22k and 18k gold aren't a hierarchy — they're built for different jobs, and the "better" choice depends entirely on what the piece is for.
22k: closer to pure, better for holding value
At 91.6% purity, 22k gold tracks the gold rate most closely, which is why it's the default for investment-style pieces and traditional jewellery meant to be passed down. The trade-off is that it's soft — prone to bending and scratching with daily wear, especially in rings and bracelets that take more physical contact.
18k: built for everyday wear
At 75% purity, 18k gold mixes in more alloy (usually copper, silver, or palladium), which makes it noticeably more durable. This is why most fine jewellery brands — including ours — default to 18k for rings, chains, and earrings meant to be worn daily rather than stored for occasions.
The resale question
22k generally resells closer to its gold-weight value since it's a higher purity. 18k pieces are valued partly for the gold content and partly for the craftsmanship, so resale is more variable — you're not just buying gold weight, you're buying a design.
A simple way to decide
If the piece is going into daily rotation — a ring you'll wear every day, a chain you won't take off — 18k is the practical choice. If you're buying gold specifically as a store of value, or it's a traditional piece for a ceremony, 22k is the more conventional pick.