Choosing a 22 Karat Gold Bangle: Models and Weights

In Turkey, 22 karat bangles are among the first things people think of when gold is mentioned. Worn everywhere from weddings to everyday life, they are both an accessory and a way to save. But the hundreds of models, thicknesses and craftsmanship options in the window can make the decision hard. Choosing the right 22 karat bangle also directly affects the loss you face when you sell.

Before choosing, decide what the bangle is for you: a piece to wear every day, or mainly savings? The karat, the weight and the craftsmanship cost of the model are the basic criteria for this decision.

Why 22 karat rather than 24 or 14?

Karat shows the proportion of pure gold in a piece. 24 karat gold is the purest but very soft; making a bangle durable enough for daily wear from it is not practical. 14 and 18 karat gold are harder and suit modern designs, but their craftsmanship cost is usually high, and that cost is not refunded when you sell.

22 karat gold (916 fine) is a balanced option between these two extremes. It contains about 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% hardening alloy. This keeps the bangle durable enough to wear while leaving its purity high, and gives it its traditional rich yellow colour. We explain the differences in 14, 18, 22 and 24 karat gold.

Size and hallmark

Coins made by the Turkish State Mint have standard sizes; for example, the quarter coin is about 18 mm across, the half 22 mm and the full coin 30 mm. Bangles, however, are made in jewellers' workshops rather than by the Mint, so they have no fixed diameter; they are made in different sizes to fit the wrist.

What is standard for bangles is not the size but the karat. 22 karat bangles usually carry a 916 or 22K hallmark on the inside. Their weight can range from thin models of around 5 grams to thick designs of over 100 grams.

What is a "no-craftsmanship" bangle?

The phrase people who buy bangles for saving hear most often is "no-craftsmanship bangle" (işçiliksiz bilezik). It refers to plain, cast bangles with no complex patterns, stones or hand-engraved details. Because they are easier to produce, no high workshop cost is added to their price.

When you sell these bangles, you are paid on the pure gold they contain. Because the craftsmanship cost is low, the loss between buying and selling stays small too. We explain craftsmanship in detail in what is the gold craftsmanship fee.

The most popular 22 karat bangle models

There are many designs on the market, but three main groups stand out for wear and saving.

Burma bangles

This is the first model that comes to mind when people talk about bangles with low craftsmanship. It is made by twisting two or three gold wires together and is known by regional names such as the Adana burma and the Erzurum burma. With no stones or added patterns, its craftsmanship cost is low. Solid models usually start at 10 grams and go up to 50 grams. It is a common choice both as a wedding gift and for long-term saving.

Ajda bangles

Also known as "matchstick" bangles, ajda bangles are flat, plain and thin, usually weighing between 5 and 15 grams. They are mostly worn several together rather than alone. Modern and suited to everyday wear, they are a low-craftsmanship alternative for those who do not like the heavier look of the burma.

Woven and wide models

Woven models such as the Trabzon hasır and wide engraved bangles are more eye-catching designs. Because weaving requires a great deal of handwork, or because they carry detailed craftsmanship, they fall into the crafted category. You pay for this work when you buy and cannot get it back when you sell. If your main aim is saving, low-craftsmanship models suit you better; if you want to wear them as jewellery, these models are a fine choice. See the models in our catalogue.

What to watch when buying and selling

The timing of the transaction matters as much as the model. The gold price changes constantly during the day. Buying or selling on weekdays when markets are open can give you a narrower buy/sell spread. Follow current prices on our market screen.

To see how many grams of bangle your budget buys, or what your bangle is worth today, use the calculators in our tools section.

Model comparison table

At our store in Ümraniye, Istanbul, we can weigh bangles in front of you and show you their karat. For our address and opening hours, see our contact page.

This article is for general information only and is not investment advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 22 karat bangle scratch with daily wear?

22 karat gold is softer than 14 karat. Fine scratches can form on its surface with daily wear, and they are more visible on flat ajda bangles. Scratches do not change the bangle's weight or gold value; a polish at a jeweller largely restores its look.

Does a bangle lose value if its hallmark wears off?

The hallmark can wear off with long use or during resizing. This does not reduce the bangle's value. When you sell, the jeweller checks the karat with their own methods and values it accordingly.

For saving, gold coins or a plain bangle?

Both have low craftsmanship costs and there is no great difference between them. You can wear a bangle in daily life, while coins are better suited to storing. Those who want to wear their gold can choose a bangle; those who only want to store it can choose coins or gram gold.