9ct gold (or 9k gold) is the minimum purity level allowed to be sold as gold in Australia. You may see it stamped with the numbers for 375, which means it contains 37.5% pure gold. In many other countries the lowest purity level is 10ct.
18ct gold is more durable and longer lasting. However 9ct gold can be still be a great choice in some situations, consider these points when choosing which carat gold: If it is a piece you wear frequently, like an engagement ring or wedding band, 18ct gold would be the best option for the durability and longevity.
Pure gold is notated as 24K – this is the highest karat level for gold meaning it is 100% pure gold. 18K gold is 75% purity level, 14K is 58.3% purity level, and 10K is 41.7% purity level. As you can see, the higher the karat number, the more pure gold comprises the metal.
9 karat gold is of the lowest purity due to the high percentage of other metal alloys like copper. The prices of 9ct gold can vary depending on the current market and demand. Generally, you can expect about $28.29 per gram for your 9-karat gold jewellery.
22k – slightly lesser purity but more durable than 24k. 18k – 75% pure comparatively more durable than the above types. 14k – 58% pure as an average value but way more durable than the 18k.
The 18 karat gold is 75% pure and 25% alloy metals, 22 karat gold is 92% pure and 8% alloy metals, and 24 karat gold is 100% pure. Which gold is best to invest in? If you are looking forward to long term investment then 24 karat gold is the best option.
18k gold jewelry is purer than 14k gold. It has a higher percentage of gold in its composition, which means it's more valuable, more durable, and usually considered the better option when it comes to choosing a material for your jewelry.
Wearing solid gold jewelry, white gold or yellow gold, in the shower will not harm the metal itself, however it can reduce the shine therefore it is not recommended. Showering with gold plated jewelry can eventually cause the gold layer to wear off completely, therefore you should definitely refrain from doing so.
9K gold can get tarnished because of the higher percentage of reactive metals in the alloy. Thus, it oxidises more often than 18k gold!
Summary. At the end of the day, 18ct gold is worth the higher price. It has twice the gold content of 9ct making it superior in terms of durability and performance. This does not mean that 9ct is not a fine choice for certain jewellery.
10k, 14k, and 18k Breakdown
Because pure gold is naturally yellow in color, the higher the karat, the more yellow the metal will appear.
The country with the purest gold in the world is Switzerland, a country known for paying attention to quality. Below, the precious metals experts from First National Bullion and Coin, the best place to buy gold in Scottsdale, explain why this particular country has an affinity for pure gold.
Showering with 10k gold jewelry is generally safe, as 10k gold is a durable metal that can withstand exposure to water and moisture.
9ct gold (37.5% purity)
While pure yellow gold does not tarnish and will retain its original colour forever, the strong presence of alloys (the metals that make up 62.5 percent of 9ct gold) in 9ct gold are susceptible to discolouration. Special care is needed to ensure your 9ct gold jewellery keeps its original shine.
9ct gold is comprised of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metal alloys, making it harder but more brittle than 18ct gold. It is approximately 40% lighter for the same mass. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect both 18ct and 9ct gold jewellery to last a lifetime.
It can since 9k is more base metal than gold. It shouldn't but it may be possible depending on what it is alloyed with. Copper is the main thing that will discolor your skin, second is nickel which more commonly irritates skin rather than leaving oxidation.
Will 9K gold last? Due to this metals lower durability and tendency to tarnish, corrode and react with its wearer's skin, we choose not to work with it. A ring for example made from 9K gold cannot be expected to last more than a lifetime's normal wear.
14K & 9K solid gold jewellery is designed for everyday wear & will not fade. These pieces are resistant to water, moisture & sweat but Esq recommends with any jewellery regardless of material to avoid perfumes, hand sanitisers, fake tan, moisturisers, direct sunlight and chemicals.
It can be hard to decide if you don't know the pros and cons. You may be wondering if there is a downside to sleeping with your jewelry on, or if it's wiser to remove it before going to sleep. Our answer: It depends. Most jewelers, including us, recommend that you take your jewelry off when you sleep.
So beware of wearing any jewelry that is made from karat gold or sterling silver. Take it off before you swim or use cleaning chemicals that contain chlorine.
Gold is a very soft metal and in its pure 24K form is too soft to be used in jewellery. For this reason, gold is usually mixed with copper and other metals to create a stronger, more durable form of gold that still looks 'golden'. In the UK, most gold jewellery is made with either 9 or 18 Karat gold. !
When it comes to figuring out what kind of jewelry is sweat- and water-resistant (whether it's rings, necklaces, earrings, or even a medical bracelet), check that it's solid gold, gold filled, or sterling silver. These metals are also hypoallergenic, which means it won't make your skin break out, itch, or turn green.
The gold quality is determined by the amount of pure gold in the piece. While white gold may seem like a cheaper option for the same look, it is actually a less strong metal than platinum. Platinum will scratch easier as it is a movable metal, but Platinum is stronger against breakage.
Gold is often regarded the better investment option over diamonds, as this precious metal is more easily traded and is often viewed as a currency with a stable, increasing value over the long term. Diamonds are often more volatile as their value relies purely on their weight, cut, clarity, and colour.
Solid gold is the best quality of gold there is - it's great to wear everyday, won't fade, and is hypoallergenic.