Understanding gold purity is important when buying jewellery or planning an investment. The two most common types you will see are 916 gold and 999 gold. Each has its own strengths and is suited for different needs. This guide explains the differences so you can choose the right one with confidence.
As one of Singapore’s trusted jewellery and pawnbroking brands, ValueMax offers a wide range of gold products to meet different needs and budgets.
What 916 and 999 Gold Mean
999 Gold (24K)
999 gold is 99.9 percent pure gold. It is the closest you can get to pure gold. Because of its purity, it costs more and is often preferred for investment.
916 Gold (22K)
916 gold is 91.6 percent pure gold. The rest is made up of metals such as copper or silver. These metals make the gold stronger and better suited for daily wear.
Key Differences Between 916 and 999 Gold
1. Purity and Value
999 gold has the highest purity, so its value closely follows the global gold price. People who want to protect their wealth often choose 999 gold, especially in bars, coins, or heirloom pieces.
916 gold has slightly less gold content, which makes it more affordable. It offers a practical balance of value, durability, and beauty.
2. Durability and Daily Wear
Pure gold is soft. Jewellery made from 999 gold can bend or dent if worn often. It is better for special occasions or pieces you want to keep in their original shape.
916 gold is stronger because of its alloy mix. It is ideal for rings, bracelets, necklaces, and bangles that you wear every day. It holds its shape and lasts longer.
3. Design Options
999 gold is soft, so it limits design choices. Most 24K pieces have simple shapes.
916 gold gives jewellers more creative room. It is strong enough to support detailed designs, sharp edges, and intricate patterns.
4. Colour and Look
999 gold has a deep, rich yellow tone that many people associate with pure gold.
916 gold has a slightly softer yellow shade. Many find this tone easier to match with daily outfits.
When to Choose 999 Gold
Choose 999 gold if you:
- Are buying gold for investment or long-term savings
- Want the prestige of pure gold
- Plan to wear the item only on special occasions
- Prefer gold that matches the global spot price as closely as possible
999 gold is the top choice for bars, coins, and collectible pieces.
If you are investing, explore our 999.9 gold bars collection.
You can also buy or sell investment-grade gold through our Precious Metals Trading services.
When to Choose 916 Gold
Choose 916 gold if you:
- Want jewellery for daily wear
- Need something durable and long-lasting
- Prefer detailed or modern designs
- Want good quality at a more affordable price
916 gold offers a strong mix of beauty and practicality. It is ideal for wedding jewellery and everyday pieces.
Explore our 916 gold jewellery and browse our full gold jewellery collection.
What to Consider Before Buying
Before choosing between 916 and 999 gold, think about the following:
Your Lifestyle
- For active or everyday use, 916 gold is better.
- For occasional wear, 999 gold works well.
Your Budget
- 999 gold costs more because of its purity.
- 916 gold offers value without sacrificing quality.
Your Purpose
- For investment, choose 999 gold.
- For jewellery you will wear often, choose 916 gold.
For more guidance, read our Guide to Buying Gold in Singapore.
Design Preferences
If you like detailed designs, 916 gold is the better choice.
If you are new to jewellery shopping, see our Beginner’s Guide to Buying Gold and Diamond Jewellery.
Why ValueMax Offers Both 916 and 999 Gold
We understand that every customer has different needs. This is why we offer a complete range of 916 and 999 gold jewellery and investment products. Whether you want daily wear pieces, bridal jewellery, or pure gold for savings, we have options to suit your goals.
Our customers choose us because:
- We maintain strict quality standards
- We offer transparent, fair pricing
- We provide both lifestyle and investment-grade gold
- We value long-term relationships built on trust
Closing Thoughts
916 and 999 gold each have clear strengths. 999 gold is best for purity and investment. 916 gold is best for durability and everyday wear.
The right choice depends on your purpose. Once you know how you plan to use the gold, the decision becomes simple.
Ready to explore? Visit our gold jewellery shop in Singapore to see our full range of 916 and 999 gold pieces.
Buy gold bar pamp suisse
22K Gold Two Tone Design Pendant
22K (916) Gold Pendant
Heart Shape 22K (916) Gold Pendant
Love Shape 22K (916) Gold pendant
Abacus 22K (916) Gold pendant
Dangle Ring 24K (999) Gold Necklace
Frequently Asked Questions about 916 and 999 Gold
Is 916 or 999 gold better for daily wear?
916 gold is better for daily wear. It contains alloy metals that make it stronger and more resistant to bending, scratching, and denting. 999 gold is softer and more likely to lose its shape if worn every day.
Which has higher resale value, 916 or 999 gold?
999 gold usually has a higher resale value per gram because it has higher purity. However, well-maintained 916 gold jewellery can also hold good value, especially if the design and workmanship are desirable.
Can I wear 999 gold jewellery every day?
You can wear 999 gold jewellery daily, but it is not ideal. Because 999 gold is very soft, it can bend or scratch more easily. For everyday use, 916 gold is usually a more practical choice.
Is 999 gold always better than 916 gold?
Not always. 999 gold is better for purity and investment, but 916 gold is better for durability and daily wear. The right choice depends on whether you want gold mainly for investment or for regular use as jewellery.
What is the main difference between 916 gold and 999 gold?
The main difference is purity. 999 gold is 99.9 percent pure gold, while 916 gold is 91.6 percent pure gold mixed with other metals. This affects price, hardness, durability, and how suitable each type is for jewellery or investment.
Is 916 gold good for investment?
916 gold can be a good store of value, especially in the form of jewellery that you plan to keep for a long time. However, if your main goal is investment, 999 gold bars and coins are usually preferred because of their higher purity and closer link to the global gold price.