While softer than commonly used commercial metals such as silver, 14k, or 18k gold, 22k gold is used for higher quality jewelry and will last if handled and cared for properly.
Also referred to 916 gold, 22k gold is 22/24 parts pure gold making it 91.67% pure. The other two parts consist of either silver, copper, zinc, or nickel. 22k gold is a metal that is delicate but not so soft that it can’t be worn frequently. However, the metal must be handled gently and stored where it will not rub against other surfaces. It also should not be left where it can be bumped up against, as 22k gold cannot resist more than minor friction without producing a scratch or a nick.
This is in contrast to 24k gold that is only rarely used in the creation of jewelry. 24k gold is 99.99% pure gold – 24 parts gold without any added metals to harden it. While 24k gold can be worn for jewelry, it is very easily scratched and dented and even more difficult to care for.
As gold continues to rise in value, high carat gold jewelry is an increasingly sought after investment. It also very much fits the quiet luxury jewelry trend that caught on in 2023 and has since become the social symbol for not having anything to prove.
