We wear our jewellery daily but how well do we really know our gold? Let's talk karats.
You've probably heard of 9K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K gold. But what do these numbers mean? The higher the number the higher the gold content and the price tag. The things is, while the higher gold content means more purity but more doesn't always mean better. A question we often get asked is, what's the best sort of gold to buy? To be honest, there's no one size fits all approach when purchasing gold jewellery as there are several factors can determine what's right for you. What's important is understanding what works for you and the purpose behind your purchase. Before we dive a little deeper, did you know that solid gold jewellery is:
- Sweat and water proof (yes, that means you can wear it to the shower!)
- Doesn't fade
- Will last forever (or for as long as you take care of your pieces)
Different classifications of gold
99.99% pure gold is often known as 24K. Apart from 24K, solid gold jewellery is made with a mix of alloys and a blend of precious metals to strengthen jewellery as pure gold is too soft, prone to dents and scratches and not suitable for daily wear.
9K Solid Gold
(A Double Solid Gold Initial Bracelet in 9K rose gold)
When we say 9K, we mean 9 out of 24 parts (37.5%) are made of pure gold. As one of our fine jewellery options, 9K jewellery is a great option for those who are:
- Looking for fine jewellery that is wallet-friendly
- Great for those who work with their hands
- Want durability in their jewellery
As 9K gold has a lower content of gold, the warm rich yellow sheen that we're used to when we think of a gold piece of jewellery as it is not as vivid. However, you won't be able to tell the difference if you're looking at a 9K gold piece on its own (we've tried!). Overall, it's a great option if affordability is a key consideration in your purchasing decision.
14K Solid Gold
(All solid gold jewellery are hallmarked. This numbers indicate the purity of the gold/ As seen on the Solid Gold Initial Bracelet in 14K yellow gold.)
14K gold denotes that the material is 14 out of 24 (58.3%) parts pure gold. 14K solid gold jewellery is often used for engagement jewellery and many jewellery settings. It is by far the most popular type of gold for engagement rings in the United States, United Kingdom and other western countries. We also notice that it’s becoming a go-to option for Singapore! What's great about it is its affordability and durability. 14K jewellery is a great option for those who:
- Would like a higher gold content alternative to 9K gold
- Affordability (willing to spend to a certain degree)
- Want durability in their jewellery
- Have sensitive skin (14K solid gold works great for those with sensitivities)
Similar to 9K solid gold, when compared with a 18K piece of jewellery side-by-side, its appearance may seem slightly duller but looks stunning on its own.
18K Solid Gold
18 out of 24 (75%) part pure gold, the advantages of purchasing 18K solid gold jewellery is its purity. It's the purest form of gold that is practical to use in jewellery that's worn on a daily basis. It offers a vibrant appearance of near-pure gold with the practical benefits because of a mix of alloys. Because of its purity, 18K solid gold jewellery is costlier than 14K and 9K solid jewellery. It's a great option for those who:
- Have a sizeable budget in mind
- Have sensitive skin (the higher purity in gold makes it less likely to trigger skin allergies as compared to 14K and 9K solid gold)
- Regularly cares for their jewellery
Although 18K solid gold jewellery has its advantages, its biggest disadvantage is also its purity. The higher the gold content, the softer the material will be. Therefore while brilliant, 18K solid gold jewellery is more susceptible to scratches and can be priced close to 2 times higher than 14K solid gold jewellery.
So when you're considering purchasing a solid gold piece of jewellery, it's always important to understand the drivers behind your purchase.
We hope you found this blog post helpful!
Love,
D