was considered a symbol of power, wealth, and beauty. Although the status quo of adorning jewellery pieces has significantly changed over time, the lushness of high-end gold jewellery strikes the perfect balance between purity and durability even today.

Understanding Gold Purity and Karat.

It is a game-changer when you understand gold purity because purity impacts the wearability and value of jewellery. Yellow gold is the most commonly worn colour, but as a buyer of gold, you need to be versed in other types of gold present across a diverse palette. A small composition of alloys in gold strengthens the material and resists malleability for practical reasons, hence why pure gold is not used as jewellery.

Karat vs. Percentage

When it comes to fineness, the representation of the gold content refers to purity. This is measured in "karats" (k). The indication of "caratage" is used to measure the purity of gold alloyed with other metals. The higher the karats, the higher the purity of gold. For example, 24 karats (24k) gold contains 100% gold with no alloyed metals. In our case, 916 gold jewellery is also known as 22k gold, containing 91.6% gold.

Here is a listing of different gold compositions:

24 karat = 100% pure gold

23 karat = 95.8% pure gold

22 karat (916 gold) = 91.6% pure gold

18 karat = 75% pure gold

14 karat = 58.5% pure gold

Comparing 916 Gold with Other Gold Types

916 Gold vs. 24k

A typical question buyers of gold jewellery have is whether 916 gold is 24k or 22k. We're here to clarify that 916 gold is 22k, not 24k. To understand the fine line between the two types of gold, it is necessary to know the characteristics of the two. As mentioned, 24k consists of 100% pure gold, whereas 916 gold has 91.6% pure gold. From a practical standpoint, 24k gold is not made for intricate jewellery and ornaments due to its softness, which puts it at risk for scratches and damage. Therefore, most of the 24k gold products are coins or gold bars suitable for investment or ceremonial purposes rather than everyday wearable jewellery.

916 gold jewellery, on the other hand, is the perfect choice for practicality and purity. It maintains that glorious lustre while still being strong enough for everyday wear. That is the reason why 916 gold is a common choice for necklaces or chains, wedding rings, and pendants.

916 Gold vs. 18k gold

Compared to 916 gold, 18k gold jewellery has a different composition and unique properties. The 75% pure gold content makes for a good choice in terms of durability, such as everyday wear rings and bracelets. Because of a lesser pure gold composition than 916 gold, 18k gold is less expensive; however, it is still widely used, particularly in Western countries. Contrary to that, the high-value 916 gold jewellery is more adored in Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

Benefits of 916 Gold Jewellery.

Durability and Wearability

For those who want to enjoy their gold pieces without worrying about breakage, scratches or damage, 916 gold is the best choice for purchase. With no further hassles, 916 gold jewellery withstands everyday wear and tear while still treasuring the high-value look and lustrous appeal that makes gold jewellery shine.

Value and Investment

Financially speaking, 916 gold is an exceptional investment. With a gold quantity as high as 91.6%, it makes for a perfect, reliable asset that potentially increases investment value over time. Thus, in most cultures, 916 gold is preserved across generations and resembles a symbol of wealth and power. Compared with other types of gold with lower karat content, 916 gold holds a higher resale value with its high karat content, making it eligible for a worthwhile long-term investment.

How to Identify Genuine 916 Gold Jewellery

Hallmarks and Certification

Authenticity is vital in gold jewellery. It is routine in the jewellery industry to identify and hallmark gold jewellery to retain its value. Without hallmarking, the benefits of 916 gold are merely up to no good. One of the reasons why hallmarking is essential for gold jewellery is the assurance of purity, which ensures you, as a buyer, that the content of gold is genuine. It is a trust that bonds between the buyer and seller, reassuring the jewellery you purchase is meeting the right standards. Jewellery is a mark of authenticity and investment that shouldn't be caught in the hands of the ill; thereby, it preserves legal compliance and protects buyers against fraudulent practices. Last but not least, hallmarking is an acknowledgement of the efforts of craftsmanship that are poured into making these intricate pieces.

Tips for Buying

The most reliable method of looking for official hallmarking and certifications in gold jewellery is the official standards that pertain to the country. In Singapore, the Singapore Assay Office (SAO) is the government-certified hallmarking symbol that guarantees gold purity. It is a symbol of a lion's head that should be seen stamped on your jewellery, ideally on the inner side of any piece. The hallmarking stamp should also indicate that your jewellery is gold purity, signifying 916 gold.

When buying gold, it is necessary to be careful of vendors and where you purchase your jewellery. A reputable seller should offer you services such as certification of purity, weight of the jewellery and a comparison with other types of gold. For your reassurance, your seller should also be open to providing you with a purity assessment if requested. These tips further clarify that sticking to trustworthy and reputable sellers is of utmost importance when buying authentic 916 gold jewellery, which gives you confidence in your purchase.

Price Trends and Market Insights.

Due to a cumulation of factors such as global economics, inflation, and currency exchange rates, gold prices often fluctuate. Variations of factors lead to changes in the daily market, and the cost of 916 gold jewellery in Singapore is no exception. That's why it is a good idea to check the current price trends from your reliable jewellery source.

A frequently posed question is, "What is the price of 916 gold jewellery in Singapore?" Due to constant price changes, the rates generally range from SGD 98 to SGD 100 per gram for 916 gold. These prices may differ depending on the seller, design, and details of the jewellery. It is advised to keep tabs open on daily gold price changes and discuss them with your seller to meet your needs in the best way possible. Our experts at GM Collections ensure you a purchase that is part of an informed decision worthy of your money.

Summing up…

There you go, a comprehensive guide on picking the authentic and most perfect 916 gold jewellery for you or your loved ones. Buying gold jewellery is definitely not a simple deed. Now that you are equipped with the knowledge of what 916 gold is, how it is different from other types, and how to recognise hallmarked 916 gold, the rest is in your hands to make the right purchase.

GM Collections certifies as a trusted source for your next 916 gold jewellery purchase. Here, we make sure our customers do not go deprived of all the fantastic options we have in-store and guarantee that your new jewellery piece will stand out in every room you enter!