9ct Gold
Why we choose 9ct gold
When you buy real gold, you want a piece that lasts. 9ct gold is never plated, tough enough for every day, and a warm, soft yellow that suits every skin tone
As a qualified goldsmith, it's the gold I'd choose for the jewellery you never want to take off.
What does 9ct mean?
Carat (ct) tells you how much pure gold is in a piece, out of 24 parts. The rest is a blend of other metals that gives gold its strength and colour.
| 9ct | 14ct | 18ct | 24ct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure gold | 37.5% | 58.5% | 75% | 99.9% |
| UK hallmark | 375 | 585 | 750 | 999 |
| Colour | Soft, warm yellow | Richer yellow | Deep, bright yellow | Very deep yellow |
| Everyday wear | Hardest-wearing | Hard-wearing | Softer, scratches more easily | Too soft for most jewellery |
| Price | Most accessible | Higher | Higher still | Highest |
All four are real gold. The lower the carat, the more durable the metal.
Why we chose 9ct
- Made to last
Strong enough for every day
The blend of metals in 9ct makes it harder than higher carats, so it stands up to daily wear and holds its shape and polish beautifully.
- Real gold
Never plated
Unlike plated jewellery, there's no surface layer to wear away. Your piece stays gold, whether you wear it every day or keep it for a lifetime.
- Within reach
Real gold, fairly priced
9ct lets you own genuine gold for everyday pieces like huggies and studs, at a price that won't make you afraid to wear them.
Proof that it's real gold
In the UK, gold jewellery over 1g must be hallmarked by law. A hallmark is stamped by an independent Assay Office after the metal has been tested, so you know exactly what you're buying.
A UK hallmark has three compulsory marks:
- Sponsor's mark: the initials of the business that sent the piece for hallmarking.
- Fineness mark: the number 375, which shows the piece is 9ct gold.
- Assay Office mark: the symbol of the office that tested it, such as the leopard's head for London or the anchor for Birmingham.
Some pieces also carry an optional date letter and a traditional fineness symbol. Very small pieces under 1g, such as tiny studs, don't need a hallmark by law.
Is 9ct gold a good investment?
We see 9ct as an investment in wear rather than in metal value. Its lower gold content makes it the most durable and accessible way to own real gold you'll wear for years.
Is 9ct gold real gold?
Yes. 9ct gold is real gold, made of 37.5% pure gold blended with other metals. It's a recognised UK gold standard and is hallmarked 375.
Will 9ct gold tarnish?
It won't wear away like plating, but because it contains other metals it can lose a little shine over time, especially if stored for a while. A gentle wash in warm, soapy water brings it back.
Can I wear 9ct gold every day?
Yes. 9ct gold won't tarnish or lose its colour, so it's made for everyday wear. Most of our 9ct pieces are hollow, which keeps them light, so take them off for sleep and sport to avoid dents. Remove them for swimming pools and hot tubs too, as chlorine can weaken gold over time.
Why does 9ct look slightly different from gold-plated jewellery?
9ct has a softer, more subtle yellow than gold plating, which usually uses a higher carat on the surface. We love mixing the two, but keep a stack to one finish if you prefer a perfect match.
