916 vs 999 Gold Explained: Which Should You Buy in Singapore?
Gold has always held a special place in Singapore — not just as jewellery, but as a symbol of wealth, celebration, and smart financial planning. Walk into any jewellery store along Orchard Road, Chinatown, or a trusted boutique like Michael Trio, and you’ll hear one common question: Should I choose 916 gold or 999 gold?
While both are popular in Singapore, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference helps you buy gold that truly fits your lifestyle, whether it’s for daily wear, gifting, or long-term value.
Why gold quality matters
Gold quality directly affects durability, colour, comfort, and price. Many first-time buyers focus only on how yellow or shiny a piece looks, but purity determines how well it holds up over time and how practical it is for everyday use.
Gold jewellery habits in Singapore
In Singapore, buyers are generally practical and value-conscious.
- 916 gold is widely chosen for rings, bangles, and wedding jewellery because it’s stronger.
- 999 gold is often bought for keepsakes, pendants, bars, and gifting, especially during weddings, baby celebrations, or festive occasions like Lunar New Year.
Knowing when to choose which purity can save you money — and future disappointment.
What Is 916 Gold?
Composition
916 gold, also known as 22K gold, contains 91.6% pure gold. The remaining 8.4% is made up of other metals such as copper or silver. These added metals don’t reduce its beauty — they enhance its strength.
Durability
Because of the added alloys, 916 gold is:
- Harder and more durable than 999 gold
- More resistant to bending, dents, and deformation
- Better able to hold gemstones securely
This makes 916 gold ideal for jewellery that’s worn frequently.
Common usage
In Singapore, 916 gold is commonly used for:
- Engagement and wedding rings
- Bangles and bracelets
- Chains meant for daily wear
- Traditional wedding jewellery
If you want gold jewellery you can wear confidently every day, 916 gold is usually the safer and more practical choice.
What Is 999 Gold?
Purity
999 gold (also called 24K gold) is 99.9% pure gold. It has minimal alloy content, giving it a rich, deep yellow colour that many people associate with “true gold.”
Market value
Because of its high purity, 999 gold:
- Closely follows international gold prices
- Is often viewed as a store of value
- Is easier to value by weight alone
In Singapore, 999 gold is frequently bought in the form of gold bars, coins, or simple jewellery pieces.
Suitable for keepsake pieces
999 gold is softer, which makes it less ideal for daily wear — but perfect for:
- Gold bars and coins
- Baby gifts and heirloom pieces
- Pendants worn occasionally
- Jewellery kept mainly as an investment or family keepsake
For buyers focused on purity and long-term value, 999 gold remains highly attractive.
Differences Between 916 & 999 Gold
Price
- 999 gold is more expensive per gram because of its higher purity
- 916 gold costs slightly less, making it more budget-friendly for larger jewellery pieces
In Singapore, jewellery prices also include workmanship charges, so intricate 999 designs can become significantly more expensive.
Scratch resistance
- 916 gold: Better scratch resistance due to alloy metals
- 999 gold: Softer and more prone to scratches and dents
If you lead an active lifestyle or plan to wear your jewellery daily, 916 gold will stay looking good for longer.
Wearability
- 916 gold: Comfortable and practical for everyday wear
- 999 gold: Best for occasional wear or storage
Rings and bangles made from 999 gold may lose shape over time if worn frequently.
Which Should You Buy in Singapore?
Choose 916 gold if:
- You want jewellery for daily or regular wear
- You’re buying rings, bangles, or stone-set designs
- Durability and practicality matter most
Choose 999 gold if:
- You want maximum purity
- You’re buying gold as a keepsake or investment
- The piece will be worn occasionally or stored safely
Many Singapore buyers actually choose both — 916 gold for wearing, and 999 gold for saving or gifting.
Which Should You Buy in Singapore?
Daily Wear-
When you plan to wear gold every day, durability matters as much as beauty.
- 916 gold contains 91.6% pure gold with alloys that strengthen the metal. This makes it less prone to bending, scratching or denting, ideal for rings, bracelets and elaborate design jewellery you’ll wear frequently. Its balance of sturdiness and sparkle suits Singapore’s tropical climate and active lifestyles.
- 999 gold, despite its superior purity (99.9%), is much softer and more malleable. Jewelry made from pure 24K gold is elegant but prone to damage when worn daily — especially in items like narrow rings or chain bracelets.
Verdict: For everyday use in Singapore, 916 gold is generally the smarter choice.
Investment-
If your goal is gold as an investment, purity and resale ability take centre stage.
- 999 gold is often preferred for bullion bars, coins and long-term value holding because it contains almost pure gold. It commands a higher per-gram value and is easier to price against the global gold market.
- Singapore’s gold market is known for transparent pricing and strong investor adoption — bullion dealers, bank-linked products, and storage services are widely available. Physical gold bars at 999 purity can be bought and sold more easily for investment purposes.
However, if you buy gold jewellery (even at 999 purity), you’ll often pay premiums for design and craftsmanship that reduce resale efficiency compared to simple bullion.
Verdict: For investment alone, 999 gold (especially in bar or coin form) is generally better than 916.
Bridal Jewellery-
Wedding and bridal jewellery in Singapore often blend tradition, beauty and longevity.
- 916 gold is a popular choice for bridal sets because it strikes a fine balance — beautiful gold colour, structural strength for intricate designs, and durability for frequent wear.
- 999 gold has symbolic appeal in certain cultures for highest purity, and some traditional heirloom pieces are crafted in 999. But for items like wedding rings or heavy daily-use pieces, its softness can be a drawback.
Tip for brides: If your jewellery will be worn often (e.g., daily wedding bands), 916 gold is usually more pragmatic, while special heirloom pieces or cultural tokens may sometimes be 999.
2025 Gold Price Trends in SG
Gold prices in Singapore reflect both global trends and local demand. In 2025, gold has remained strong globally, impacting local pricing.
Per Gram Comparison
Singapore gold prices are quoted in SGD per gram and vary by retailer, spot price movements, and weekly market demand.
📊 Gold Price Comparison (SGD per gram) — Singapore 2025
| Gold Type | Purity | Indicative Price (Retail / Jewellery) | Indicative Price (Market / Bullion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 916 Gold (22K) | ~91.6% | ~S$195 /g (retail estimate) | ~S$154 /g (live market rate) |
| 999 Gold (24K) | ~99.9% | ~S$208 /g (retail estimate) | ~S$170 – $178 /g (live market rate) |
Notes
- Retail/Jewellery prices include shop markups, design and craftsmanship premiums — they vary widely by jewellers.
- Market/Bullion prices represent broader live commodity price trends and are closer to spot rates with minor dealer spreads.
🟡 What This Table Tells You
- 999 gold consistently costs more per gram than 916 gold because of its higher purity.
- Bullion rates (market prices) are usually lower than retail jewellery prices, especially for simple bars and coins, which have minimal making charges.
- If you’re buying jewellery, expect to pay above the pure market price due to design and retailer premiums.
Impact of Global Pricing
Gold prices in Singapore are influenced by:
- International gold markets: Gold trades globally in USD, so exchange rates and international demand affect local SGD prices.
- Economic indicators: Inflation trends, interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty often drive gold as a safe-haven asset. Premiums in Singapore occasionally reflect modest premiums over global spot prices.
- Retail demand: Festivals, weddings, and cultural buying patterns can cause short-term fluctuations in jewellery pricing.
GST & Investment: Pure investment gold (usually 999 bars) may enjoy favourable tax treatment compared to jewellery purchases that include GST or retailer markups — always check current Singapore tax policy.
Final Thoughts
There’s no “better” option between 916 and 999 gold — only the right choice for your purpose. In Singapore’s modern gold-buying culture, smart shoppers match purity with lifestyle.
At Michael Trio, customers often choose:
- 916 gold for elegant, durable jewellery that they can wear every day
- 999 gold for meaningful gifts and timeless keepsakes
Understanding the difference ensures your gold purchase remains beautiful, valuable, and worry-free for years to come.
Feel free to place this table under your 2025 Gold Price Trends in SG section to help readers visually compare the two purity grades at a glance!