24K vs 22K vs 18K vs 14K vs 9K: Which Karat Best Suits Your Lifestyle?

As soon as September hits, one group chat starts buzzing - outfit plans, colour charts, someone asking, "What colour is Day 3 again?" Navaratri has a way of turning into a nine-day styling project, whether you're dressing up for garba every night or planning outfits for nine days of puja and visitors.  Navaratri 2026 runs from Sunday, October 11 to Monday, October 19, with Vijayadashami on October 20. Nine days, nine colours, and nine chances to finally reach for the 925 sterling silver sitting in your jewellery box instead of the same pair of earrings every day, or an expensive gold set you'll wear once and put away. Below is a day-by-day guide, along with some practical ideas for Golu, gifting, and everything in between. Why Silver Suits Navaratri So Well Gold has its place, but that place is mostly weddings. Across nine days of colour-themed outfits, temple visits, Golu-hopping and neighbourhood Golu visits, silver tends to work better – and it's kinder to the wallet too. Part of this comes down to colour. Gold, particularly yellow gold, can look a little off against some of the nine shades – royal blue and grey are the two that trip it up most. Silver's cooler tone sits comfortably next to almost all of them instead of pulling focus. There's also the question of comfort: you'll likely wear the same jewellery from morning prayers right through to a late Kolattam session, and silver is noticeably lighter than gold, so your ears aren't complaining by nine at night. For anyone with slightly sensitive skin, 925 sterling silver also tends to cause far less irritation than alloy or plated pieces worn continuously for a week. There's a budget angle too, and a practical one. A handful of well-chosen silver pieces - a pair of earrings, a versatile bracelet, maybe an anklet - can be mixed and matched across all nine days without repeating a look or spending on nine separate sets. And silver moves easily between a Kanjeevaram for Golu and a fusion kurta for kolattam, where gold can feel like too much for either. None of this rules gold out entirely; plenty of families still bring it out for Ashtami or Navami. It just means you don't need nine gold sets to look put-together for the rest of the festival. Navaratri 2026: The 9 Days, Colours, and Jewellery Pairings One thing worth knowing before you colour-code your wardrobe: the nine-colour sequence is a popular convention that's built up over the last couple of decades through media and social sharing, not a fixed religious rule, so you may come across slight variations depending on the source or your region. If your family follows a different sequence, go with that - the styling ideas below apply to any of the nine shades. Day Date Colour Goddess Silver Jewellery Idea 1 Oct 11 Orange Durga Silver jhumkas + a slim silver chain 2 Oct 12 White Durga Silver pendant necklace 3 Oct 13 Red Durga Silver studs + delicate bangles 4 Oct 14 Royal Blue Lakshmi Silver ring or statement pendant 5 Oct 15 Yellow Lakshmi Small silver hoops + dainty anklets 6 Oct 16 Green Lakshmi Silver bracelet, polished or oxidised 7 Oct 17 Grey Saraswati Layered chain + pendant 8 Oct 18 Purple Saraswati (Durga Ashtami) Refined necklace + matching earrings 9 Oct 19 Peacock Green Saraswati (Maha Navami) Statement silver necklace or a special piece from the gifts collection A few of these days need a bit more thought than the rest. Orange on Day 1 already carries a lot of visual weight on its own, so a slim chain reads better than a heavy necklace. Grey on Day 7 is the shade most people underestimate - on its own it can look a bit flat, but layering a chain over a pendant lifts it more than you'd expect. And white on Day 2 is really where silver gets to shine; anything with a little sparkle photographs beautifully for Golu pictures. Worth keeping two or three neutral pieces on standby too - plain studs, a thin chain, a simple bangle - for the day your outfit and your jewellery plan don't quite line up. It happens more than the colour charts let on. Golu / Kolu Styling: Jewellery That Actually Works For a lot of South Indian households, Navaratri isn't really about the nine colours at all - it's about the Golu. And Golu has its own jewellery logic, because you're not dressing for a single event; you're dressing for a whole day of hosting, moving between the kitchen, the steps, and the front door. Daytime calls for something light - small earrings and a thin chain will hold up far better through hours of hosting than a full set. Save the more elaborate pieces, a proper necklace set or statement earrings, for the evening, once you're actually dressed to go out and visit other Golus. If you're doing several evenings back to back, it also helps to settle on two or three combinations you rotate through rather than planning something new for every single visit. No one is really keeping count, and you'll enjoy the evening more without overthinking it. One thing worth remembering: anklets and toe rings matter more than they get credit for. A lot of Golu photography happens at floor level, near the steps, where a Kanjeevaram or pattu pavadai shows off the feet, and anklets or toe rings finish that look in a way earrings alone can't. And if you're thinking about thamboolam, a small silver coin, toe ring or bracelet makes a return gift that outlasts the usual bangles-and-sweets combination - without needing to be expensive to feel thoughtful. Silver Jewellery for Sarees, Kurtas, Lehengas, and More Sarees (Kanjeevaram, silk, cotton): A necklace, matching earrings, and bangles are usually enough, unless you want to add a ring or anklet. Kurtas and kurta sets: Simpler outfits look better with less - a single pendant necklace and small studs usually do the job. Lehengas (garba, dandiya): This is where you can go bigger. Chandelier earrings that swing as you dance, paired with oxidised bangles that jingle a little - that's half the fun of garba anyway. Fusion or Indo-western: One strong piece - a ring or a pair of earrings - usually looks better than layering several onto an outfit that's already doing a lot on its own. Choosing 925 Silver Jewellery for Navaratri If you're buying specifically for the festival rather than working with what you already own, a few things are worth checking first. Start with the stamp. Genuine sterling silver is marked "925," meaning 92.5% pure silver alloyed with other metals for strength - if a piece doesn't carry that mark, it's worth asking the seller directly rather than assuming. Comfort matters more than most people expect too, especially for anything you'll wear across all nine days: smooth earring backs, rings that adjust rather than pinch, bangles that won't dig in by evening. It also helps to mix finishes rather than buying three pieces that all look alike. A polished piece, an oxidised one, and something with a bit of stonework between them will cover more colour combinations than three similar polished pieces under festive lighting. And it's worth thinking beyond the nine days entirely - the best festive silver isn't festival-only silver. Everyday-wear pieces tend to earn their keep long after Navaratri is over, unlike anything so elaborate it only makes sense once a year. Budget is easy to lose track of when you're buying one piece a day, so it's worth setting a number before you start and browsing by price - under ₹999, under ₹1999, or under ₹2999 - rather than after. Once the festival's done, a soft pouch or lined box, kept away from moisture and perfume, will do a lot to keep tarnish at bay until next year. Jewellery Gifting Ideas for Navaratri Navaratri tends to bring out the gifting instinct too - Ayudha Puja presents for the family, small tokens for whoever visits your Golu, something for a daughter or niece who's just starting to wear jewellery of her own. For mothers and mothers-in-law, a classic necklace or a well-made bracelet tends to land well - the kind of piece they'd love but might not buy for themselves. Earrings are close to foolproof for sisters and close friends, mostly because there's no sizing to get wrong. For young girls and Golu visitors, kids' jewellery - small anklets, studs, a delicate bracelet - makes a far more lasting thamboolam gift than sweets. And it's fine to pick something for yourself too, straight from the gifts collection, just because it made you happy. If budget is a factor, the under ₹999 and under ₹1999 ranges have enough variety that affordable doesn't have to mean obviously cheap. And when you're unsure of someone's taste, simple and classic tends to age better than whatever's trending this year. Frequently Asked Questions What are the Navaratri 2026 dates? Sharad Navaratri 2026 runs from Sunday, October 11 to Monday, October 19, with Durga Ashtami on the 18th, Maha Navami on the 19th, and Vijayadashami on the 20th. What are the Navaratri 2026 colours?The sequence most widely followed this year is Orange, White, Red, Royal Blue, Yellow, Green, Grey, Purple, and Peacock Green - a popular convention rather than a fixed rule, so it can vary by region or community. Which silver jewellery is best for Navaratri?Lightweight, comfortable pieces for daytime - earrings, thin chains, bangles - with one or two more detailed necklace sets kept aside for Ashtami, Navami, or evenings out. What jewellery should I wear for Golu? Keep it minimal for daily hosting: small earrings and a thin chain. Save necklace sets for evening visits, and don't skip anklets or toe rings, since Golu photos are often taken at floor level. Is 925 silver good for daily wear during Navaratri?Yes - it holds up well across nine consecutive days and tends to be gentler on sensitive skin than plated or alloy jewellery. A quick wipe with a soft cloth after each wear keeps it looking fresh through to Navami. Do the Navaratri colours have to match my jewellery exactly?Not really - the colours refer to your outfit rather than your jewellery. Silver is neutral enough to pair with all nine shades without clashing. What's a good silver jewellery gift for Navaratri or Ayudha Puja? Earrings are a safe choice for adults. For children or Golu visitors, small anklets, studs, or bracelets make thoughtful thamboolam gifts. A Few Last Thoughts By Day 6 or 7, Navaratri has a way of testing how much you've got left in you between the Golu, the outfit changes, and the evenings out; jewellery is usually the last thing anyone plans properly. If this guide saves you even one morning of digging through your jewellery box, it's done its job. Most of what's on Sija is built with exactly this kind of stretch in mind - nine days, several outfits, real movement, real contact with skin - rather than pieces that look good for one photo and nothing after. Take a look at the silver jewellery collection when you're putting your festive edit together this year, colour chart in hand. Wishing you a warm Navaratri 2026.

Preparing for Varalakshmi Vratham 2026 often means getting everything ready in advance -from choosing a traditional saree and festive jewellery to arranging flowers, pooja essentials and Vayanam gifts. For newly married women, the celebration can be especially meaningful as they embrace family traditions and create new memories. Silver jewellery also holds a special place in many South Indian traditions, with silver metti, silver anklets, silver coins, and Lakshmi idols commonly chosen for festive wear, pooja, and Varalakshmi Vayanam gifts. If you're planning your Varalakshmi Pooja 2026, this guide covers the Varalakshmi Vratham 2026 date and muhurat, jewellery ideas, silver gift ideas for Vayanam and simple preparation tips. Varalakshmi Vratham 2026: Date and Muhurat Varalakshmi Vratham 2026 will be observed on Friday, August 21. The festival is traditionally observed on the Friday preceding Shravana Purnima. This year, the date coincides with Raksha Bandhan. You may come across August 21 on some calendars while checking the date. Different panchangas can sometimes give different dates depending on the calculation followed. According to DrikPanchang, one of the most widely referenced panchang sources, the Purnima tithi falling on a Friday this year is what places the correct date at August 21. If you are planning the vratham, it is best to consult the panchang used in your city or state for the exact muhurat. The exact timing may vary depending on your location, so check your local panchang before planning the day's rituals. What Is Varalakshmi Vratham? Varalakshmi Vratham, also known as Varalakshmi Pooja or Varamahalakshmi Habba, is a traditional festival dedicated to Goddess Varalakshmi, an aspect of Goddess Mahalakshmi. The word "Vara" means "boon". The vratham is observed with prayers for prosperity, good health, happiness, and the well-being of the family. It is particularly popular in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The way the vratham is performed can differ between families, but the purpose remains centred around devotion and seeking the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi. One of the most recognisable parts of the celebration is the decoration of the kalasham. The kalasham is dressed in a saree and decorated with flowers and jewellery to represent Goddess Lakshmi. In many homes, preparing and decorating the kalasham is an important part of the festival Silver Coin Silver Idol Best for Larger guest lists Close family and friends Budget Generally more affordable Usually a higher-value gift Meaning Prosperity and blessings Devotion and a lasting keepsake Practicality Easy to gift Usually kept in the pooja space The Story of Charumathi The traditional story of Varalakshmi Vratham is associated with a woman named Charumathi. According to tradition, Goddess Parvati appeared to Charumathi in a dream and told her about Varalakshmi Vratham. She asked Charumathi to observe the vratham on a Friday during Shravana and share the practice with the other women in her locality. Charumathi followed the instructions and gathered the women around her to perform the vratham together. The story of Charumathi has been passed down through generations. In many families, mothers and grandmothers share the story with younger women while teaching them about the traditions associated with Varalakshmi Vratham. Silver and Varalakshmi Vratham Silver has been part of Indian jewellery, gifting, and pooja traditions for generations. It naturally finds a place in Varalakshmi Vratham as well. Silver coins and idols may be kept as part of the festive arrangements, while metti and silver anklets are traditionally worn by married women. Silver is also commonly chosen for Vayanam gifts. A silver coin or small idol can be kept as a lasting keepsake, while silver jewellery can be worn long after the festival is over. For metti and anklets, silver is traditionally preferred because gold is generally not worn on the feet. This is one reason silver continues to be closely associated with traditional South Indian jewellery. You can read more about how the metal is sourced and hallmarked on our Silver Purity Guide. Jewellery Guide: What to Wear You don't need a heavy jewellery set to create a traditional Varalakshmi Vratham look. A few carefully chosen pieces can work beautifully with a silk saree while still being comfortable throughout the day. Metti Silver metti or toe rings are a traditional choice for married women. If you are newly married, Varalakshmi Vratham can also be a meaningful occasion to wear your metti. A simple traditional design can complement a silk saree without looking too heavy. Anklets (Silambu) Silver anklets worn with metti complete a traditional look. Since the day may involve standing, walking, and moving around during the vratham, a lightweight anklet can be a more comfortable option than a heavier design. Lakshmi Tikka and Hair Accessories A Lakshmi-inspired tikka or simple maang tikka can add a festive touch to your look. Pair it with jasmine flowers in your hair and a silk saree for a classic South Indian festive style. Necklaces and Earrings For a simpler look, try a delicate pendant necklace with jhumkas, studs, or small drop earrings. If you like a slightly more traditional appearance, you can add a few bangles without making the jewellery feel too heavy. Jewellery for Young Girls Young girls and nieces taking part in the celebrations can wear simple studs, a small bracelet, or a delicate pendant. The idea is to keep the jewellery comfortable while still giving them a festive look. Silver Gift Ideas for Vayanam Vayanam is traditionally associated with exchanging gifts among women during the festival. The type of gift can vary from family to family, but silver is a popular choice because it is traditional and can be kept for years. Silver Coins A silver Lakshmi coin or a simple silver coin can be a practical choice when you have several people to gift. Coins are easy to pack and present, making them suitable for guests, neighbours and larger groups. They are also available in different weights, allowing you to choose according to your budget. Silver Idols A small Lakshmi or Ganesha silver idol can be a more personal gift. This type of gift can be suitable for close family members or friends and can be kept in their home pooja space for years. Small Silver Jewellery If you want to give something that can be worn, small silver jewellery pieces are another option. Silver toe rings, earrings, studs, or a simple pendant can make useful gifts while still keeping the traditional connection with the festival. Vayanam Baskets Some families present Vayanam gifts in a basket or box along with turmeric, kumkum, sweets, and other traditional items. Adding a small silver coin, idol, or jewellery piece to the basket makes the gift both traditional and useful. Silver Coin or Silver Idol? Both can make meaningful Vayanam gifts. The better choice mainly depends on your guest list and budget. Silver Coin Silver Idol Best for Larger guest lists Close family and friends Budget Generally more affordable Usually a higher-value gift Meaning Prosperity and blessings Devotion and a lasting keepsake Practicality Easy to gift Usually kept in the pooja space If you are preparing gifts for many people, silver coins are usually easier to manage. For someone close to you, a small silver idol can make the gift feel more personal. Browse both in our Gifts collection. Vayanam Budget Guide Buying gifts for several people can become difficult if you try to choose everything at once. One simple way to plan is to divide the recipients into groups. Guest Group Gift Ideas Large guest list Small silver coins, kumkum boxes Neighbours & close relatives Silver coins, stud earrings Mother / Mother-in-law Silver idol, metti set, silver chain This makes it easier to stay within your budget while choosing something suitable for each person. If you're shopping by price point, our Shop by Price filters can help narrow things down quickly. How to Care for Your Silver Jewellery Silver can tarnish when exposed to moisture, turmeric and other substances used during festive rituals. A little care can help keep your jewellery looking good. For a complete routine, see our dedicated guide on Daily Care for Your Silver. In the meantime, here's what to keep in mind specifically around the vratham: Before the Vratham Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe your jewellery and remove any existing tarnish. During the Vratham Try to keep your silver jewellery dry where possible. If it comes into contact with water, turmeric, or other pooja materials, wipe it gently afterwards. After the Vratham Clean the jewellery gently with mild soap and water if needed. Dry it completely before putting it away. Between Festivals Store silver jewellery in an airtight pouch or jewellery box. Keeping it away from moisture can help reduce tarnishing. Vratham Day Checklist Getting everything ready the previous evening can make the morning much easier. Kalasham, coconut and mango leaves Saree for decorating the kalasham Silver coin or idol Metti and anklets Lakshmi tikka Vayanam gifts Turmeric, kumkum and betel leaves Naivedyam ingredients — sweets, fruits and flowers Frequently Asked Questions When is Varalakshmi Vratham in 2026? Varalakshmi Vratham 2026 will be observed on Friday, August 21, 2026. Why do some calendars mention August 21? Varalakshmi Vratham follows the Hindu lunar calendar, and calculations can differ between panchangas. If you see August 21 mentioned, check the panchang traditionally followed in your region for the date and muhurat you should follow. Why is silver commonly used for metti and anklets? Silver is traditionally preferred for jewellery worn on the feet, as gold is generally not worn on the feet in these traditions. This is why silver metti and anklets are commonly seen in South Indian jewellery. What is Vayanam? Vayanam refers to the traditional exchange of gifts among women during Varalakshmi Vratham. Depending on the family, it may include silver coins, jewellery, turmeric, kumkum, sweets, and other auspicious items. Can unmarried women observe Varalakshmi Vratham? The vratham has traditionally been associated with married women. However, unmarried women may also observe it according to their family's customs and personal faith. Is a priest required for Varalakshmi Vratham? A priest is not necessarily required. Many families observe the vratham at home by following the rituals and practices passed down through their family. Final Thoughts Varalakshmi Vratham brings together many things that make a festival memorable — family traditions, prayers, beautiful sarees, flowers and jewellery. Whether you're observing the vratham for the first time or preparing for another year, getting the essentials ready in advance can make the day much easier. Explore SIJA's collection of silver metti, anklets, coins and idols, and Lakshmi tikkas to complete your Varalakshmi Vratham preparations this year — with certified purity and insured shipping across India.

Walk into any jewellery store, and you'll hear these numbers thrown around constantly: 9K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K. But what do they actually mean, and more importantly, which one should you buy? Here's what each karat means for how it looks, how long it lasts, and where it fits in your budget. For a deeper look at purity itself, see our Gold Purity Guide. What Does "Karat" Actually Mean? Karat measures gold purity - how much pure gold is in a piece versus other metals mixed in for strength. Pure gold is 24K, and it's measured out of 24 parts: 24K gold = 99.9% pure gold 22K gold = 91.6% pure gold (22 parts gold, 2 parts other metals)    18K gold = 75% pure gold (18 parts gold, 6 parts other metals) 14K gold = 58.3% pure gold (14 parts gold, 10 parts other metals) 9K gold = 37.5% pure gold (9 parts gold, 15 parts other metals) - the minimum legally allowed to be called "gold" in markets like the UK The remaining percentage is typically alloyed with metals like copper, silver, or zinc - this is what gives jewellery its strength, colour variation, and (in lower karats) its lower price point, since pure gold on its own is very soft. The metals mixed with gold also influence its colour. Yellow gold retains its classic warm appearance; white gold is created by alloying gold with white metals such as nickel or palladium and is usually finished with rhodium plating. At the same time, rose gold gets its distinctive pink hue from a higher copper content. 24K Gold: The Purest Form Purity: 99.9% Best for: Coins, bars, investment purchases.Not ideal for: Everyday jewellery 24K gold is bright yellow, extremely soft, and prone to scratching and bending. It's rarely used for jewellery meant to be worn often — instead, it's the standard for gold coins and bullion, where purity matters more than durability. 22K Gold: The Traditional Indian Standard Purity: 91.6% Best for: Festive jewellery, bridal sets, temple jewellery, heirloom pieces Why it's popular in India: Rich colour, strong resale value, and it's simply what most families have always bought for weddings and festivals 22K is still a deep, rich gold colour, but sturdier than 24K. It's the go-to choice for necklaces, bangles, and sets meant for special occasions rather than daily wear, since it can still scratch or bend under regular use. 18K Gold: Built for Everyday Wear Purity: 75%.Best for: Daily-wear rings, diamond/gemstone-studded pieces, modern minimal designs. Why it works well: The added alloy makes it noticeably more durable and scratch-resistant, so it holds up better to daily bumps - and it's the standard base for most diamond jewellery internationally, since it holds stone settings more securely than higher-purity gold. 18K has a slightly lighter gold tone than 22K and holds up well for everyday wear without worrying about damage. 14K Gold: The Everyday Workhorse Purity: 58.3% Best for: Everyday rings, chains, and bracelets meant for constant wear - gym, work, travel. Why it works well: With less pure gold and more alloy, 14K is significantly more scratch- and dent-resistant than 18K, making it a favourite for pieces that rarely come off, like wedding bands or layering chains. 14K has a noticeably lighter, sometimes slightly muted gold tone compared to 18K, and is one of the most common karats used in Western fine jewellery. If you'd rather have a piece that lasts years of daily wear than one with maximum purity, this is usually the sweet spot between cost and toughness. 9K Gold: The Budget-Friendly Entry Point Purity: 37.5%Best for: First-time gold buyers, fashion-forward pieces, everyday jewelleryWhy it works well: 9K is the most durable of all karats listed here, since it has the least pure gold and the most alloy. It's a practical way to own genuine gold (rather than gold-plated) while still enjoying everyday durability and shine. Because of the higher alloy content, 9K gold can have a noticeably paler or slightly different tone than higher karats, and it's better suited to simpler designs than intricate, heavily worked pieces. 9K isn't commonly used in Indian gold jewellery either - it's more of an international/Western standard, so check your region's norms before buying. Gold Purity Comparison: 24K vs 22K vs 18K vs 14K vs 9K 24K 22K 18K 14K 9K Purity 99.90% 91.60% 75% 58.30% 37.50% Durability Low (very soft) Medium High Higher Highest Colour Deep rich yellow Rich yellow Slightly lighter yellow Lighter, muted yellow Pale, most varied tone BIS Purity Mark 999 916 750 585 375 Suitable for Diamonds No Limited Best Yes Yes So, Which One Should You Choose Buying for investment or gifting as a coin? → Go with 24K. Buying for a wedding, festival, or heirloom piece? → 22K is the traditional and most valuable choice. Buying a diamond/gemstone piece for regular occasions? → 18K holds settings securely while still looking premium. Buying something you'll never take off - a daily ring or chain? → 14K is built to withstand that. Buying your first gold piece on a budget, or something trend-led? → 9K offers real gold at the most accessible price. There's no universally "better" karat - it depends entirely on how and why you're buying. Which Karat Is Best for an Engagement Ring? For engagement or wedding rings - pieces worn daily for years  - 18K is generally the sweet spot: it's durable enough for constant wear, holds diamond settings securely, and still carries a premium look and feel. 14K is a solid alternative if you want even more scratch resistance for an active lifestyle. In comparison, 22K is better suited to traditional bridal sets meant for occasion wear rather than everyday use. Which Gold Karat Is Best for Daily Wear? Many buyers assume the purest gold is always the best choice. In reality, 18K gold is often the most practical choice for everyday jewellery because it's more scratch-resistant and securely holds diamonds and gemstones. 22K gold is preferred for traditional Indian jewellery, while 24K gold is mainly chosen for investment rather than regular wear. How to Check a BIS Hallmark Whichever karat you choose, always check for a BIS hallmark - a government-certified stamp confirming the piece's purity matches what's claimed. Here's what to look for: BIS logo - the triangular mark confirming Bureau of Indian Standards certification Purity mark - a 3-digit number stating the gold content: 750 for 18K, 916 for 22K, 999 for 24K HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) - a unique alphanumeric code assigned to each hallmarked jewellery item. You can verify it using the BIS Care app or the BIS website. Jeweller's identification mark (if applicable) - identifies the certified jeweller or assaying centre that hallmarked the piece Gold hallmarking is mandatory in India; silver hallmarking is currently voluntary, so it's worth asking for it specifically when buying silver. You can read more on the BIS Hallmarking Overview page, or check a specific piece's HUID through the BIS Care app. Frequently Asked Questions Is higher karat always better? Not necessarily. Higher karat means higher purity, but also softer metal. For daily wear, lower karat (like 18K) is often the more practical choice. Does karat affect resale value? Yes - because 22K and 24K contain more pure gold, they generally have higher intrinsic gold value. Actual resale value depends on the prevailing gold price, the jeweller's buyback policy, deductions for making charges, and the condition of the jewellery. Can I mix karats in one outfit or occasion? Absolutely - many buyers pair a 22K bridal set with 18K or 14K daily-wear pieces for other parts of the celebration. Is 9K or 14K gold available in India? These karats are more commonly found in Western/international jewellery markets. In India, 18K, 22K, and 24K are the standard options, so check with your jeweller about availability if you're specifically looking for 9K or 14K. How do I verify the karat of a piece I'm buying? Check for the BIS hallmark and purity number on the piece - see "How to Check a BIS Hallmark" above for what to look for. What is the difference between Karat and Carat? Karat (K) measures the purity of gold, while Carat (ct) measures the weight of diamonds and gemstones. Related Guides Silver Purity Guide - everything you need to know about 925 sterling silver Diamond Purity Guide - understanding the 4Cs before you buy Rings Size Guide - find your size at home before ordering Bangles Size Guide - measure accurately without a store visit Your Gold, Your Way Whether you're buying for tradition, everyday wear, or investment, the right karat depends on how you'll actually use the piece - not just how much it shines. Explore SIJA's collection across 9K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K to find what fits your lifestyle.