Purity & Hallmark
What is 916 Gold?
The meaning of 916, KDM and hallmark grades.
Rates as on 26 September 2026 · Updated 27 September 2026
Today’s 22K / 24K (Delhi)
₹14,095 / ₹14,800
per gram, excl. GSTOverview
“916” means 91.6% gold content — the fineness of 22-karat gold. The term became popular because 22K hallmarked jewellery carries “22K916”. KDM (cadmium-soldered) jewellery is an older term; cadmium solder is now discouraged for health reasons, and hallmarking is what guarantees purity.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| 916 | 22K, 91.6% gold |
| 875 | 21K (not a BIS grade today) |
| 750 | 18K |
| KDM | Cadmium soldering — not a purity mark |
Common purity marks
| Mark | Karat |
|---|---|
| 999 | 24K |
| 995 | 24K (bars) |
| 958 | 23K |
| 916 | 22K |
| 833 | 20K |
| 750 | 18K |
| 585 | 14K |
| 375 | 9K |
Frequently asked questions
Is 916 the same as hallmark?
916 is the purity; hallmark (BIS logo + grade + HUID) certifies it.
Gold rates are indicative market references (26 September 2026) and change during the day. Rules on tax, hallmarking and investment products can change — verify with official sources. FinancePortal does not sell gold.