Should You Buy 9 Karat or 18 Karat Gold?

When it comes to buying gold jewellery, one of the first things you need to decide is whether to go for 9 karat and 18 karat gold. It doesn’t sound like there’d be much of a difference between the two, but get it wrong and you’ll be left with a piece of jewellery that doesn’t quite hit the mark.

To help you out, here’s a breakdown of things to think about when buying gold jewellery to help you decide which option suits you best.

What’s the difference between 9K and 18K gold?

The main difference between 9K and 18K gold is how much pure gold is in the alloy. In 18K gold, 75% of the metal is pure gold, while in 9K gold, 37.5% of the metal is pure gold.

While 9K gold might contain less pure gold, that doesn’t mean it’s any less valuable for the right purpose. It’s all about understanding your needs and how the jewellery will be used. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll save money by opting for the cheaper 9K gold that contains less pure gold than its 18K counterpart.

Which one’s stronger?

Gold is a relatively soft metal and, in most cases, you would assume 18K gold is softer than 9K gold. However, 18K gold is stronger because it is alloyed with stronger metals

That’s because 18K gold is made of a combination of gold and palladium, while the 9K gold is made of a combination of gold and silver. Palladium is an incredibly strong metal and makes 18K more robust.

How does it look?

Because it contains more pure gold, 18K gold has a richer, deeper colour than 9K gold. If you're shopping for yellow gold jewellery and you want the classic golden hue, you’re better off with 18K gold.

9K gold has a slightly paler, more subtle look created by the higher amount of silver in the mix. Neither looks better than the other. It all depends on the shade you’re looking for.

Which one’s right for you?

Deciding which type of gold is right for you is tricky. It all depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal taste.

If you’re after something more affordable or you’re buying jewellery you’ll wear daily 9K gold is a solid option. It’s durable, and while it doesn’t have as much pure gold, it still looks great.

But if you’re after a piece that feels more special and you’re willing to invest a bit more for that quality, 18K gold is a brilliant choice. Plus, with the added palladium in our alloy, you’ll get that perfect balance of luxury and extra strength.