9ct vs 18ct Gold: The Difference
Gold has long been cherished for its beauty, rarity, and lasting value, but not all gold is created equal. One of the most common questions we hear is: What’s the difference between 9ct and 18ct gold, and which one is best for my jewellery?
At Brinkhaus Jewellers, we specialise in 18ct gold and platinum, as we believe they offer the best combination of quality, durability, and timeless elegance. However, we understand that gold is a significant investment, and for those who specifically request it, we are happy to accommodate 9ct gold. That being said, it’s important to understand the key differences so you can make an informed choice.
What’s the Difference Between 9ct and 18ct Gold?
The term “carat” (ct) refers to the purity of gold in a piece of jewellery. Since pure gold (24ct) is too soft for everyday wear, it is alloyed with other metals to improve strength and durability.
- 18ct gold is 75% pure gold, with the remaining 25% made up of other metals such as silver, copper, or palladium.
- 9ct gold contains only 37.5% pure gold, with the rest made up of base metals.
The higher gold content in 18ct gold gives it a richer colour, better longevity, and greater resistance to tarnishing and corrosion.
Why We Specialise in 18ct Gold
At Brinkhaus Jewellers, we craft our pieces in 18ct gold because of its exceptional quality and long-term value. Here’s why:
1. Richer Colour & Luxurious Appearance
With double the gold content of 9ct, 18ct gold has a noticeably deeper, more vibrant hue—whether you prefer yellow, rose, or white gold. The high gold purity enhances the warmth and richness of the metal, making it a stunning choice for fine jewellery.
2. Long-Term Durability & Resistance to Tarnish
One of the biggest misconceptions is that 9ct gold is more durable because it contains more base metals. While it’s true that 9ct is slightly harder, 18ct gold is actually a better long-term solution. It is less likely to become brittle or crack over time and is far more resistant to tarnishing, especially when exposed to everyday elements like water, skincare products, and hot tubs.
We’ve seen cases where clients’ 9ct gold jewellery has reacted in chlorinated water or high-temperature environments, leading to discolouration and dullness. 18ct gold holds up beautifully, maintaining its shine and integrity.
3. 9ct Gold May Be Trending, But 18ct Is Forever
In recent years, 9ct gold has become more popular, largely due to its affordability. But trends come and go—quality lasts a lifetime. Investing in 18ct gold means choosing a piece of jewellery that will retain its beauty, value, and wearability for years to come.
Do We Offer Jewellery in 9ct Gold?
While we specialise in 18ct gold and platinum, we understand that gold is an investment, and we are happy to accommodate those who prefer 9ct gold. However, we always recommend 18ct gold as the superior choice for fine jewellery, particularly for engagement rings, wedding bands, and heirloom pieces.
If you’re considering a piece of jewellery and need guidance on the best metal for your lifestyle and budget, visit us in-store at 24 St Quentin Avenue, Claremont. Our expert team will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect option for you.
Gold has long been cherished for its beauty, rarity, and lasting value, but not all gold is created equal. One of the most common questions we hear is: What’s the difference between 9ct and 18ct gold, and which one is best for my jewellery?
At Brinkhaus Jewellers, we specialise in 18ct gold and platinum, as we believe they offer the best combination of quality, durability, and timeless elegance. However, we understand that gold is a significant investment, and for those who specifically request it, we are happy to accommodate 9ct gold. That being said, it’s important to understand the key differences so you can make an informed choice.
What’s the Difference Between 9ct and 18ct Gold?
The term “carat” (ct) refers to the purity of gold in a piece of jewellery. Since pure gold (24ct) is too soft for everyday wear, it is alloyed with other metals to improve strength and durability.
- 18ct gold is 75% pure gold, with the remaining 25% made up of other metals such as silver, copper, or palladium.
- 9ct gold contains only 37.5% pure gold, with the rest made up of base metals.
The higher gold content in 18ct gold gives it a richer colour, better longevity, and greater resistance to tarnishing and corrosion.
Why We Specialise in 18ct Gold
At Brinkhaus Jewellers, we craft our pieces in 18ct gold because of its exceptional quality and long-term value. Here’s why:
1. Richer Colour & Luxurious Appearance
With double the gold content of 9ct, 18ct gold has a noticeably deeper, more vibrant hue—whether you prefer yellow, rose, or white gold. The high gold purity enhances the warmth and richness of the metal, making it a stunning choice for fine jewellery.
2. Long-Term Durability & Resistance to Tarnish
One of the biggest misconceptions is that 9ct gold is more durable because it contains more base metals. While it’s true that 9ct is slightly harder, 18ct gold is actually a better long-term solution. It is less likely to become brittle or crack over time and is far more resistant to tarnishing, especially when exposed to everyday elements like water, skincare products, and hot tubs.
We’ve seen cases where clients’ 9ct gold jewellery has reacted in chlorinated water or high-temperature environments, leading to discolouration and dullness. 18ct gold holds up beautifully, maintaining its shine and integrity.
3. 9ct Gold May Be Trending, But 18ct Is Forever
In recent years, 9ct gold has become more popular, largely due to its affordability. But trends come and go—quality lasts a lifetime. Investing in 18ct gold means choosing a piece of jewellery that will retain its beauty, value, and wearability for years to come.
Do We Offer Jewellery in 9ct Gold?
While we specialise in 18ct gold and platinum, we understand that gold is an investment, and we are happy to accommodate those who prefer 9ct gold. However, we always recommend 18ct gold as the superior choice for fine jewellery, particularly for engagement rings, wedding bands, and heirloom pieces.
If you’re considering a piece of jewellery and need guidance on the best metal for your lifestyle and budget, visit us in-store at 24 St Quentin Avenue, Claremont. Our expert team will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect option for you.