Why buy 18-karat (750/1000) gold jewelry and not 14-karat (585/1000) or 9-karat (375/1000)?
In this summary:
The purity of gold.
When you want to invest in a piece of jewelry and you're just starting out, you often ask yourself: What is the difference between 18k gold and 9k gold? To answer this question, you first need to know what a k (Karat) is.
The Karat (k) is a unit that measures the purity of gold. Imagine dividing the metal of your jewelry into 24 equal parts. If your jewelry is 24k, it is made of 24 parts pure gold (100%). But since pure gold is too soft to be worn, it is mixed with other metals to harden it. This is where the difference lies.
Comparison: 18k, 14k, and 9k, what are the differences?
As you will have understood, 18k gold is purer than 14k gold and even purer than 9k gold. The latter two are composed of gold and other metals, as follows:
- 18k gold (750/1000): 75% pure gold + 25% noble alloys (silver, copper). This is the perfect balance: value + strength + durability over time.
- 14k gold (585/1000): 58.5% pure gold + 41.5% alloys. You start to lose some brilliance.
- 9k gold (375/1000): 37.5% pure gold + 62.5% other metals. Here, there is literally more of other metals than gold.
Why does the gold proportion change everything?
How does this gold proportion change everything? This gold proportion changes the whole game because pure gold does not oxidize. Indeed, the lower the gold concentration (as in 9k), the more likely your jewelry is to tarnish, blacken, or cause skin allergies when in contact with skin or water. An 18k piece of jewelry from Or Gemmes will remain as brilliant on the 10,000th day as it was on the first.
Everyday freedom
Choosing 18k gold jewelry also means choosing freedom, because you don't have to remove your jewelry to wash, play sports, or go to the sea. While 9k and 14k require constant attention to prevent damage, 18k lives with you, without ever losing its splendor or brilliance.
18k Gold: An investment and lasting heritage
Finally, let's not forget that gold will not lose its value. Buying an 18-karat piece of jewelry is not just about acquiring a fashion accessory; it's about acquiring an object that retains real intrinsic value. It's a small asset that you acquire and that you can, one day, pass on.