Whilst 9ct gold is technically 'harder' than 18ct gold, scoring higher on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, this doesn't mean it's more resilient in the long-term. 9ct gold is in fact more brittle, which means it's less resistant to knocks and scratches on a microscopic scale.
While 9ct gold is technically “harder” than 18ct gold, it can be more brittle and less resistant to knocks and scratches on a microscopic scale. All factors equal, an 18ct gold ring will hold up to everyday wear better than a 9ct gold ring when compared over a long period of time.
The higher the score, the harder the metal. Vickers hardness of 9ct gold is between 80 to 120 (depending on the other constituents of the alloy and the condition of the material). 18ct gold receives a score of between 135 to 165. So 18ct gold is harder than 9ct gold - science fact!
Can You Wear 9K Gold Every Day? Yes, you can because it's hard, strong, and durable.
9ct gold (37.5% purity)
While pure yellow gold does not tarnish and will retain its original colour forever, the strong presence of alloys (the metals that make up 62.5 percent of 9ct gold) in 9ct gold are susceptible to discolouration. Special care is needed to ensure your 9ct gold jewellery keeps its original shine.
It doesn't tarnish, it's more durable and because it costs more, it'll be worth more in the long run. Conversely, 9 karat gold contains a higher proportion of other metals so it will tarnish over time. ... But there's simply no substitute for the rich, luxurious feel of 18 karat gold.
All in all, 9ct gold is tough enough to survive a lifetime of wear - but 18ct gold is better suited to heirloom pieces chosen with future generations in mind. Whilst 9ct gold is technically 'harder' than 18ct gold, scoring higher on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, this doesn't mean it's more resilient in the long-term.
However, fine jewelry also can cause discoloration of your finger. Silver rings can turn your finger green or black. ... Sterling silver usually contains about 7% copper, so you can get the green discoloration too. Gold, especially 10k and 14k gold, usually contains enough non-gold metal that it can cause discoloration.
Pure gold never combines with oxygen, so it always stays shiny and doesn't rust, tarnish, or turn green over time. If you notice any of these changes in your jewelry, you can be sure that it is not made of solid gold.
It should be noted that 9ct and 18ct Gold should not be worn together as the 18ct will damage the 9ct. So, if a person has a 9ct and 18ct Gold wedding ring they should not be worn on the same or adjacent fingers.
Wearing solid gold jewelry, white gold or yellow gold, in the shower will not harm the metal itself, however it can reduce the shine therefore it is not recommended. Showering with gold plated jewelry can eventually cause the gold layer to wear off completely, therefore you should definitely refrain from doing so.
18ct yellow gold is softer than 9ct yellow gold. However, 18ct white gold is harder than 9ct white gold. (These differences in hardness are due to the gold alloys as well as the quantity of pure gold contained.) Platinum is the hardest and most durable of the precious metal options.
My view, as a practical person, rather than someone who loves to own expensive jewellery for the sake of it, is that 9 carat and 18 carat are both perfectly good enough for an engagement ring in terms of durability and quality.
The fluids secreted by a healing piercing cause corrosion of the base metals in the gold. Once a piercing is fully healed, Gold can be worn (9ct gold is recommended), although best for limited periods of time as they will tarnish and discolour when in contact with bodily fluids.
I.e. In 9ct gold, 9 parts out of 24 are made of pure gold. The other 15 parts are comprised of a different metal to enhance the strength of the piece. ... Whatever carat you choose, solid gold is and always will be a precious metal and a superior choice for jewellery over anything that is gold plated or gold filled.
9ct means 9 out of 24 parts of the piece are pure gold while the other 15 parts are a mixture of copper, silver and zinc. 18ct means 18 out of 24 parts of the piece are pure gold. Carat. Gold Content.
Because gold is a relatively soft metal, most jewelers mix it with other metals such as silver, copper and nickel to increase its hardness and durability. ... Elements such as sulphur and chlorine react with the other metals in the gold jewelry, causing it to corrode and turn black, thus blackening the skin underneath.
Why does the gold turns black? Gold turns black when some base metals alloyed with the gold react with or even to oxygen it can eventually discolor or even tarnish your gold jewelry. This Oxidation is working as the chemical reaction in which the electrons are lost.
If the jewelry leaves a black track on the makeup, you probably have real gold. Gold is extremely nonreactive, so real gold jewelry will never discolor your skin.
Gold does tarnish and scratch over time. To preserve the luster of your gold jewelry, avoid exposure to household bleach and other cleaning products, which will quickly cause gold to discolor and possibly disintegrate.
Livestrong says it could be contact dermatitis -- an allergic reaction that causes discoloration. Sometimes, if your skin is acidic, it can react with copper in gold jewelry. Avoid this by wearing higher-quality or pure gold. Do not rely on the gold test to check iron.
Ever found a gold ring that had turned a copper color and wondered why? Gold jewelry discolors over time because it is not pure gold. The gold itself typically does not change, but it is the other components that tarnish over time.
9ct gold is 9 parts pure gold or 37.5% pure, hence the stamp 375 found inside pieces made of this alloy. Due to this metals lower durability and tendency to tarnish, corrode and react with its wearers skin, Metal Urges choose not to work with it. ... It is after all only just a little over third pure gold.
24k Gold: Perfect (In Theory)
The most pure type of gold is 24k gold. This highest karat of gold is not used in jewelry as much as one may think due to the 24k gold's ability to bend easily because of its softness.
14K (58% gold and 42% alloyed metals)
It's ideal for everyday use and is the most popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands. If you have an active lifestyle (sports, regular exercise, manual labor, etc.), 14K jewelry would be the best option for you.