What is 22K gold?
22 karat gold contains 22 parts gold and 2 parts other metals (usually copper and silver), making it about 91.6% pure — which is why it is hallmarked 916. The small amount of alloy makes 22K noticeably harder and more durable than pure 24K gold, while retaining a rich gold colour. That balance of durability and gold content makes 22K the standard for traditional jewellery across much of Asia and the Middle East.
Canadian jewellery is usually 10K, 14K or 18K — 10K being the legal minimum to be sold as gold in Canada. 22K/916 jewellery is mostly found through South Asian and Middle Eastern jewellers in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.