Gold has always captivated the hearts of many, not just for its beauty but also for its timeless value. Whether it’s for investment or personal jewellery, choosing the right type of gold is crucial.
Two popular choices in Malaysia are 916 gold, also known as 22K gold, and 999 gold, or 24K gold. But what sets them apart, and which one should you choose?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between 916 and 999 gold, helping you make an informed decision for your next gold purchase.
916 vs 999 Gold
916 gold (22K) contains 91.6% pure gold, is more durable, affordable, and suitable for daily wear. 999 gold (24K) is 99.9% pure, softer, more expensive, ideal for investments or special occasions, but less durable.
Understanding Gold Purity (Karats)
When shopping for gold, you’ll often hear the term “karat” (K), which measures the purity of gold. The higher the karat, the purer the gold, the higher the ratio of gold to other metals and alloys. 24K gold (999) is considered pure gold, containing 99.9% gold.
There’s also another system for measuring gold purity called millesimal fineness, which expresses purity as parts per thousand:
- 24K (999 Gold): 99.9% pure gold
- 22K (916 Gold): 91.6% pure gold
- 18K: 75% pure gold
- 14K: 58.3% pure gold
These measurements affect not just the gold’s quality but also its colour, hardness, and price. For everyday jewellery, lower karat gold like 22K or 18K is often preferred because it is more durable than 24K gold due to the addition of strengthening metals and alloys.
916 Gold (22K) Explained
916 gold, also known as 22K gold, contains 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% alloy metals like copper, silver, or zinc. These added metals strengthen the gold, making it more durable and suitable for jewellery that’s worn daily. Because of its strength, 916 gold is less prone to scratches and dents, making it a popular choice for rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Additionally, the alloys used in 916 gold create a variety of colours, such as rose gold (copper) or white gold (silver or zinc). This versatility makes 916 gold perfect for those who want beauty, durability, and a range of colour options in their jewellery.
Jewellers now have more creative freedom to create elaborate, modern, and eye-catching pieces that are resistant to everyday wear, thanks to the increased durability. Don’t miss our 916 gold jewellery collection, which is carefully designed to fit every taste and occasion if you’re searching for jewellery that is both fashionable and long-lasting.
999 Gold (24K Gold) Explained
999 gold, or 24K gold, is the purest form of gold available, containing 99.9% gold. Its bright yellow colour and lustrous texture make it highly prized. However, because 24K gold is nearly pure, it is also softer than 916 gold and more susceptible to scratches, dents, and bending.
This softness makes 999 gold less suitable for everyday wear but perfect for investment purposes—such as gold bars or coins—or special occasion pieces like heirloom jewellery or wedding gifts.
In Malaysia, 999 gold embodies cultural depth across communities, with Malays opting for dinars in Islamic investments and Chinese families using it for prosperity symbols in festivals, milestones, or family heirlooms that convey enduring wealth.
It is also a favourite for traditional designs with cultural significance because of its rich yellow hue and opulent finish. Explore our 999 gold collection for exquisite designs that highlight the beauty of pure gold and investment-worthy pieces if you’re looking for something really unique.
That said, due to its high purity, 999 gold is also less likely to cause allergic reactions because it is not mixed with other metals. Thus, this makes it the better choice for people with sensitive skin. However, its higher price reflects both its purity and its investment potential.
Choosing the Right Gold Purity
When deciding between 916 and 999 gold, several factors come into play, from your budget to how you intend to use the gold.
Budget
916 gold is more affordable than 999 gold because of its lower gold content and the presence of alloys, making it a great option for those looking for high-quality, everyday jewellery without overspending.
On the other hand, 999 gold is pricier due to its higher purity and investment value, often seen as a long-term asset.
Durability
916 gold is stronger and more resistant to everyday wear and tear. If you want jewellery that can withstand daily use, this is the better choice. 999 gold is softer and more delicate, making it better suited for pieces worn occasionally or kept as an investment.
Purpose
For everyday wear, 916 gold offers the ideal mix of durability and beauty. 999 gold is better for those seeking investment pieces or heirloom jewellery with long-term value. Wah Chan offers a wide selection of both 916 and 999 gold jewellery for every occasion.
For example, 999 gold serves in various heritage practices, such as gifting during auspicious events or passing down as symbols of family prosperity, where its high purity underscores long-term stability.
Skin Sensitivity
999 gold is hypoallergenic, meaning it’s unlikely to cause skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, this is an important factor to consider.
Nonetheless, 916 gold may also contain metals like nickel, which can irritate the skin of some individuals.
Aesthetic and Style Preferences
916 gold offers more variety in colour, from the warm pink tones of rose gold to the cooler hues of white gold. This makes it versatile for a range of jewellery styles.
999 gold is also valued for its traditional, bright yellow appearance, providing a timeless, classic look for those who prefer the natural colour of pure gold.
Conclusion
Choosing between 916 and 999 gold ultimately depends on your lifestyle, budget, and purpose. While 916 gold offers durability and affordability, perfect for daily wear, 999 gold represents purity and investment value, ideal for special occasions or as an asset.
Whether you’re seeking jewellery for everyday elegance or a valuable investment, the choice is personal. Take the next step in your gold journey by exploring Wah Chan’s exquisite 916 and 999 gold jewellery collections today.
FAQ
Which is better, 916 or 999 gold?
The answer depends on your needs. 916 gold (22K) is more durable and affordable, making it ideal for everyday wear. 999 gold (24K), on the other hand, is almost pure, making it perfect for investment or special occasion pieces. Choose based on your budget, lifestyle, and purpose.
Drop by any of our 50+ Wah Chan outlets around Malaysia. We have a great selection of gold for different purposes, budgets and occasions.
What is the price difference between 916 and 999 gold?
999 gold (24K) is more expensive than 916 gold (22K) due to its higher purity level. The price of gold fluctuates based on market conditions, but as a general rule, 999 gold commands a higher price per gram than 916 gold.
Do check out Wah Chan’s gold price rates for the latest 999 gold (24k) and 916 gold (22k) prices.
Is 999 gold better for sensitive skin?
999 gold makes allergic reactions less likely because of its high purity. 916 gold may contain alloy metals like nickel, which can trigger allergies in some individuals. That said, some people may be allergic to pure gold; hence, we recommend choosing based on individual sensitivities.