- Popular Gold Karat – Gold jewelry is available in a variety of karatages. The preference for certain karatage of gold is usually based on cultural, regional or traditional factors. For instance, 22 karat gold is predominantly used in Pakistan and India; while 21 karat gold is preferred by Arabs. Most Europeans prefer 18 karat gold. 24 karat gold, which is considered the purest gold available, is usually used as a mode of investment or exchange.