9-carat gold, 18-carat gold, or gold-plated? What's the difference?

What is the difference between 9-carat gold, 18-carat gold, and gold plating?

The difference between 9 and 18 carat gold and gold plating lies mainly in the amount of pure gold (also called fine gold) present in each type of metal.

9-karat gold contains 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals (usually silver and copper). It is harder than pure gold and more resistant to wear, but it is also duller and less expensive.

18-karat gold contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. It has a brighter, more vibrant color than 9-karat gold and is more expensive.

Gold plating consists of a thin layer of pure gold applied to a base of a less expensive metal (such as silver or brass). It is cheaper than 18-karat and 9-karat gold, but it is not as durable and the gold layer will eventually wear off.

A difference that few people know, yet it's essential before buying precious metal jewelry. At Ovation Bijoux, we are committed to educating our customers so they can make the best choices and be fully informed in their decisions. We know that buying jewelry online isn't always easy, especially given the many scams in the e-commerce market. Therefore, we hope this article will shed some light on the subject and guide you in the best possible way.

9-carat gold

Nine-karat gold has been a popular choice in jewelry for many years due to its affordability compared to higher-purity gold. It is composed of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals such as silver and copper, which give it a distinctive hue. Nine-karat gold is traditionally used in the making of signet rings and other family heirlooms passed down through generations. The alloy is also well-suited to engraving, making it an ideal choice for creating unique gifts or commemorative pieces to mark special occasions.

9-carat gold jewelry is generally more robust than jewelry made from pure 18-carat or 24-carat gold due to the addition of other metals in its composition.

Nine-karat gold is also known as "base gold" because it contains less pure gold than 18-karat gold (which contains 75% pure gold) and 24-karat gold (which is 100% pure gold). Due to its lower gold content, nine-karat gold has a duller, less brilliant color than 18-karat gold. It can also be more prone to scratches and losing its shape over time, so 9-karat gold jewelry requires extra care.

Despite these drawbacks, 9-karat gold remains a popular choice for jewelry due to its affordability. It is often used for inexpensive jewelry, such as rings, earrings, and pendants. It is also frequently used for everyday jewelry, such as chains and bracelets, as these are less likely to be damaged during daily wear.

It is important to note that 9-karat gold is not considered fine quality, so it is important to check the quality of any gemstones or precious stones before purchasing 9-karat gold jewelry. It is also important to note that 9-karat gold may be more difficult to sell or trade than 18-karat or 24-karat gold.

In summary, 9-karat gold is a popular choice for jewelry due to its affordability, but it's important to note that it contains less pure gold and may have a less brilliant appearance and be less durable than 18-karat gold. It's also important to check the quality of any gemstones or precious stones before purchasing 9-karat gold jewelry.

18-karat gold

18-karat gold is a type of gold composed of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals such as silver and copper. It is considered to be of fine quality and is generally used for high-end jewelry such as engagement rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

18-karat gold has a more vibrant and brilliant color than 9-karat gold because it contains more pure gold. It is also more durable and less prone to scratches and losing its shape over time. Due to its superior quality, 18-karat gold jewelry typically commands a higher price than 9-karat gold jewelry.

It's important to note that 18-karat gold is often used for jewelry set with precious or semi-precious stones because it can enhance the beauty and quality of the stones. 18-karat gold is also easier to sell or trade than 9-karat gold because it is considered to be of higher quality.

It is also important to note that 18-karat gold is subject to strict quality standards, ensuring that 18-karat gold jewelry is made with superior materials and has meticulous finishing. 18-karat gold jewelry often comes with a certificate of authenticity, which guarantees its quality and purity.

In summary, 18-karat gold is a type of fine gold used for high-end jewelry. It contains more pure gold than 9-karat gold, giving it a brighter and more durable appearance. 18-karat gold jewelry is often adorned with precious or semi-precious stones and is easier to sell or trade than 9-karat gold. It is also subject to strict quality standards and comes with a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing its purity and quality.

Gold Plated

Gold plating is a type of jewelry that is coated with a thin layer of pure gold over a base metal of a less expensive metal, such as silver or brass. It is often used for inexpensive jewelry because it is cheaper than 18-karat and 9-karat gold.

Gold plating is made using a process called electrolysis, where a layer of pure gold is deposited onto the surface of a base metal using an electric current. The gold layer is usually very thin, between 0.5 and 2 microns thick, giving the jewelry an appearance similar to solid gold.

Gold plating is often used for everyday jewelry, such as chains, bracelets, and earrings, because it is less expensive than 18-karat and 9-karat gold and can be worn regularly without fear of rapid wear. However, it is important to note that the gold layer will eventually wear away over time, revealing the color of the base metal. Therefore, it is important to take care of these pieces to prolong their lifespan.

It's also important to note that gold-plated jewelry can cause allergic reactions in some people, so it's crucial to check for any base metal allergies before purchasing it. Furthermore, gold plating doesn't have the same value as solid gold, so it's essential to verify the quality of any gemstones or precious stones before buying gold-plated jewelry.

In summary, gold plating is a type of jewelry coated with a thin layer of pure gold over a less expensive base metal. It is less expensive than 18-karat and 9-karat gold, but it is not as durable, and the gold layer will eventually wear off. It is often used for everyday jewelry, but it is important to take care of these pieces to prolong their lifespan. It is also important to check for allergies to the base metals and to verify the quality of any gemstones or semi-precious stones before purchasing gold-plated jewelry.