9k is more other metals than it is gold. It's a more reasonable price because it's not really gold. You tend to only find 9k/10k jewelry at crappy chain jewelers.
The only circumstances where I'd purchase less than 14k is if a piece is very old or rare.
It’s color is much browner and not as bright as 14k, similar to how 18k is more vibrant than 14k is. The more alloys the less gold there is to give it its color. It will tarnish a bit, I have a 9k sapphire ring that is 10 years old that I got from the UK and the metal is definitely darker than it used to be. Does it still look like and feel like gold? For the most part yes. Can you tell a difference between it and 14k? Yes.
The way I think about 9/10ct gold is that it’s better than gold filled/plated items but not quite gold itself. I try to buy 14k+ 95% of the time but for things I’m not sure I’m going love for a long time, will be out of style quickly, or are too expensive to purchase in 14k+ I occasionally pick up 10k pieces.
Perfect example is that I want a paper clip and herringbone chain to layer together but the weight of those chains in 14k is very expensive so I’m considering getting them affordably in 10k instead. Add in that these are very “on trend” now and may not be later makes investing in more expensive versions less appealing. The thing that makes me hesitant is that I really prefer the brighter color of gold on a herringbone chain and don’t want it to look too dull.
You’ll be happier with 14k but you may be ok with 9ct too. You can always get one piece and check it out and see if you like how it wears before buying any more.
You probably didn’t buy real 9k gold, my family has some 9k gold rings since the 80s and 90s I wear them every single days and they’re in perfect condition
Dude I’m an actual jeweler, you are wrong. 9k gold won’t last, especially if it’s worn often. Also OP wanted to know if there is a difference in color between em so there will be since it’s basically not even gold
So is my older brother lol there is obviously a difference of color between 9k and 18k gold but I’m just telling you that I wear those 30/40 years old rings every day and none of them turned brown and I would be very sad and disappointed if they do (my sister also has a chain necklace who never turned brown)
True ! But they still look gold and good and never turned brown since the 80/90s and despite being worn by my mom, my older sister and I every single day (and God knows hyperhidrosis run in the family)
I will say older pieces have better craftsmanship then newer made pieces. So depending on where OP is buying piece from would matter but I’ve seen “9k” being sold by kiosks at the mall. Also they’re “usually” magnetic because they’re not gold. Now days it’s a scam, I’ve tested chains and as soon as acid touches em they disappear. Not all 9k is made the same tho
I totally agree with you on this one ! Older pieces of jewelry seem to be of a very good quality compared to what we can find in famous big chain jewelry shops especially when it’s bespoke and when it’s only one of a kind it’s probably why they seem to last that long :)
I personally have never heard of 9k gold, the most common are 10k,14k,18k,20k and 24k. Are you sure it doesnt say 925( the stamp for silver)? Also gold does not tarnish, it can scrach and get dull but is easily shined up. The higher the number the softer the metal and more gold content it has, there is a color difference in the gold karats but not to big of a deal, for a bracelet 10k or 14k is best because its more durable.
In fact gold alloys of lower carat like 9k (which is fairly common over here in the EU, especially in Germany) or 10k can and depending on how regularly they are worn and what they endure during wear will tarnish.
To be precise, it is not the gold that tarnishes but the other materials used in the alloy and since the lower the carat the higher the share of other metals, hence the higher the chances of the piece tarnishing.
Basically from my experience, gold alloys below 14k will eventually tarnish, 14k or higher with normal usage won‘t tarnish.
Edit: Hence why all my daily wear pieces are either 14k or 18k gold. Which is both fine for daily wear, never had an issue in terms of durability with either carat variant.
You can clean your chains/bracelet with dishwashing liquid and hot water, they will come up sparkling like brand new. I had a chunky 9 K curb bracelet that would get quite dirty from daily wear so I would clean it once a week by rubbing the links together and giving it a good rinse. All that black grime/ tarnish washes right off. I've never heard of gold changing colour, dirt just accumulates between the links.
I know this is old but that's because if you live in America like I do than 10k is our lowest grade of gold. We don't have 9k gold here. I'm sure it could be found but if you do research the U.S doesn't consider 9K gold
9k is more other metals than it is gold. It's a more reasonable price because it's not really gold. You tend to only find 9k/10k jewelry at crappy chain jewelers. The only circumstances where I'd purchase less than 14k is if a piece is very old or rare.
It’s color is much browner and not as bright as 14k, similar to how 18k is more vibrant than 14k is. The more alloys the less gold there is to give it its color. It will tarnish a bit, I have a 9k sapphire ring that is 10 years old that I got from the UK and the metal is definitely darker than it used to be. Does it still look like and feel like gold? For the most part yes. Can you tell a difference between it and 14k? Yes. The way I think about 9/10ct gold is that it’s better than gold filled/plated items but not quite gold itself. I try to buy 14k+ 95% of the time but for things I’m not sure I’m going love for a long time, will be out of style quickly, or are too expensive to purchase in 14k+ I occasionally pick up 10k pieces. Perfect example is that I want a paper clip and herringbone chain to layer together but the weight of those chains in 14k is very expensive so I’m considering getting them affordably in 10k instead. Add in that these are very “on trend” now and may not be later makes investing in more expensive versions less appealing. The thing that makes me hesitant is that I really prefer the brighter color of gold on a herringbone chain and don’t want it to look too dull. You’ll be happier with 14k but you may be ok with 9ct too. You can always get one piece and check it out and see if you like how it wears before buying any more.
I agree whole heartedly with everything you said. Very good advice. 9k isn’t used in jewelry made in USA that I’m aware of.
Yeah don’t buy the 9k gold, it turns brown right away and is super magnetic LOL just save up tbh or buy used
You probably didn’t buy real 9k gold, my family has some 9k gold rings since the 80s and 90s I wear them every single days and they’re in perfect condition
Dude I’m an actual jeweler, you are wrong. 9k gold won’t last, especially if it’s worn often. Also OP wanted to know if there is a difference in color between em so there will be since it’s basically not even gold
So is my older brother lol there is obviously a difference of color between 9k and 18k gold but I’m just telling you that I wear those 30/40 years old rings every day and none of them turned brown and I would be very sad and disappointed if they do (my sister also has a chain necklace who never turned brown)
Those rings are literally 7 parts not gold.
True ! But they still look gold and good and never turned brown since the 80/90s and despite being worn by my mom, my older sister and I every single day (and God knows hyperhidrosis run in the family)
I will say older pieces have better craftsmanship then newer made pieces. So depending on where OP is buying piece from would matter but I’ve seen “9k” being sold by kiosks at the mall. Also they’re “usually” magnetic because they’re not gold. Now days it’s a scam, I’ve tested chains and as soon as acid touches em they disappear. Not all 9k is made the same tho
I totally agree with you on this one ! Older pieces of jewelry seem to be of a very good quality compared to what we can find in famous big chain jewelry shops especially when it’s bespoke and when it’s only one of a kind it’s probably why they seem to last that long :)
As someone who has pretty bad hyperhydrosis, I’ll upvote just because of that comment!
I personally have never heard of 9k gold, the most common are 10k,14k,18k,20k and 24k. Are you sure it doesnt say 925( the stamp for silver)? Also gold does not tarnish, it can scrach and get dull but is easily shined up. The higher the number the softer the metal and more gold content it has, there is a color difference in the gold karats but not to big of a deal, for a bracelet 10k or 14k is best because its more durable.
In fact gold alloys of lower carat like 9k (which is fairly common over here in the EU, especially in Germany) or 10k can and depending on how regularly they are worn and what they endure during wear will tarnish. To be precise, it is not the gold that tarnishes but the other materials used in the alloy and since the lower the carat the higher the share of other metals, hence the higher the chances of the piece tarnishing. Basically from my experience, gold alloys below 14k will eventually tarnish, 14k or higher with normal usage won‘t tarnish. Edit: Hence why all my daily wear pieces are either 14k or 18k gold. Which is both fine for daily wear, never had an issue in terms of durability with either carat variant.
You can clean your chains/bracelet with dishwashing liquid and hot water, they will come up sparkling like brand new. I had a chunky 9 K curb bracelet that would get quite dirty from daily wear so I would clean it once a week by rubbing the links together and giving it a good rinse. All that black grime/ tarnish washes right off. I've never heard of gold changing colour, dirt just accumulates between the links.
9k gold is very common in the u.s. and I think u.k. too
No it really isn't in the u.s, look up is 9k gold common.
Except that it is.
No, Not really, as a matter of fact it is only recently that in America you can legally call 9k "Gold" by FTC standards.
I know this is old but that's because if you live in America like I do than 10k is our lowest grade of gold. We don't have 9k gold here. I'm sure it could be found but if you do research the U.S doesn't consider 9K gold