What is 22k Gold? Is it Real? — SEO for the Poor and Determined

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22k gold is a gold alloy containing 91.67% pure gold and 8.33% other metals like silver, copper, or zinc.

This composition provides an excellent balance between gold’s rich yellow color and enhanced durability for jewelry making.

Unlike pure 24k gold, 22k gold is strong enough for intricate jewelry designs while remaining non-magnetic and generally hypoallergenic. It’s commonly used in both jewelry and bullion coins like American Gold Eagles and South African Krugerrands.

The hallmark is typically stamped as “916” or “22k,” and its value equals 91.6% of current gold spot prices, making it valuable yet practical.

Table of Contents

What is 22k Gold (Definition and Meaning)?

22k gold is a gold alloy that contains 91.67% pure gold and 8.33% other metals, such as silver, copper, or zinc.

22k gold offers a good balance between the gold’s vibrant, rich color and the increased strength and durability needed for jewelry that can withstand daily wear.

22k gold is slightly less pure than 24k gold (fine gold) but the addition of other metals makes it more robust than the softer 24k gold, making it a preferred choice for many types of intricate and delicate jewelry.

Is 22k Gold Magnetic?

No, 22k gold isn’t magnetic, it’s diamagnetic.

Pure gold within the 22k gold alloy (91.67%) is diamagnetic because its electrons are paired within its atomic structure, which creates a very weak magnetic field that opposes an external magnetic field.

The remaining metals in the alloy (8.33) can be magnetic, ferromagnetic, paramagnetic or diamagnetic. In all cases the percentage is too small and the 22k gold alloy will always remain diamagnetic for all practical purposes.

Is 22k Gold Hypoallergenic?

Yes, 22k gold is hypoallergenic because it contains a high amount of non-allergenic yellow gold content (91.67%) and a low percentage (8.33%) of potentially allergenic other metals.

These other metal are always added to pure gold to improve it workability for jewelry design, and it’s these metals that are the common culprits when it comes to metal allergies (especially in people with extremely sensitive skin and known metal hypersensitivity).

Notorious example are nickel and copper, both metals a lot of people are allergic to (with nickel being far more allergenic than copper).

For example, take a look at the mark left on the skin by a 22k gold ring (with nickel as a probable culprit).

Is There Bullion Made From 22k Gold?

Yes, there’s bullion made from 22k gold, most notably in the form of widely recognized coins like the American Gold Eagle and the South African Krugerrand.

Bullion made from 22k gold offers a balance of high gold content and increased durability due to a small percentage of other metals in the alloy.

While 24k (pure gold) is often preferred for its higher purity in bullion bars, 22k gold’s added strength makes it a popular and valuable choice for bullion coins.

Examples of 22k gold bullion are:

American Gold Eagle: A popular gold bullion coin from the United States Mint, guaranteed by the U.S. government for its weight and purity.
South African Krugerrand: One of the world’s oldest and most recognized gold coins, first minted in 1967.
Gold Sovereign: Another example of a gold coin that is made from 22k gold.

Note: 22k gold bullion exists, but isn’t the most common. 24k gold is used to create gold-investment bullion and these are the gold IRA-approved coins and bars you can include in your gold IRA account.

For example, check out how many pure gold coins and bars Augusta Precious Metals offers (note: Augusta Precious Metals is the best gold IRA company in the United States. They waive all fees for 10 years for all new customers).

Gold coins sold by Augusta Precious Metals you can include in your gold IRA account.

Is There Jewelry Made From 22k Gold?

Yes, there’s 22k gold jewelry.

22k gold jewelry is prized for its elegant balance of beautiful rich yellow color and durability needed for gold jewelry that’s constant worn.

22k gold isn’t as hard and durable as lower-carat golds, but it is leagues above in strength compared to 24k gold which you can easily bend with your hands.

22k gold is the first gold alloy that allows for intricately designed jewelry as the alloy can take a lot of work on it and not fall apart under pressure.

With all of that said, 22k gold isn’t ideal for jewelry making because this gold alloy is still softer than lower-carat options and can easily be scratched or even bent.

What is the Hallmark for 22k Gold?

The hallmark for 22k gold is typically either a “916” stamp, or “22k” indicating 91.6% pure gold.

Besides the purity mark, a hallmark may also include an assay center mark and a manufacturer’s mark to certify the item’s authenticity.

How Much is 22k Gold Worth?

22k gold is 91.6% pure, and is therefore worth 91.6% of the current gold spot price.

Gold spot price changes multiple times during the day because of the interplay of supply and demand so the value of your 22k gold changes with it.

What is 22k Gold? Is it Real? Conclusion