Last Updated on April 20, 2022
Gold is the most widely used material in the jewelry industry with 9k gold being used as one of the most popular karats of gold.
But what does 9k gold mean and is it a good choice for jewelry?
Keep reading to find out more about 9k gold and what it means for jewelry.
Contents
Is 9k Gold Good?
Purchasing an item that is made of 9k gold is a good option for customers who are looking for a durable and affordable piece of jewelry.
Although 9k gold is considered a low-quality gold, 9k gold does have a handful of benefits that make it an appealing purchase.
Some of the benefits of 9k gold include:
Durability
9k gold is made of a mix of gold and alloy metals. Because 9k gold is mixed with other materials, it is much more durable than higher karats of gold, making it a great choice for customers looking for a piece of jewelry that can withstand scratches and scrapes.
Versatile
9k gold can be worn on a daily basis, making it a great option for customers who want a versatile item to wear on a daily basis.
Affordable
9k gold is incredibly affordable. Because of its price, 9k gold is a great choice for customers who want a large jewelry collection.
What Does 9k Gold Mean?
The term 9k gold simply refers to the percentage of gold in an item.
What Is a Karat?
A karat is used to delineate how many parts of gold are in an item.
There are 24 parts within a karat. An item that is listed as 24k gold is considered pure gold because it has 24/24 parts or 100% of gold in the item.
How To Calculate Karats?
Use this simple formula to calculate the percentage of gold within an item:
Karat # / 24 * 100 = % of gold in the item
For example, an item that is listed as 9k gold will have 9 parts gold and 15 parts alloy material, making the item predominantly alloy. This item will be 37.5% gold.
An item that is listed as 14k gold will have 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy material, making the item predominantly gold. This item will be 58.3% gold.
Is 9k Real Gold?
9k gold items are considered real gold in some parts of the world.
9k Gold In The United States
9k gold is not considered real gold in the United States.
9k Gold Internationally
9k gold is popular abroad, especially in Europe.
What Is 9k Gold Used For?
9k gold is used in Europe to create a variety of jewelry items including rings and bracelets. 9k gold is also a popular material for men’s wedding bands.
Is 9k Gold Jewelry Expensive?
9k gold jewelry is incredibly affordable. Because 9k gold is considered low-quality gold, items will be priced more affordably than items with higher karat counts.
Can You Wear 9k Gold In the Shower?
It’s not recommended that 9k gold items be worn while in the shower. This is because 9k gold is susceptible to discoloration and tarnishing when exposed to water and chemicals.
Does 9k Gold Tarnish?
Yes. 9k gold is prone to tarnish, corrosion, and discoloration if improperly cared for. Be sure to remove 9k gold items before showering and cleaning to preserve its longevity.
Will 9k Gold Last?
9k gold has the potential to last with proper care and attention. However, without taking proper care of a 9k gold item it will likely tarnish or corrode over time.
Can You Wear 9k Gold Every Day?
Yes! 9k gold items are excellent for everyday wear. 9k gold items will mimic the appearance of higher-quality gold items but provide increased durability and strength.
Which Is Better: 9k Gold or 14k Gold?
9k gold and 14k gold offer different benefits, including:
Affordability
9k gold will certainly be more affordable than 14k gold. However, the quality of 14k gold will be much higher than 9k gold and will be considered much more valuable.
Durability
9k gold is far more durable than 14k gold. This is because the mix of alloy metals within 9k gold reinforced the item. Items that are 14k gold will be softer than 9k gold items and can become damaged more easily.
Longevity
9k gold items are prone to tarnishing and discoloration, making the longevity fairly low unless proper care is taken with the item. However, 14k gold items will last much longer than 9k items due to the higher concentration of gold within the
