What Is 916 Hallmark Gold? A Complete Guide for Calgary Buyers
By VJ Jewellers Ltd. / VJ Jewellers — Cityscape Landing Plaza, 4310 104 Ave NE #5126, Calgary NE. 1,000+ Verified Five-Star Google Reviews.
If you've shopped for gold jewellery in a South Asian or Middle Eastern jewellery store, you've almost certainly seen a small "916" stamp on the inside of a ring, bangle, or chain. It's one of the most common questions we field in-store — what does that number actually mean, and why should it matter to you as a buyer?
916 simply means 91.6% pure gold
The number 916 refers to the gold purity as a percentage, expressed out of 1000 — in this case, 91.6% pure gold, with the remaining 8.4% made up of other metals like copper, silver, or zinc that add strength and durability. In karat terms, 916 gold is exactly equivalent to 22 karat gold. The math is straightforward: 22 karats divided by 24 karats (pure gold) equals 91.6%, hence "916."
Why jewellery isn't made from 100% pure gold
Pure 24K gold is extremely soft — soft enough that it can be dented or scratched with light pressure, which makes it a poor choice for jewellery meant to be worn daily. Alloying gold with small amounts of other metals significantly increases hardness and durability without meaningfully changing its color or appearance, which is why 22K (916) gold has become the standard purity for traditional South Asian and Middle Eastern gold jewellery.
How 916 compares to other common gold purities
Where the hallmark itself comes from
A hallmark is an official mark applied by a certified assaying authority confirming the gold has been tested and verified at the stated purity. In India, this is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), whose hallmark typically appears alongside the purity number, the assaying center's mark, and a jeweller's identification mark. When gold jewellery is imported or purchased internationally, buyers should look for equivalent third-party certification confirming the stated purity, since hallmarking standards and enforcement vary by country.
How to verify 916 purity before buying
| Hallmark Stamp | Karat Equivalent | Gold Purity | Typical Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 / 24K | Pure Gold (99.9%) | Very soft | Typically used for coins and bars rather than everyday jewellery |
| 916 / 22K | 22 Karat Gold (91.6%) | Traditional standard | South Asian & Middle Eastern gold jewellery, balancing rich color with practical durability |
| 750 / 18K | 18 Karat Gold (75.0%) | Harder & more affordable than 22K | Common in Western-style engagement rings & diamond jewellery where durability under daily wear matters more |
| 585 / 14K | 14 Karat Gold (58.5%) | Most durable & affordable common option | Popular for everyday North American pieces meant to withstand heavy daily wear |
Why this matters for resale and trade-in value
When you eventually sell or trade in gold jewellery, its purity directly determines its value — a verified 916 (22K) stamp gives both buyer and seller a clear, objective basis for pricing, rather than relying on visual inspection or guesswork. This is exactly why hallmark certification matters just as much when buying as when selling.
Shop certified 916 gold jewellery
Explore authentic 916 hallmark 22K gold rings, bangles, necklaces, and bridal sets tested in-store with certified purity.
Browse our full 22K gold jewellery collection →📍 VJ Jewellers Ltd. / VJ Jewellers — Cityscape NE Calgary
Unit 5126, 4310 104 Ave NE, Cityscape Landing Plaza, Calgary, AB T3N 1W5