Gold Purity Matters: A Guide to Karats and Pricing
The purity of gold is measured in karats, and it depends on its intended use. For investment in coins and bars, 24K or 99.9% pure gold is ideal due to its softness. However, for traditional Indian jewellery, 22K or 91.6% pure gold is more suitable as it is alloyed with other metals for durability.
When buying gold, the daily rate online is just a benchmark, and the final price in a showroom will be higher due to making charges and GST. The base gold price plus making charges and a 3% GST equals the final price. Additionally, stone deductions are made when calculating the net gold weight for pricing.
For those who want to invest without the hassle of physical storage or making charges, alternatives like digital gold, Gold ETFs & Mutual Funds, and Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) can be considered. These options offer a more convenient way to purchase and hold gold.