22K vs 24K Gold on Akshaya Tritiya: Which to Buy in 2026

Every Akshaya Tritiya, the same question: coin or jewelry, 22K or 24K. Here is the short version.

24K (999 or 995 purity) = investment. 24K gold is soft, which is why it is only sold as coins, bars, and biscuits, not as everyday jewelry. It has the highest resale value because nothing is "lost" to alloys or design. Making charges on coins are 0.5–3%. If your reason for buying on Akshaya Tritiya is wealth preservation, buy 24K.

22K (916 hallmark) = wearable, partly investment. Pure 22K is 91.6% gold alloyed with silver and copper for strength. Nearly all Indian gold jewelry is 22K. Making charges range from 6% on plain designs to 28% on intricate bridal pieces, and you never get making charges back at resale. Buying 22K designer jewelry as "investment" is one of the most common financial mistakes Indian households make.

A simple rule:

• Pure capital allocation → 24K coin from a bank or reputed jeweler (check 999 hallmark)
• Gift + wearable + partial investment → 22K hallmarked plain jewelry (BIS 916, HUID stamped)
• Ceremonial purchase for blessings, under ₹5,000 budget → a 1g 24K coin is the most honest pick

What to check before paying:

1. BIS hallmark and 6-digit HUID number on every piece.
2. Bill showing purity, weight, making charges, and GST separately.
3. Buyback policy of the jeweler in writing.
4. If buying a coin, confirm it is 999 purity, not 995.

Use the planner on this site to compare how many grams of each you can afford, then decide.