Is 916 the same as 22K?

Yes. 916, 22K, K22, 22ct, 916.7 all denote the same material — 91.6% gold. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.

How much is 916 worth?

Its melt value is the gold spot price × 0.916 × the weight in grams. Buyers then deduct roughly 5–15% for refining and margin, so a quoted buy-back price sits a little below that theoretical figure.

How do I confirm a 916 stamp is genuine?

Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density (17.7 g/cm³ for this alloy), scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.

* Gold hallmark

The 916 hallmark: meaning, purity & value

22-karat gold fineness (technically 91.67%, rounded to 916). Standard for Indian and Gulf-region bridal jewelry. Coexists with the BIS hallmark in modern Indian production.

Published May 30, 2026

Quick facts

Metal: Gold
Purity: 91.6%
Fineness: 916/1000
Karat: 22K
Common regions: India, ME, international
Density: 17.7 g/cm³
Melting point: 977 °C
Standard: ISO 9202

Stamps that mean the same thing

This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: 916 / 22K / K22 / 22ct / 916.7. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.

What 916 tells you

22-karat gold fineness (technically 91.67%, rounded to 916). Standard for Indian and Gulf-region bridal jewelry. Coexists with the BIS hallmark in modern Indian production.

How to value it

The melt value of a 916 piece is gold spot price × 0.916 × weight (g). A buyer typically deducts 5–15% for assay, refining, and margin, so the cash offer lands just under that figure. Stones and complex settings are usually excluded from the metal weight.

How to check it yourself

Examine the stamp under a 10× loupe — genuine marks are crisp and evenly struck, not doubled or smeared.
Confirm the mark reads 916 or an equivalent such as 22K.
Weigh the piece and estimate its volume — the density should land near 17.7 g/cm³ for this alloy.
Photograph it in the Jewelry Identifier app to read the metal, hallmark, and any gemstones from the image.
For a binding result, have an assay office or gemological lab run an XRF purity test.

Sources

Bureau of Indian Standards IS 1417
Dubai Central Laboratory
Wikidata Q1972095

* Frequently asked

FAQ

Q. Is 916 the same as 22K?: A. Yes. 916, 22K, K22, 22ct, 916.7 all denote the same material — 91.6% gold. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
Q. How much is 916 worth?: A. Its melt value is the gold spot price × 0.916 × the weight in grams. Buyers then deduct roughly 5–15% for refining and margin, so a quoted buy-back price sits a little below that theoretical figure.
Q. How do I confirm a 916 stamp is genuine?: A. Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density (17.7 g/cm³ for this alloy), scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.

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