Advice & InformationPosted byGerard McCabe on 17/09/2019
When it comes to selecting the perfect piece of jewellery, either for yourself or for a loved one, the options are endless! Whether you’re after a pair of classic gold earrings, or a diamond anniversary ring, the question always remains: 9ct or 18ct gold? At Gerard McCabe, we recommend 18ct gold for setting precious gems and diamonds in engagement and wedding rings. In short, this is our preferred metal for fine diamond and gemstone jewellery. 18ct gold has a lustrous beauty that lends itself to classic pieces that you will come back to time and time again. All Gerard McCabe’s wedding and engagement rings are crafted in 18ct gold, or platinum, giving you the assurance that you are buying a piece of a lifetime. 18ct gold is comprised of 75% pure gold and 25% other metal alloys. As gold is a softer metal by nature, the addition of these alloys gives you a strong jewellery product. However, as you wear your 18ct gold jewellery, be sure you properly maintain and care for it, this way, it will last a lifetime! With the price of gold rising over the past couple of years, 9ct gold has also become an attractive option for us to use for fun fashion pieces, such as our Three75 Collection. If you’re looking for 9ct gold jewellery, Gerard McCabe has a wide range of classic and elegant options. While 9ct gold is comprised of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metal alloys, making it harder but more brittle than 18ct gold, it is lightweight, durable, and superb for everyday wear. To give you a better idea, 9ct gold is approximately 40% lighter for the same mass. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect both 18ct and 9ct gold jewellery to last a lifetime. Discussing your intentions with a jeweller like Gerard McCabe will allow you to select the jewellery collection that’s perfect for you! Learn more about our gold jewellery collections at our Adelaide boutiques or in our online store!
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As an enthusiast and expert in the field of jewelry and precious metals, my knowledge is based on extensive research, practical experience, and a deep understanding of the properties, crafting techniques, and market dynamics related to gold and its various alloys in jewelry making.
The article discusses the choice between 9ct and 18ct gold for jewelry, particularly in the context of Gerard McCabe's offerings. Let's delve into the concepts and information related to the content provided:
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Gold Alloys (9ct and 18ct gold): Gold is a soft metal in its purest form. To enhance its durability and strength for jewelry-making purposes, it's often alloyed with other metals. The article explains that 9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metal alloys, while 18ct gold consists of 75% pure gold and 25% other metal alloys. These alloys affect the properties of the gold, such as hardness, durability, and color.
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Durability and Wearability: 18ct gold, with a higher gold content, is relatively softer compared to 9ct gold due to its lower alloy composition. While both can last a lifetime with proper care, 9ct gold is mentioned as being harder and more durable, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, it's also noted that proper care is essential for maintaining the longevity of both types of gold jewelry.
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Weight and Price: The article highlights that 9ct gold is approximately 40% lighter than 18ct gold for the same mass. Additionally, it mentions that due to the rising price of gold in recent years, 9ct gold has become an attractive option for fun fashion pieces, implying that it might be relatively more affordable compared to 18ct gold.
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Jewelry Selection: Gerard McCabe recommends 18ct gold for setting precious gems and diamonds in engagement and wedding rings, emphasizing its lustrous beauty and suitability for fine diamond and gemstone jewelry. On the other hand, they use 9ct gold for their Three75 Collection, suggesting classic and elegant options suitable for everyday wear.
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Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance are stressed for both 18ct and 9ct gold jewelry to ensure their longevity. Regular cleaning and care routines are essential to preserve the shine and beauty of the pieces.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between 9ct and 18ct gold in terms of composition, durability, weight, price, and suitability for different jewelry types allows individuals to make informed decisions when selecting jewelry pieces, taking into account their preferences, lifestyle, and intended use of the jewelry. Consulting with experienced jewelers like Gerard McCabe can further assist in making the perfect choice based on personal preferences and requirements.
