All That Glitters

Gold has been treasured for thousands of years, and it's not hard to see why. Its beautiful, rich yellow colour, natural lustre and ability to stand the test of time make it one of the most loved metals in jewellery making.

But not all gold is created equal. If you've ever wondered what the difference is between 9ct, 18ct and 24ct gold, or why one gold ring costs considerably more than another, it mostly comes down to how much pure gold is actually in the piece.

At Jewellery Collective, we're often asked which gold is best, particularly when it comes to engagement rings, wedding bands and pieces intended to be worn every day.

So, let's break it down.

What does carat mean when we're talking about gold?

When referring to gold, carat (abbreviated to ct in Australia) is a measurement of purity. It tells us how much pure gold is contained in a piece of jewellery.

You might also see the word karat, particularly on American jewellery websites. Don't worry, it means exactly the same thing. In Australia, we generally use carat.

Pure gold is known as 24 carat gold, meaning all 24 parts are gold. While it's a beautiful metal, it's also relatively soft, making it more susceptible to scratches and changes in shape.

To make gold better suited to everyday jewellery, jewellers combine it with other metals, such as silver, copper and palladium. This process is called alloying, and it helps change the metal's hardness, strength and colour.

The proportion of pure gold to other metals determines its carat rating.

24ct Gold – Pure Gold

24ct gold is as close to pure gold as you'll find, containing approximately 99.9% gold.

It has that unmistakable deep, buttery yellow colour and is highly resistant to tarnishing and corrosion.

However, because it's so soft, it can scratch, dent and bend more easily than lower-carat gold alloys. For this reason, it's not generally our first choice for delicate settings or rings designed to withstand the knocks and bumps of everyday life.

18ct Gold – A Beautiful Balance

18ct gold contains 75% pure gold, with the remaining 25% made up of other metals.

You'll often find the number 750 stamped inside an 18ct gold ring, referring to its 75% gold content.

For us, 18ct gold is a wonderful choice for engagement rings, wedding bands and special pieces you want to treasure for a lifetime.

It has a lovely rich colour, a high gold content and, when made with a suitable alloy, offers a great balance of workability, strength and durability.

Although it costs more than 9ct gold, it's often worth considering for jewellery that will be worn every day and hopefully passed down through generations.

14ct Gold – Somewhere in the Middle

14ct gold contains 58.5% pure gold, with the remaining 41.5% consisting of other metals. It's commonly stamped 585.

While not as widely used in traditional Australian jewellery making as 9ct or 18ct gold, it's particularly popular overseas.

It offers a middle ground in terms of gold content and price, making it another option worth considering depending on the style of jewellery and how it will be worn.

9ct Gold – An Affordable Option

9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals. You'll recognise it by the 375 stamp often found inside the piece.

It's a popular and more affordable option, particularly for those wanting the look of gold without the higher price tag of 18ct.

Because it contains a greater proportion of other metals, 9ct gold can be harder than some higher-carat alloys. However, hardness doesn't necessarily mean greater durability in every situation.

Depending on its composition and how it's worn, 9ct gold can be more prone to tarnishing, discolouration or corrosion over time. This doesn't mean it isn't a good choice. With proper care, well-made 9ct gold jewellery can last for many years.

What About Yellow, Rose and White Gold?

Here's something that often surprises people: yellow, rose and white gold can all have exactly the same gold content.

It's the combination of other metals in the alloy that creates the different colours.

• Yellow gold is typically alloyed with metals such as silver and copper to retain its warm, golden appearance.

• Rose gold gets its beautiful pinkish hue from a higher proportion of copper.

• White gold is made using lighter-coloured metals, often including palladium or other whitening alloys, to create a paler finish. Some white gold jewellery is also rhodium plated for a brighter white appearance.

So an 18ct rose gold ring still contains 75% pure gold, just like an 18ct yellow or white gold ring.

Is 18ct Gold Better Than 9ct Gold?

This is probably one of the questions we hear most often.

The answer really depends on what you're making, your budget and how you plan to wear it.

If you're investing in an engagement ring or wedding band that will be worn every day, we generally lean towards 18ct gold. Its higher gold content, resistance to corrosion and beautiful finish make it an excellent option for treasured pieces.

But 9ct gold certainly has its place. It can be a practical, affordable choice for earrings, pendants and other jewellery, as well as rings when the design and alloy are suitable.

It's also worth remembering that no gold jewellery is completely maintenance-free. Even the finest 18ct gold ring will develop scratches and signs of wear over time. That's part of the story of a piece that's loved and worn.

Choosing Gold at Jewellery Collective

At Jewellery Collective, we believe jewellery should be made to be worn, loved and enjoyed, not tucked away in a box.

Whether you're creating your own wedding rings, remodelling inherited gold or having something special made, understanding the different gold alloys helps you make a choice that suits your style, lifestyle and budget.

And if you have old gold jewellery sitting unworn in a drawer, it may be possible to give it a new life. We love working with sentimental pieces and exploring ways to incorporate existing gold into new designs.

Not sure which gold is right for your next piece? Have a chat with us at Jewellery Collective. We're always happy to talk through the options and help you find the right fit.