916 Gold Meaning: 916 vs 22K vs KDM vs 999 Explained for UAE Buyers
Quick answer: 916 gold means 91.6% pure gold, which is 22 karat. The number is the gold content in parts per thousand, so 999 means 24K and 750 means 18K. At 00:32 UAE time on Monday, 19 October 2026, the world market price of 22K gold in the UAE is AED 450.93 per gram, AED 5,259.56 per tola and AED 4,509.30 for 10 grams, equal to US$122.79 per gram.
Gold Price in UAE Today (AED per gram)
| Karat | Purity | Per Gram (AED) | Per Tola (AED) | Per 10g (AED) | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 491.91 | 5,737.54 | 4,919.10 | Investment / Bars |
| 22K | 91.6% | 450.93 | 5,259.56 | 4,509.30 | Jewellery (most popular) |
| 21K | 87.5% | 430.42 | 5,020.33 | 4,304.20 | Traditional Jewellery |
| 20K | 83.3% | 409.91 | 4,781.11 | 4,099.10 | Jewellery |
| 18K | 75.0% | 368.93 | 4,303.13 | 3,689.30 | Designer / Affordable |
GoldRateUAE explains 916 gold meaning for buyers in Dubai and the UAE, where 916 is the most common stamp on jewellery for South Asian families. The live table above shows today’s price of 916 (22K) gold per gram.
Knowing what the number means helps you check a piece, compare prices fairly and avoid paying 22K prices for lower purity gold.
What Does 916 Mean on Gold?
916 means that 916 parts out of every 1,000 are pure gold, or 91.6%. In karats, that is 22K, because 22 divided by 24 equals 0.916.
The other 8.4% is a mix of metals such as silver, copper and zinc. They make the gold hard enough for daily wear without changing its colour much.
What Do the Other Gold Numbers Mean?
| Stamp | Karat | Gold content | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 or 999.9 | 24K | 99.9% or more | Bars, coins, investment |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% | South Asian jewellery |
| 875 | 21K | 87.5% | Arabic and Gulf jewellery |
| 750 | 18K | 75% | Diamond and designer pieces |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% | Lighter fashion pieces |
Every gold item sold in the UAE must carry a purity stamp. In Dubai, testing and hallmarking are overseen by the Dubai Central Laboratory of Dubai Municipality.
What Is KDM Gold, and Is It the Same as 916?
KDM gold was jewellery made with a cadmium based solder, used because it melts at a low temperature and makes fine joints easy. It was often sold as 92% gold.
Cadmium is toxic to the artisans who work with it, and India’s Bureau of Indian Standards banned it in gold soldering. Today you should look for a 916 stamp and a proper hallmark, not a KDM label.
Is 916 Gold Real Gold?
Yes. 916 is real 22K gold, the same purity sold across India and the Gulf. It is the standard karat for Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi wedding jewellery.
What you should check is that the stamp matches the invoice, and that the shop is reputable. Our guide on UAE gold hallmarks shows what an official mark looks like.
Why Does 916 Gold Cost Less Than 999 Gold?
Because it contains less gold. A gram of 916 holds 0.916 grams of pure gold, so its price is roughly 91.6% of the 24K price per gram.
See the live difference on our 22K gold rate in UAE and 24K gold rate in UAE pages.
Is 916 Gold the Same in Dubai and India?
Yes. 916 means 91.6% pure gold everywhere. In India it is backed by a BIS hallmark with a unique HUID code, and in Dubai by the UAE purity mark and the shop’s invoice.
That is why many Indian families buy 916 jewellery in Dubai for weddings back home. Keep the invoice for customs and future exchange.
How Can You Check That 916 Gold Is Genuine?
Look for the 916 stamp, buy from a known shop, and get an itemised invoice that lists weight, karat and making charge. For extra certainty, a jeweller or gold lab can test the piece with an XRF machine, which reads purity without damaging it.
Small labs around the Gold Souk offer XRF tests to the public, which is useful before you sell or exchange an older piece.
Why Do Some Old 916 Pieces Test Lower?
An older piece can test slightly below 91.6% for several reasons. Wear, repairs with lower karat solder, or older soldering methods can all affect the reading.
If you are selling or exchanging old gold, ask for the test result and the weight in writing. A small difference is common, but a large gap is worth a second test at another shop.
916 in the UAE: How It Compares With 21K
Arabic and Gulf jewellery in the UAE is often 21K, stamped 875, while South Asian jewellery is usually 916. A gram of 916 contains about 4.8% more gold than a gram of 875.
That gap explains why 22K is priced higher per gram. When you compare quotes, compare the same karat, or convert both to pure gold content.
Our 22K vs 24K comparison explains how the two karats differ, and gross weight vs net weight covers how stones affect a piece’s gold content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 916 gold 22 carat?
Yes. 916 means 91.6% pure gold, which is exactly 22 karat.
What is the difference between 916 and 999 gold?
916 is 22K, at 91.6% gold, and is used for jewellery. 999 is 24K, at 99.9% gold, and is used mainly for bars and coins.
Is KDM gold better than 916 gold?
No. KDM refers to an old cadmium soldering method that is now banned in India. Look for a 916 stamp and a proper hallmark instead.
Can 916 gold be sold in the UAE?
Yes. Jewellers in the UAE buy 916 gold based on its gold content and the day’s rate, after testing its purity.
Using 916 Gold Meaning When You Buy
Once you know the 916 gold meaning, every stamp tells you how much real gold you are paying for. Check the number, match it to the invoice, and compare the price per gram with today’s live 22K rate.
This page gives general information only and is not financial advice.
Sources: Dubai Central Laboratory, Dubai Municipality, IIFL on KDM, hallmark and 916 gold and Aditya Birla Capital on 916 and KDM.
