If you have looked closely at a gold bangle in Dubai or India, you have probably seen the number 916 stamped on it. So what is 916 gold? It is simply 22 karat gold, and the number tells you exactly how pure it is.
What 916 means
Gold purity can be written in karats (out of 24) or in fineness (parts per thousand). 916 means the piece contains 916 parts of pure gold out of 1,000, or 91.6%.
Since 22 ÷ 24 = 0.9166, 22 karat and 916 are the same thing written two different ways.
Hallmark numbers at a glance
- 999 = 24K, pure gold, used for bars and coins
- 916 = 22K, the most popular karat for jewellery in the UAE and India
- 875 = 21K, common in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf
- 750 = 18K, used for diamond and modern jewellery
- 585 = 14K, harder and lighter in colour
You will usually find the stamp inside a ring, on the clasp of a chain or on a small tag.
Why 916 is so popular
22K strikes a balance: it keeps the rich yellow colour that buyers in the Gulf and South Asia love, while the small share of other metals makes it strong enough to wear. It is also easy to resell, because every shop understands it.
How 916 gold is priced in Dubai
The raw value of 916 gold is the 24K price multiplied by 22/24. You can see the live 22K gold rate on our site.
Retail boards in Dubai often price 22K slightly above that pure-ratio value, because traders add a premium on lower karats. That is one reason the price in a shop can be a little higher than a simple calculation. Read more on why gold prices differ between shops and websites.
To value a piece:
- Weigh it in grams
- Multiply by today's 22K price per gram
- Add the making charge and 5% VAT for jewellery
Our gold calculator does this for you.
Is 916 gold real gold?
Yes. 916 is genuine gold with 91.6% purity. The remaining 8.4% is usually copper and silver, which add strength. Always buy from a licensed shop, check the hallmark and keep the invoice. See our guide on how to check if gold is real.
916 vs 999: which should you buy?
- For wearing: 916, because 999 is too soft for everyday jewellery
- For saving or investment: 999 bars and coins, which carry low making charges and are generally VAT-free in the UAE
Frequently asked questions
Is 916 the same as 22K?
Yes, 916 fineness and 22 karat describe the same purity.
Does 916 gold fade?
No. Gold does not tarnish. The colour of 916 stays the same over time.
Is KDM gold the same as 916?
"KDM" is an older term linked to a type of solder. Today the meaningful mark is the purity stamp, such as 916.
