One of the most common questions we receive from couples planning their custom engagement or wedding rings is “What is the difference between 9ct and 18ct gold?” This guide will walk you through the main characteristics that set them apart.
You may be wondering what exactly ‘ct’ or sometimes seen as ‘K’, refers to. The ‘carat’ of a metal denotes the percentage of pure gold in the alloy, with 9ct being 37.5% and 18ct 75% pure gold.
Gold in its purest form is too soft to be used in fine jewellery, so it is commonly mixed with other metals to increase its strength and durability, as well as to create unique colours like rose gold and white gold.
So which metal is best? Read more to learn about their durability for everyday wear and their ability to resist tarnish from everyday chemicals.
9ct gold contains a larger percentage (62.5%) of non-precious metals than 18ct gold (25%). A common misconception is that this makes 9ct more durable of a metal for everyday wear, but this is not actually the case. The other metals used result in 9ct gold being less dense which means it has a tendency to wear away much more quickly. 18ct gold is longer wearing and more resistant to damage, making it the recommended choice for everyday wear.
More resistant to tarnish due it’s higher Gold content. Gold is the least reactive of all metals.
In its pure form, gold is one of the least reactive elements. More than half the content of 9ct gold is made up of other elements that are more prone to tarnishing and eroding. As a consequence, 9ct is more likely to discolour or be damaged by exposure to chemicals. Exposure to chemicals and perspiration can mean your 9ct jewellery may appear dull and discoloured.
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. In fact, 9ct can be a great choice for dress rings, earring and pendants that are not worn every day. For pieces such as engagement rings and wedding rings, 18ct is a much more durable and long-lasting choice.
It is also important to outline the difference between 18ct white gold and platinum when discussing which metals are more suitable for certain designs. Platinum is a white metal that is used almost in its pure form (95%). It is also extremely dense making it heavier than white gold. Platinum is renowned for its hard and long-wearing qualities, which is what makes it so ideal for engagement rings with very fine settings. The other bonus about Platinum is that because it is white in its natural state there is no need to have it rhodium plated as is the case with white gold. What is the catch? Platinum is typically more expensive than 18ct gold. To understand the differences between platinum and white gold, read our comparison here.
Interested in more information about how to choose your engagement or wedding rings? Click here to read our engagement or wedding ring guides:
We are 100% carbon neutral, we offer Fairtrade Gold and we donate 10% of profits to charity.
Have you ever stood at a jewelry counter, completely baffled by the different gold options? I know I have! As someone who’s spent years helping customers at Lebrusan Studio, I’ve noticed one question comes up more than most: why is 9ct better than 18ct gold? Today I’m gonna break this down for ya in simple terms so you can make the right choice for your jewelry needs.
The Basics: What Actually IS Carat Weight?
Before we dive into the debate, let’s get clear on what we’re talking about Caratage is simply the measurement of gold’s purity – it tells you how much pure gold is in the metal you’re buying.
Pure gold (24ct) is super soft and usually impractical for everyday jewelry That’s why jewelers mix it with other metals to make it harder and more durable This creates what we call an “alloy,”
Here’s the simple breakdown
- 18ct gold = 75% pure gold + 25% other metals
- 9ct gold = 37.5% pure gold + 62.5% other metals
In other words, 18ct gold contains 18 parts pure gold, while 9ct gold contains only 9 parts. But this difference actually creates some advantages for 9ct gold in certain situations!
Why 9ct Gold Might Be Your Better Option
1. It’s WAY More Affordable
Let’s be real – price matters! The biggest advantage of 9ct gold is that it costs approximately half as much as 18ct gold. This is because it contains less pure gold.
For many of our customers at Lebrusan Studio, this price difference is significant. If you’re working with a tight budget but still want real gold jewelry, 9ct gold lets you get a bigger or more elaborate piece without breaking the bank.
2. It’s Technically Harder
On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, 9ct gold actually scores higher than 18ct gold. This is because the higher percentage of other metals (like copper and silver) makes the overall alloy harder.
This makes 9ct gold a good option for some everyday pieces that might take a beating, especially if you’re the type who forgets to take off your jewelry before hitting the gym or gardening!
3. It Has a More Subtle Color
Some people actually prefer the more subtle, lighter gold tone of 9ct gold. Because it contains less pure gold, 9ct has a more subdued yellow color that some find more versatile with different outfits and skin tones.
This more neutral tone can be especially nice if you’re someone who likes to mix metals in your jewelry collection.
4. It’s Less Likely to Cause Allergic Reactions (Sometimes)
For some people with metal allergies, 9ct gold can sometimes be a better option depending on the specific metals used in the alloy. However, this varies widely depending on the exact composition and the individual’s sensitivities, so it’s worth checking with a jeweler about the specific alloy if you have concerns.
When 18ct Gold Might Actually Be Better
In the spirit of keeping it real, I should mention that 18ct gold does have some significant advantages in certain situations:
1. Longevity and Heirloom Quality
While 9ct gold is harder, it’s also more brittle. This means that over many years, 18ct gold is actually more resilient against microscopic scratches and knocks. As we tell customers at Lebrusan Studio, 18ct gold is better suited for heirloom pieces that you want to pass down through generations.
2. Better for Detailed Designs
If you’re dreaming of intricate hand-engraved designs (like our Athena Grande engagement ring), 18ct gold is definitely the way to go. Its higher gold content makes it more malleable and better suited for detailed craftsmanship.
3. Richer Color and Luster
There’s no denying that 18ct gold has a more vibrant yellow color and lustrous shine. For pieces where you want that classic warm gold glow, 18ct delivers a richer appearance.
4. Better Investment Value
Gold is often purchased as an investment, and in this case, higher gold content means better value retention. 18ct gold will always be worth more than 9ct gold if you ever decide to sell your piece.
Practical Considerations for Different Jewelry Types
Let’s get specific about when 9ct gold might be the better choice for different types of jewelry:
Engagement and Wedding Rings
For most engagement and wedding rings, I usually recommend 18ct gold if your budget allows. These are pieces you’ll wear every single day, potentially for decades, so the long-term durability of 18ct gold is valuable.
However, 9ct gold can be a great option if:
- You’re working with a limited budget
- You prefer a lighter gold color
- You’re particularly hard on your jewelry and need the extra hardness
Everyday Jewelry (Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings)
For pieces you wear regularly but not 24/7, 9ct gold can be an excellent choice. Think about:
- Earrings: 9ct gold earrings offer a good balance of affordability and durability
- Bracelets: These take more knocks than most jewelry, so the hardness of 9ct gold can be advantageous
- Necklaces: For pendants with gemstones where the gold is not the main feature, 9ct gold lets you invest more in the stones
Statement Pieces
For larger statement pieces, 9ct gold can allow you to go bigger without the massive price tag of 18ct gold. The weight difference can also make larger pieces more comfortable to wear!
Taking Care of Your 9ct Gold
If you do choose 9ct gold, proper care is essential for ensuring it lasts. Here are my top tips:
- Remove before activities: Take off your 9ct gold jewelry before showering, swimming, cleaning, or exercising
- Store properly: Keep pieces separated to prevent scratches
- Clean regularly: Use warm water with mild soap and a soft cloth
- Professional check-ups: Have your pieces checked by a jeweler annually, especially for rings
Making Your Decision: Key Factors to Consider
When deciding between 9ct and 18ct gold, ask yourself these questions:
- What’s your budget? If cost is a major concern, 9ct gold offers significant savings
- How often will you wear it? For daily wear, consider the long-term durability factors
- What’s the design complexity? Intricate designs benefit from 18ct gold’s properties
- Do you prefer subtle or rich gold tones? 9ct has a lighter appearance
- Is it an investment piece? Higher gold content means better value retention
Real-World Examples from Lebrusan Studio
At Lebrusan Studio, we offer both 9ct and 18ct gold options for many designs. Here are some examples of when our customers typically choose each:
Popular 9ct Gold Choices:
- Matte hammered bands (the texture disguises everyday wear and tear)
- Simple pendant necklaces
- Stacking rings for occasional wear
- Gifts for younger family members
Popular 18ct Gold Choices:
- Engagement rings with intricate designs
- Engraved wedding bands like our Cedar wedding band
- Heirloom pieces meant to be passed down
- Investment jewelry
So after all this, is 9ct actually better than 18ct? Well, it depends entirely on your priorities!
9ct gold is definitely better if:
- Your budget is tight
- You need maximum hardness
- You prefer a lighter gold color
- You’re buying jewelry that won’t be worn daily
18ct gold wins if:
- You want maximum longevity
- Detailed craftsmanship is important
- You prefer a rich gold color
- Investment value matters to you
At Lebrusan Studio, we believe the “best” gold is the one that meets your specific needs. Both 9ct and 18ct gold have their place in a well-rounded jewelry collection, and we’re happy to help guide you based on your personal circumstances.
Remember, jewelry should bring you joy – so choose what works best for YOUR life, not what tradition or others say you “should” pick!
Quick Reference Chart: 9ct vs 18ct Gold
| Feature | 9ct Gold | 18ct Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Gold content | 37.5% | 75% |
| Price | More affordable | Approximately twice the cost |
| Hardness | Higher on Mohs scale | Lower but less brittle |
| Color | Lighter, subtle | Rich, vibrant yellow |
| Best for | Budget-conscious buyers, occasional wear | Heirlooms, intricate designs |
| Investment value | Lower | Higher |
| Allergy potential | Varies by specific alloy | Generally lower risk |
| Longevity | Good with proper care | Excellent |
Expert advice from qualified jewellers
Speak directly to our talented craftsmen and learn from their extensive diamond and jewellery knowledge.
We never compromise on quality. All our custom-made jewellery is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
We specialise in designing and crafting exquisite engagement rings that are as individual as you.
Come in for a design consultation with one of our friendly jewellers, and choose from a carefully sourced selection of loose diamonds, sapphires or other coloured gemstones. All engagement rings are lovingly made in our studio workshops and are covered by our lifetime guarantee.
Select from our wide range of women’s and men’s wedding ring designs or create your own unique design.
Choose from a wide selection of metal types, diamonds and gemstones and receive expert advice on the perfect wedding band for you. You can even experience our workshops first-hand by literally making your own wedding bands.
If you are ready to propose, you may already know that most couples want at least some element of surprise. An engagement…
We live in a world where almost anything can be ordered online in minutes. So, when it comes to something as…
Few pieces of jewellery carry as much history and symbolism as the signet ring. Once a mark of status and family heritage,…
What is the difference between 9ct & 18ct gold?
FAQ
Should I buy 9ct or 18ct gold?
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.Jan 10, 2025
What are the disadvantages of 9 carat gold?
An important factor to keep in mind, although 9ct gold is technically ‘harder’ when compared to 24 and 18 carat gold, because 9ct gold jewellery has less gold it can also be more brittle, and with a higher percentage of other metals it is more prone to tarnishing compared to jewellery made with higher carat gold.
Can you see the difference between 9k and 18k gold?
9k gold tends to be paler yellow in colour, while 18k gold offers the traditional, deeper yellow hue most frequently associated with gold. It also appears more lustrous and contrasts beautifully with diamonds.
Why is 9ct gold cheap?
9ct Gold Composition: 9-carat gold is 37.5% pure gold alloyed with other metals (like copper, silver, zinc). This mix makes it harder and more affordable than purer gold. Quality & Durability: 9ct gold is genuine gold and is hard-wearing for daily wear.