Gold has been valued for centuries for its beauty, rarity, and utility, but not all gold is created equal. When shopping for jewellery, especially in regions like India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, you will often come across terms like 916, 917, 22K, 18K, or 24K. Among these, 917 gold is one of the most widely used forms because it strikes a balance between purity and strength.
But what exactly is it? How pure is it? Is it the same as 22K gold? How much does it cost, and why is it preferred for jewellery?
This article explains everything you need to know meaning, purity, pricing, benefits, drawbacks, and how it compares with 22 karat gold.
What Is 917 Gold?
917 gold refers to gold that is 91.7% pure, with the remaining 8.3% consisting of alloy metals like copper, silver, or zinc.
The number 917 is a hallmark indicating the gold’s fineness, meaning 917 parts out of 1000 are pure gold.
In simple terms:
917 gold = 91.7% pure = 22K gold
This makes it one of the highest purity levels available for jewellery while still being durable enough for everyday wear.
Why Is It Called 917 Gold?
Gold purity can be expressed in two major systems:
1. Karat System (K)
- 24K = 100% pure gold
- 22K = 22/24 parts = 91.7% pure
- 18K = 75% pure
2. Fineness System
- Pure gold = 999 or 995
- 22K gold = 917
- 18K gold = 750
So, 22K = 917, and manufacturers/stores may use either number interchangeably.
How Is It Made?
Since pure 24K gold is too soft for daily wear, jewellers mix it with small percentages of alloy metals.
Common alloys include:
- Copper — improves strength and adds reddish tint
- Silver — brightens the gold
- Zinc — improves hardness
- Nickel (in some regions) — adds strength but may cause allergies
The exact alloy mix determines the colour, durability, and texture of the final jewellery piece.
Characteristics of 917 Gold
High Purity
It is one of the purest forms of gold used for jewellery.
Rich Yellow Colour
The high purity gives it a deep, warm golden hue, preferred for traditional jewellery.
Moderate Strength
Alloy metals improve strength, making it suitable for bangles, necklaces, and chains.
Common in Asian Jewellery
Particularly in India, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.
What Determines The Price of It?
The price of 917 gold depends on several factors:
1. International Gold Market Rate
Gold prices change daily based on global markets, currency rates, and demand.
2. Local Taxes & Import Duties
Countries with high import duties have pricier gold.
3. Making Charges
These depend on:
- craftsmanship
- design complexity
- brand reputation
In many regions, making charges can range from 5% to 20% of the gold value.
4. GST or VAT
Taxes apply when purchasing jewellery and vary by country.
5. Jewellery Weight
While the exact daily price fluctuates, it is always slightly cheaper than 24K gold but more expensive than 18K or 21K gold.
Advantages
1. High Purity
It offers nearly pure gold content, ideal for investment and resale value.
2. Good Durability
Though not as strong as 18K, it is sufficiently durable for most jewellery types.
3. High Resale Value
Since purity is high, resale value remains strong.
4. Preferred for Traditional Designs
Many regions value deep yellow 22K gold for cultural and ceremonial jewellery.
5. BIS/Hallmarked Gold Is Trustworthy
Hallmarking ensures purity and protects consumers from adulterated gold.
Disadvantages
1. Not Suitable for Heavy Stone or Diamond Jewellery
22K gold is softer than 18K and may not securely hold stones.
2. Prone to Bending
Thin rings, chains, or bangles can bend if worn roughly.
3. Slightly Expensive
High purity increases cost.
4. Limited Design Flexibility
Compared to 18K, 22K gold is harder to mould for intricate Western style designs.
917 Gold vs 22K Gold: Is There a Difference?
No difference. Both are identical in purity.
917 = Fineness (parts per thousand)
22K = Karat (parts per 24)
However, you may notice these distinctions:
| Aspect | 917 Gold | 22K Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Fineness marking | Karat marking |
| Purity | 91.7% | 91.7% |
| Usage | Hallmarking and certification | General terminology |
| Region | Global markets | Common in India & Asia |
Essentially, they represent the same purity expressed differently.
917 Gold vs Other Gold Purities
24K Gold vs 917 Gold
- 24K gold is too soft for jewellery
- 22K Gold is better for crafting
- 24K is preferred for coins, bars, and investment
18K Gold vs 917 Gold
- 18K (75% gold) is stronger
- Used for diamond/studded jewellery
- 22K Gold offers higher purity but less durability
21K Gold vs 917 Gold
- 21K (87.5% purity) is common in Middle Eastern jewellery
- Slightly more durable than 22K
- Colour is slightly less yellow than 22K Gold
Purity of Gold
| Gold Type | Purity Percentage | Gold Fineness | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K Gold | 99.9% | 999 | Pure gold, soft |
| 22K Gold (917) | 91.7% | 917 | Ideal for jewellery |
| 18K Gold | 75% | 750 | Stronger, used in studded jewellery |
So it offers a high purity level, but about 8.3% alloy metals are added to give it strength and durability.
Common Uses
- Traditional Indian bridal jewellery
- Bangles, chains, and necklaces
- Pure gold coins (though many are 24K)
- Cultural and ceremonial ornaments
- Antique-style designs
22K gold retains its popularity because it combines beauty, purity, and good resale value.
Should You Buy It?
Buy 22K Gold If:
- You want high-purity jewellery
- You prefer deep yellow traditional designs
- You’re looking for jewellery with strong resale value
- You’re allergic to metals like nickel (22K has lower alloy content)
Avoid 22K Gold If:
- You want jewellery with diamonds or gemstones
- You need very strong pieces for daily rough use
- You prefer white or rose gold (these are typically 18K).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. It is real gold with 91.7% purity, meaning it contains 91.7% pure gold and 8.3% alloy metals. It is the same as 22K gold.
There is no difference.
917 refers to purity in fineness (917 parts per thousand).
22K refers to purity in karats (22/24 = 91.7%).
Both represent the same purity level.
Yes, but with limitations. 917 gold is durable enough for most jewellery like bangles, chains, and necklaces. However, it is softer than 18K gold, so thin or intricate designs may bend if worn roughly.
Generally no. Stones require a harder metal for secure setting. Therefore, 18K gold is preferred for diamond and gemstone jewellery, while 917 gold is better for plain gold ornaments.
Its high purity, rich yellow color, cultural significance, and strong resale value make 917 gold the preferred choice for traditional jewellery in India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and other Asian regions.
