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21K, 18K and 22K: wholesale gold jewellery for Saudi Arabia and Egypt

October 2026 · 4 min read

Saudi and Egyptian jewellers sell by the gram and by the karat. Here is how 21K, 18K and 22K divide the market and what to expect on stamping and delivery from Istanbul.

21K is the market standard

In both Saudi Arabia and Egypt, 21K (875) is the karat most customers buy: rich yellow, high gold content and easy to resell. Wholesalers order bangles, chains, sets and coins-style pendants in 21K by weight, so finish quality and consistent gram weights matter as much as design.

18K for younger buyers and diamonds

18K (750) is growing fast. It is harder, holds stones securely and lets a fashionable design reach a lower price than 21K. Younger shoppers in Riyadh, Jeddah and Cairo buy 18K rings, fine chains and everyday earrings; 18K is also the standard for diamond jewellery. 22K (916) serves South Asian communities across the Gulf.

Stamping and assay

Both markets check fineness closely. In Egypt, gold jewellery is tested and hallmarked by the state assay authority before sale; in Saudi Arabia, pieces must carry a clear karat mark and are inspected under Ministry of Commerce rules. We stamp karat and maker’s marks to your importer’s specification and confirm the requirements with you before production.

Trade links with Turkey

Egypt and Turkey have a free trade agreement, and Istanbul is a short direct flight from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Cairo, so insured air shipments arrive within days of dispatch. Production takes 3–5 weeks under normal conditions. Ask your customs broker for the current duty and VAT on heading 7113 before you order.