Why does some gold jewellery feel sturdier while others look incredibly rich and deep in colour? The answer lies in purity levels. Gold in Singapore comes in different grades, with 916 and 999 being the most popular. Choosing between them depends on what you need: everyday wear, investment, or special occasions. If you've ever wondered which gold purity suits your lifestyle best, you're about to find out. 

Understanding Gold Purity: What Do 916 and 999 Mean? 

Gold purity is measured using the karat system. Pure gold is 24 karat, which means it contains no other metals. 

999 gold represents 99.9% pure gold. It's 24 karat gold with minimal impurities. This type has a deep, rich yellow colour and maximum purity. 

916 gold contains 91.6% pure gold, mixed with 8.4% other metals such as copper or silver. This makes it 22 karat gold. The added metals give it strength and slightly alter its colour. 

Here's a quick comparison: 

Feature 

916 Gold (22K) 

999 Gold (24K) 

Purity  91.6%  99.9% 
Colour  Slightly lighter yellow  Deep, rich yellow 
Common Use  Daily jewellery, wedding sets  Investment bars, coins 
Strength  More durable  Softer, bends easily 

The extra metals in 916 gold make it more complicated. Pure 999 gold is soft because gold itself is a malleable metal. Want to dive deeper into how these differences affect your choice? Check out our detailed guide on 916 Gold vs 999 Gold: Key Differences Explained. 

Durability and Daily Wear: Which Lasts Longer? 

Can you wear your gold jewellery every day without worrying about damage? That depends on which type you choose. 

916 Gold for Everyday Strength 

The alloy metals in 916 gold make it resistant to scratches and bending. You can wear 916 gold rings, bangles, and necklaces daily. They hold their shape better and can handle regular wear. This makes 916 gold ideal for: 

  • Wedding bands and engagement rings 
  • Daily wear bangles 
  • Chain necklaces 
  • Earrings worn frequently 

999 Gold Requires Gentle Handling 

Pure 999 gold is beautiful but soft. It scratches easily and can bend out of shape with regular use. Most people buy 999 gold for: 

  • Investment purposes (bars and coins) 
  • Special occasion jewellery 
  • Collectible pieces 
  • Gifts meant for safekeeping 

Think about your lifestyle. Do you work with your hands? Do you want jewellery you can forget about while wearing it? Then 916 gold works better. Learn more about this in our article on 916 Gold vs 999 Gold: Which Is More Durable?

Value, Resale, and Investment Potential 

How much are you really paying per gram? The price difference matters when you're investing or buying expensive pieces. 

Price and Market Value 

999 gold costs more per gram because of its higher purity. The price follows global gold rates more closely. When you sell 999 gold, buyers pay based on weight and current gold prices. 

916 gold costs slightly less per gram. The alloy metals reduce the pure gold content, which affects the price. However, in Singapore's jewellery market, 916 gold remains highly valued and easy to resell. 

Investment Considerations 

For pure investment, 999 gold makes sense. You're buying almost pure gold with minimal wastage. Banks and gold dealers prefer 999 gold bars and coins. The resale process is straightforward. 

For wearable investment, 916 gold offers a balance. You get beautiful jewellery you can enjoy while retaining good resale value. Many Singapore families buy 916 gold wedding sets for both jewellery and investment purposes. 

Checking Authenticity 

Always verify the hallmark. Look for stamps showing: 

  • "916" or "22K" for 916 gold 
  • "999" or "24K" for 999 gold 
  • Certification marks from recognised authorities 

Reputable jewellers like Mustafa Jewellery provide proper certification with every purchase. This guarantees authenticity and makes future resale easier. For detailed insights on how purity affects value, read How 916 Gold and 999 Gold Differ in Value and Purity

When Should You Choose 999 Gold? 

Choose 999 gold when you want: 

  • Maximum purity for investment: Gold bars and coins, at 999 purity, offer the best investment value. You pay for almost pure gold, with minimal impurities. 
  • Gifting high-value pieces: Special occasions, such as milestone birthdays or anniversaries, call for premium gifts. Pure 999 gold shows thoughtfulness
  • and lasting value. 
  • Traditional or religious purposes: Some customs and religious ceremonies require the highest purity gold. Pure gold holds special significance in many traditions. 
  • Long-term wealth storage: If you're buying gold to store wealth for years, 999 gold maintains its value better over time. The purity ensures stable worth. 

When Should You Choose 916 Gold? 

Best Scenarios for 916 Gold 

Choose 916 gold when you need: 

  • Everyday jewellery: Rings, bangles, and necklaces you wear daily benefit from the added durability. They resist damage and maintain their appearance. 
  • Wedding and bridal sets: Singapore wedding jewellery is traditionally made from 916 gold. It offers beauty, cultural significance, and practical durability for
  • pieces worn frequently. 
  • Intricate designs: Complex patterns and detailed craftsmanship work better with 916 gold. The added metals help jewellers create and maintain delicate designs. 
  • Balanced value and wearability: You get beautiful jewellery that holds value while being practical for regular use. 

Still weighing your options? Our guide on When to Choose 999 Gold Over 916 Gold: A Buyer's Guide can help you decide. 

Popular 916 and 999 Gold Jewellery at Mustafa Jewellery 

At Mustafa Jewellery, we offer both 916 and 999 gold options across our collections. Our range includes: 

916 Gold Collection: 

  • Bridal necklace sets with intricate designs 
  • Daily wear bangles and rings 
  • Traditional temple jewellery 
  • Modern fusion pieces 

999 Gold Collection: 

  • Investment bars in various weights 
  • Gold coins for gifting 
  • Premium collector pieces 
  • Pure gold jewellery for special occasions 

Every piece comes with proper hallmark certification and an authenticity guarantee. Our experienced staff can guide you based on your specific needs and budget. 

Explore our exquisite 916 and 999 gold collections where purity meets craftsmanship. Visit our showroom to see the difference in person and make an informed choice. 

Comparison Summary 

Factor 

916 Gold 

999 Gold 

Purity  91.6% (22K)  99.9% (24K) 
Durability  High, suitable for daily wear  Low, requires careful handling 
Price per gram  Lower  Higher 
Best for  Jewellery, wedding sets  Investment, special gifts 
Colour  Slightly lighter yellow  Deep, rich yellow 
Resale  Easy in the jewellery market  Preferred for investment gold 

Conclusion

The choice between 916 and 999 gold comes down to your specific needs. Value purity and investment potential? Go for 999 gold. Need durable jewellery for everyday wear or special occasions? Choose 916 gold. Both options have their place in your collection. 

Whether you value durability or purity, the right choice in gold starts with understanding your lifestyle. Think about how you'll use the jewellery, your budget, and your long-term goals. Visit Mustafa Jewellery in Singapore to explore both options and choose the one that best suits your needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 916 Gold vs 999 Gold: Which Is Better for You?

916 gold (22K) is mixed with 8.4% alloy metals like copper or silver, which makes it significantly harder. This durability is essential for jewellery that needs to withstand daily friction, whereas 999 gold is often too soft to hold its shape or secure delicate gemstones. 

Yes. 916 gold is highly valued in the Singapore jewellery market and is widely accepted for trade-in or resale. While 999 gold may more closely follow the global spot price due to its purity, 916 gold remains a liquid and trusted asset for local buyers. 

999 gold has a distinct, deep “buttery” yellow colour. 916 gold is slightly lighter or can have a subtle reddish tint if copper was used in the alloy. However, the most reliable way is to check the hallmark stamp (“916” or “999”) inside the piece. 

For pure financial investment, 999 gold (bars or coins) is generally better because you pay a lower premium for workmanship and get the highest purity. 916 gold is considered a “wearable investment”. It offers beauty and utility while still retaining significant gold value. 

Because 916 gold contains a high percentage of pure gold, it is highly resistant to tarnish. While the small amount of alloy metals can react slightly to certain chemicals, a simple professional cleaning or a gentle wipe with a soft cloth is usually enough to restore their original lustre. 

The “916” stamp is a hallmark that certifies the piece contains 91.6% pure gold. In Singapore, reputable jewellers like Mustafa Jewellery ensure these hallmarks are present to guarantee authenticity and provide buyers with peace of mind.