21K gold is 87.5% pure gold. It is the karat most often chosen for traditional gold jewellery in Dubai and across the Gulf, and the karat 7 Rain's main Gold Souk showroom specialises in. This guide explains what the number means, how 21K compares with other karats, and how a fair price is worked out.
What "21K" means
Karat (K) measures gold purity in twenty-fourths. Pure gold is 24 parts out of 24. 21K gold is 21 parts gold and 3 parts other metals, which works out to 87.5% gold by weight. Jewellers stamp it with the fineness number 875.
The other 12.5% is an alloy, usually silver and copper. The alloy makes the metal harder and changes the colour slightly. Pure gold is too soft for most jewellery: it bends and scratches easily.
21K compared with 18K, 22K and 24K
| Karat | Gold content | Stamp | Colour | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18K | 75.0% | 750 | Paler yellow; also made in white and rose | Diamond and gem settings, modern designs |
| 21K | 87.5% | 875 | Deep yellow | Traditional sets, bangles and necklaces worn often |
| 22K | 91.6% | 916 | Rich yellow | Bridal and heritage jewellery |
| 24K | 99.9% | 999 | Brightest yellow | Bars and coins, rarely jewellery because it is soft |
Higher karat means more gold per gram, a higher price per gram and a softer metal. Choose by how the piece will be worn. A bangle worn every day benefits from 21K's hardness. A piece bought mainly to hold value suits 22K or 24K.
How 21K gold jewellery is priced in Dubai
A gold jewellery price in Dubai has three parts:
- Gold value: the weight in grams multiplied by the day's rate per gram for 21K. Rates change daily with the international gold price.
- Making charge: the cost of the design and workmanship. Simple chains cost less to make than detailed handmade sets.
- VAT: 5% UAE VAT on the jewellery.
Ask for the three parts separately. Then you can compare shops fairly: the gold value should be close everywhere on the same day, and the real difference is in the making charge and the quality of the work.
Five checks before you buy 21K gold
- The stamp. Look for 875 (or "21K") on the clasp or inside the band.
- The weight. Watch the piece being weighed on a calibrated scale, in grams.
- The rate. Ask which 21K rate per gram was used today.
- The invoice. It should state karat, weight, making charge and VAT.
- After-sale terms. Ask how exchange, resizing and repairs work before you pay.
Buying 21K gold from 7 Rain Jewellery
7 Rain Jewellery has four showrooms in the Gold Souk, Deira. The main store at Shop 34, Al Salem Carpet Building, specialises in 21K gold jewellery. Customers abroad can see pieces, weights and prices on WhatsApp before ordering. Service is available in English and French.