14 October 2026 · Muna Jewellery, Ajman Gold Souk
24K, 22K, 21K and 18K Gold in the UAE: What the Numbers Mean
Karat tells you how much of a piece is pure gold. This guide explains 24K, 22K, 21K and 18K, what the stamps like 999.9, 916, 875 and 750 mean, and which purity suits bars, coins and jewellery.
What Is a Karat?
Karat (K) divides a piece of gold into 24 parts. 24K means all 24 parts are pure gold. 22K means 22 parts gold and 2 parts other metals, 21K means 21 parts gold, and 18K means 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals.
The Common Purities
- 24K (999.9): 99.99% pure gold, the purity of investment gold bars.
- 22K (916): about 91.6% pure gold, used for traditional jewellery and some coins.
- 21K (875): 87.5% pure gold, very popular for jewellery across the Gulf and used for UAE gold coins.
- 18K (750): 75% pure gold, strong and practical for everyday jewellery and stone setting.
Reading the Stamp
The number stamped on a piece shows its fineness in parts per thousand. A stamp of 999.9 means 99.99% gold, 916 means 91.6%, 875 means 87.5% and 750 means 75%. Check that the stamp matches the karat you are told you are buying.
Why Not Make Everything 24K?
Pure gold is soft. Adding other metals makes it harder, so a ring or bracelet keeps its shape in daily wear and holds stones securely. That is why most jewellery is 18K, 21K or 22K, while bars, which are kept sealed, can be 24K.
How Purity Affects the Price
The gold value of a piece depends on its weight, its purity and the live gold price. A 10 g piece of 21K contains less pure gold than a 10 g piece of 24K, so it has a lower gold value. Jewellery also includes the cost of design and making, which is why two pieces with the same gold content can have different prices.
Which Should You Choose?
- To hold gold as savings: 24K bars.
- For gifts and occasions: 21K or 22K coins.
- For jewellery worn every day: 21K or 18K, depending on the design and whether it is set with stones.
Pure Gold in Each Karat
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 999.9 mean on a gold bar?
It means the bar is 99.99% pure gold, which is 24K.
Why is most jewellery not 24K?
Pure gold is soft. Adding other metals makes jewellery harder, so it keeps its shape and holds stones securely.
Which karat should I choose?
24K bars suit holding gold as savings, 21K or 22K coins suit gifts, and 21K or 18K suit everyday jewellery.
Shop at Muna Jewellery
Read next: Gold Bars vs Gold Coins in the UAE.
Muna Jewellery is at Ajman Gold Souk, with store pickup and UAE delivery after order confirmation.
This article is general information and not financial, investment or tax advice.
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