Saudi Gold Rate Today 22 Carat
22 carat gold is 91.6 percent pure and sits between the pure 24K used for investment and the harder 21K that leads the Saudi market. This page carries the live 22K rate in Saudi Riyal, updated automatically.
| Karat | Today (gram) | Yesterday | Change | Tola | Ounce | Kilo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21K | SAR 463.63 | — | 0.00 | SAR 5,407.74 | SAR 14,420.65 | SAR 463,634 |
| 24K | SAR 529.34 | — | 0.00 | SAR 6,174.09 | SAR 16,464.26 | SAR 529,338 |
| 22K | SAR 485.73 | — | 0.00 | SAR 5,665.46 | SAR 15,107.90 | SAR 485,730 |
| 18K | SAR 397.40 | — | 0.00 | SAR 4,635.20 | SAR 12,360.56 | SAR 397,401 |
| 14K | SAR 309.97 | — | 0.00 | SAR 3,615.46 | SAR 9,641.24 | SAR 309,973 |
| 10K | SAR 220.80 | — | 0.00 | SAR 2,575.32 | SAR 6,867.53 | SAR 220,796 |
All prices in Saudi Riyal. These are raw metal values before making charges and VAT. Updated automatically several times a day.
Understanding 22 Carat
A karat measures purity in twenty-fourths. 22 carat means twenty-two parts gold to two parts other metals, which works out to 91.6 percent pure. You will see it hallmarked as 916, a number that refers to that same purity expressed per thousand. That 916 stamp is a useful thing to look for, because it is the standard marking recognised across the Gulf and South Asia.
The small amount of alloy, usually copper and silver, does real work. Pure gold is too soft to hold a shape under daily wear, and the alloy adds enough hardness to make a wearable piece while keeping the colour close to pure gold.
22K in the Saudi Market
22K holds an interesting position in Saudi Arabia. It is widely available and well understood, but it does not lead the way it does in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh, where 22K is the default for both jewellery and savings. In the Kingdom, 21K took that role.
Where 22K sells strongly here is among the large South Asian expatriate communities, who often prefer the karat they grew up with and who think about gold jewellery partly as portable savings. For that purpose the higher purity of 22K is genuinely better, since more of what you pay is metal rather than alloy.
It is also common in heavier ceremonial and bridal pieces where the richer colour is wanted and the item will not be subjected to constant daily wear.
22K Prices by Weight
| Weight | 22K |
|---|---|
| 1 gram | SAR 485.73 |
| 5 grams | SAR 2,428.65 |
| 10 grams | SAR 4,857.30 |
| 20 grams | SAR 9,714.60 |
| 50 grams | SAR 24,287 |
| 100 grams | SAR 48,573 |
| Tola (11.66g) | SAR 5,665.46 |
| Ounce (31.10g) | SAR 15,107.90 |
22K Compared With 21K
The practical difference between 22K and 21K comes down to three things. Purity: 91.6 percent against 87.5 percent, so 22K costs more per gram. Hardness: 21K resists scratching and bending noticeably better, which matters for bangles and chains worn every day. Colour: 22K is slightly deeper and richer, though most people cannot tell the two apart without comparing them side by side.
If you are buying a piece to wear constantly, 21K is usually the more sensible choice and it is what most Saudi shops will steer you toward. If you are buying partly to hold value and the piece will be worn occasionally, 22K puts more gold in your hands for the same weight.
What Gets Added to the Price
As worked jewellery, 22K is subject to VAT at 15 percent, calculated on the metal value and the making charge combined. The making charge itself varies with the design, from around 8 percent on plain items to well over 20 percent on detailed bridal work. Ask for these figures separately on the invoice so you can see what you are actually paying for craftsmanship.
Checking the Hallmark Before You Buy
Saudi Arabia regulates gold purity through SASO, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, and hallmarking is how that standard is made visible on the piece itself. On 22K you are looking for the number 916 stamped somewhere discreet, usually on a clasp, the inside of a band, or a small tag.
Ask the assistant to show you the stamp rather than taking it on trust. A reputable shop will do this immediately and without irritation, because it is a normal request. Hesitation or a vague answer is itself informative. If a piece genuinely has no visible hallmark, ask why, and be cautious about proceeding on a significant purchase.
Practical Buying Advice for 22K
Weight is what you are really paying for, so ask for it explicitly and watch the scale. Two pieces that look identical in a display case can differ noticeably in weight, and therefore in price, because one is hollow and the other solid. Hollow pieces look generous for the money but contain less gold, which matters if any part of your reasoning is about holding value.
Get the making charge stated as a separate line on the invoice rather than folded into one total. This does two things: it lets you compare shops on the only variable that actually differs between them, and it protects your position later, since a documented piece with a clear invoice consistently fetches a better buyback offer than an undocumented one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Saudi gold rate today for 22 carat?
The live 22K rate per gram and per tola is shown in the table above in Saudi Riyal, updated automatically several times a day.
What does the 916 hallmark mean?
It confirms 91.6 percent gold purity, which is 22 carat. It is the standard marking for 22K across the Gulf and South Asia and is worth checking before you buy.
Is 22K or 21K better value in Saudi Arabia?
Neither is objectively better; they suit different purposes. 22K gives you more gold per gram and suits buyers who see jewellery as savings. 21K is harder, cheaper per gram and better for daily wear, which is why it leads the Saudi market.
Can I sell 22K gold easily in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Every licensed jeweller buys 22K, and the hallmark makes verification quick. Keep your original invoice, as documented pieces consistently fetch better offers than undocumented ones.
See also the 21K rate and the 24K rate for comparison, or use the gold calculator to value a specific piece.