“This article expresses my personal analysis based on publicly available financial data and market reports.”

Why Indians Are Choosing 14–18 Carat Gold Jewellery Over 22 Carat in 2025

Gold has always been more than a metal in India. It’s emotion, tradition, and security wrapped into one.

But in 2025, something interesting is happening inside jewellery stores across the country. Buyers who once insisted on 22-carat gold are now confidently asking for 14-carat and 18-carat jewellery.

And no — this shift isn’t about losing love for gold.
It’s about adjusting priorities, making smarter spending decisions, and coping with rising prices.

Why Gold Prices Are Forcing Indians to Rethink Jewellery Choices

Gold prices in India have stayed stubbornly high through 2024 and early 2025. International uncertainty, weak global currencies, and strong investor demand have kept rates elevated.

For an average Indian household, this means one simple thing:
The same budget now buys less gold.

Earlier, ₹2 lakh could comfortably cover a wedding necklace in 22-carat gold. Today, buyers either reduce weight or explore alternatives — and that’s where lower-carat gold jewellery enters the picture.

Instead of compromising on design or giving nothing at all, people are choosing lighter, more affordable purity options.

Also Read Tata Capital Share Price Breaks Out as NBFC Bets Big on Vodafone Idea Bonds

What Exactly Is 14, 18, and 22 Carat Gold?

To understand this shift, clarity matters.

• 22 Carat Gold: About 91.6% pure, traditionally preferred for weddings and investments
• 18 Carat Gold: 75% pure, stronger, better for modern designs
• 14 Carat Gold: 58.5% pure, highly durable, much cheaper

Lower purity doesn’t mean “fake” or “bad.”
It simply means less gold mixed with stronger alloys, making jewellery tougher and more wearable.

Modern Lifestyles Are Changing Jewellery Preferences

In urban India, especially, jewellery is no longer locked inside lockers.

People want:

• Daily-wear rings
• Office-friendly chains
• Lightweight bracelets
• Stylish earrings for regular use

22-carat gold, while pure, is softer and scratches easily.
That’s a problem for daily wear.

According to an ABP News Article, 14 and 18-carat gold jewellery lasts longer, holds stones better, and survives daily life without constant polishing.

For young professionals, durability matters as much as purity.

Real Buyers, Real Stories From Jewellery Stores

Talk to any jeweller today, and you’ll hear similar stories.

A couple planning a wedding may still buy a few traditional 22-carat pieces. But for gifting, functions, and daily wear, they’re choosing 18-carat sets.

Parents buying jewellery for daughters prefer 14-carat diamond-studded designs, knowing they’ll be worn daily — not stored away.

Even men are opting for 18-carat bracelets and rings, balancing style with affordability.

This isn’t a compromise.
It’s a conscious, practical choice.

Budget Pressure Is the Biggest Trigger in 2025

Let’s be honest — emotions aside, money matters.

With:

• Rising living costs
• Expensive weddings
• Education and home loans

People want jewellery that looks premium without breaking their savings.

Lower-carat gold allows buyers to:

• Purchase bigger designs on the same budget
• Add diamonds or gemstones affordably
• Buy more pieces instead of one heavy item

In 2025, value-for-money thinking dominates purchase decisions.

Is Lower-Carat Gold a Bad Investment?

This is where opinions split.

If your goal is pure investment, coins and bars remain better than jewellery — regardless of carat.

Jewellery includes:

• Making charges
• Design costs
• Stone charges

So, resale value is never ideal.

However, if jewellery is for wearing and gifting, 14 and 18 carat gold make sense. You pay less up front and enjoy more usability.

Many buyers now clearly separate investment gold and fashion gold — a smart financial mindset.

Jewellers Are Actively Promoting 14 & 18 Carat Collections

Jewellery brands have noticed the shift and adapted fast.

Stores now highlight:

• Certified 14-carat jewellery
• BIS hallmarking even for lower purity
• Transparent buyback and exchange policies

Designers love working with lower carats because they can experiment more — thinner patterns, intricate shapes, and modern finishes.

In short, the market is evolving with the buyer.

Will This Trend Continue Beyond 2025?

Most signs say yes.

Gold rates don’t appear to be cooling anytime soon. At the same time, younger buyers value style, flexibility, and practicality over rigid tradition.

22-carat gold won’t disappear.
It will remain king for weddings and rituals.

But for everyday jewellery and modern gifting, 14 and 18 carat gold are here to stay.

Also Read Coal India Subsidiaries IPO 2025: BCCL, MCL, SECL Explained

My Take: Is This a Good Change?

Honestly, yes.

Gold was never meant to be feared or locked away.
It was meant to be worn, celebrated, and enjoyed.

If lower-carat jewellery allows people to own beautiful pieces without financial stress, that’s progress — not compromise.

Tradition is important.
But adapting tradition to today’s reality is smarter.

Conclusion

Gold hasn’t lost its shine in 2025 — our buying habits have simply matured.
Choosing 14 or 18 carat gold jewellery isn’t about settling for less.
It’s about buying what fits today’s life, budget, and style.

FAQs About 14–18 Carat Gold Jewellery

Also Read Shyam Dhani IPO: Subscription Hits 556x, GMP Near 90%

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts or brokerage companies, not US News Weeks. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.

Source : ABP News & Aaj Tak - 14–18 Carat Gold Jewellery