MathKaro

Gold or silver? Start with the numbers.

Enter the prices of pure gold and silver. See how many grams of silver cost the same as one gram of gold.

24K gold · 999 purity

per 10 grams
Gold price weight unit

Use prices from the same source and time, before GST and making charges.

Pure silver · 999 purity

per kilogram
Silver price weight unit

1 kilogram = 1,000 grams. Use prices before GST and making charges.

Don’t know today’s prices?

Check a trusted bullion rate source, such as IBJA, or ask your jeweller for pure-metal rates. Match the purity, source, and time for both prices. Check the date—published rates may be from the previous trading day.

Check IBJA reference rates (opens in a new tab)

Which prices should I enter?

Enter pure-metal rates only: 24K (999) gold and 999 silver. Do not enter a jewellery bill total—it includes making charges, GST, and sometimes stones.

22K gold jewellery prices and 925 (sterling) silver prices are not the correct inputs for this pure-metal comparison.

Before you buy, check these.

Simple checks for a smarter gold or silver purchase.

  1. Step 1: Check the hallmark

    Gold jewellery under the HUID hallmarking system should carry:

    • The BIS logo.
    • A purity marking, such as 22K916.
    • A six-character alphanumeric HUID.

    A ‘916’ stamp alone is not the complete BIS hallmark.

    Verify the HUID

    Open the official BIS Care app, choose ‘Verify HUID,’ enter the code marked on the item, and compare the displayed purity and article details.

    Get the BIS Care app (opens in a new tab)

  2. Step 2: Understand purity

    Gold markingGold content
    24K / 99999.9%
    22K / 91691.6%
    18K / 75075%
    14K / 58558.5%

    These are common examples, not an exhaustive list of permitted hallmark grades.

    22K is not fake gold—it contains approximately 91.6% gold.

    What karat means

    Karat describes the proportion of gold in the metal. Other metals make up the remaining portion.

    995 means 99.5% gold. Check the exact fineness rather than assuming every 24K product is identical.

  3. Step 3: Check the price breakdown

    Ask for:

    • Rate matching the stated purity.
    • Net gold weight.
    • Separate stone and non-gold component charges.
    • Making and any wastage charges.
    • Hallmarking charges and applicable taxes.

    Gross jewellery weight can include stones. Check net gold weight separately.

  4. Step 4: Take a detailed bill

    Check the article description, net precious-metal weight, purity, and charge breakdown.

    For convenience, ask the jeweller to record the HUID on the bill.

  5. Step 5: Check resale terms

    Ask for written buyback and exchange terms:

    • Cash buyback or exchange only?
    • What deductions apply?
    • How are stones valued?
    • Are making charges recoverable?

    Resale value is usually lower than what you paid once deductions apply.

Can home tests prove purity?

Colour, tarnishing, magnet tests, and ice tests cannot reliably certify purity on their own.

Do not use acid, bleach, scratching, or other potentially damaging home tests.

If you doubt the purity, ask a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre about suitable testing and request a report.

Jewellery hallmarking and bullion or coin certification can follow different routes. Do not automatically apply the jewellery HUID checklist to every coin or bar. Check bullion fineness, weight, refiner credentials, and the invoice.

Sona ho ya chaandi—pehle apna Math Karo.

Official sources

MathKaro is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by BIS.