Types of Gold in India: Purity, Color & Form Guide

How Many Types of Gold Are There? A Complete Guide for Beginners 

Gold carries deep emotional and financial value for us all. It glows in your mother’s heirloom bangles, twinkles in your first chain, and waits patiently in lockers as a sign of security and pride. But behind the shimmer lies a world few understand. When it comes time to buy gold, things can get confusing. What’s 24K? Why does some gold look pink? And how many types of gold are there? Before your next jewellery purchase or investment, let’s decode gold in the simplest way possible. 

How Many Types of Gold Are There?

Gold comes in different types based on its purity, colour, etc. If you are wondering how many types of gold in India are available, the answer is quite a few. Let’s start with classification based on purity.  We all know that gold purity is usually measured in carats. The following table will simply explain this: 

Gold Type	Purity	Gold Content	Best used For
24K Gold	99.9%	Pure gold	Investment coins, bars
22K Gold	91.6%	Gold + silver/copper	Indian jewellery
18K Gold	75%	Gold + 25% base metal	Modern jewellery
14K Gold	58.5%	Mixed with silver/copper/zinc	Everyday wear
10K Gold	41.7%	Lowest legal gold standard	Budget jewellery. Not so common in India

For investment purposes, 24k gold is preferred. For durability and value, 22K gold will be the right choice. 18K gold is perfect for trendy and designer pieces.

Types of Gold by Colour

This might make you wonder. Gold isn’t always yellow. Jewelers create different colours of gold by mixing pure gold with other base metals. Each type has its own beauty and use. For those wondering how many types of gold in india, the breakdown below will clearly explain the types of gold by color. 

Yellow Gold 

This is the most traditional and widely used type in India. It is made by combining gold with metals such as silver and copper. These metals will give it a rich tone. This is perfect for classic gold jewellery.

White Gold

This is a mix of gold and white metals like palladium and nickel. It is usually coated with rhodium to enhance its shine. It will look similar to platinum. This is the perfect choice for a modern style.

Rose Gold

It is also known as pink gold. This is created by mixing gold with copper. It has a soft and romantic blush tone. It is a popular choice for trendy rings and watches.

Green Gold

Green Gold is a rare type. This is made by mixing gold with silver or cadmium. It has a natural greenish tint. This is mostly used in artistic or vintage jewellery.

Blue Gold

Blue gold is made by combining gold with indium or gallium. This will give it a subtle bluish shade. It is very rare and usually found in designer pieces.

Purple Gold

It is created by adding aluminium to gold. It looks beautiful but is more fragile. So, it is mostly used in accent pieces or luxury designs.

Black Gold

It is not naturally black. It is made by treating real gold with alloys using surface techniques. It has a bold look and is often used in designer jewellery. 

Types of Gold by Form

Next, it’s time to explore how many types of gold are there in various forms. When buying jewellery, you will often hear terms like gold plated, gold filled, etc. These forms will also affect the durability and long term value of your gold jewellery. 

Solid Gold

This type of jewellery is made entirely of gold. It can be 24K, 22K, or even 14K. Solid gold is the most valuable, making it perfect for heirlooms. It doesn’t fade easily, and it is perfect for daily wear if chosen in the right carat.

Gold Plated

Gold plated items usually have a very thin layer of gold on the outside, applied over a base metal. They will look like real gold, but the gold coating is very minimal and may wear off after sometime. These are best for budget buys and occasional fashion wear.

Gold Filled

Gold filled jewellery contains a thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal. This will make it more durable than gold plated pieces. The gold layer is mechanically pressed, so it doesn’t rub off easily. Though not as valuable as solid gold, it offers a good balance of price, appearance, and durability.

Vermeil

Vermeil is a type of gold plated jewellery made by coating sterling silver with gold. It is often used in premium fashion jewellery. It will give you the look and feel of gold at a lower cost. Vermeil is a good pick for those who want quality on a budget.

Final thoughts 

Understanding how many types of gold in India exist will help you make confident decisions when buying or selling gold. From 24K to 10K, each gold carat has its own value. Regardless of the colour, always check the hallmark before selling. Don’t let your gold sit idle. Turn it into instant money. At White Gold, we offer transparent evaluation and the best rates for all types of gold. Sell gold with confidence. Choose White Gold, India’s trusted gold buyer.