Short answer: the karat tells you how many parts out of 24 are pure gold. 24K is almost pure, the most expensive and the softest. 21K is 87.5% gold and the most popular karat in Egypt and much of the Gulf. 18K is 75% gold, harder, and suited to fine and gem-set jewellery. Live prices for each karat are on our Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE gold pages. For a wider comparison including 14K and 10K, see 14K vs 18K vs 22K vs 24K gold.
Quick comparison
| Karat | Gold content | Hardness | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | Very soft | Bars and coins for saving |
| 22K | 91.6% | Soft | Gulf and Indian jewellery |
| 21K | 87.5% | Medium | Wedding gold and jewellery in Egypt, the Egyptian gold pound |
| 18K | 75% | Hard | Modern and gem-set jewellery |
24K: the purest and most expensive
Nearly pure gold with a deep yellow colour, but soft and easy to scratch or bend, so it is rarely used for everyday jewellery. Its main use is bars and coins, whose value depends almost entirely on weight.
21K: the favourite in Egypt
21K combines a high gold content with acceptable hardness, which is why it dominates wedding gold (shabka) and jewellery in Egypt. The Egyptian gold pound is also 21K. Its price per gram is lower than 24K roughly in proportion to the gold content.
18K: the hardest, for detailed designs
With 25% other metals, 18K is harder and more scratch-resistant, so it is used for gem-set pieces and fine designs. It also comes in white and rose tones depending on the alloy. The price per gram is lower, but making charges can be higher because of the detailed work.
Which karat is right for you?
- For saving: many people choose 24K bars or gold pounds because making charges are low, so most of what you pay goes into the gold itself.
- For wedding gold and traditional wear in Egypt: 21K is the usual choice.
- For modern, everyday jewellery: 18K stands up better to daily wear.
Remember that making charges on jewellery are usually not refunded when you sell. This is general information, not investment advice.
How to identify the karat
Look for the hallmark stamped on the piece, which shows its karat. In Egypt, gold jewellery is hallmarked by the government Assay Office (Maslahat al-Damgha wal-Mawazin). Always ask for an invoice showing weight and karat.
Frequently asked questions
Why is 18K cheaper per gram than 21K?
It contains less gold (75% vs 87.5%), and the price depends mainly on the amount of pure gold.
Does 18K gold change colour?
Its shine can fade a little with wear, but a jeweller can clean and polish it.
This article is general information, not financial or investment advice. See our disclaimer.