Your Guide to Choosing the Right Gold for You
Gold has long been treasured for its beauty, durability, and timeless appeal. But when it comes to buying gold jewellery, you’ll likely come across terms like 9ct, 14ct, and 18ct — and it can be confusing knowing what these mean and which one is right for you.
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between these popular gold alloys, including durability, colour, price, and wearability, so you can choose with confidence.
What Does "Carat" (ct) Mean in Gold?
“Carat” (spelled “karat” in the US) refers to the purity of gold in a piece of jewellery. Pure gold is 24 carats — but because pure gold is soft and easily scratched, it’s usually alloyed with other metals (like silver, copper, or zinc) to make it more durable for everyday wear.
The lower the carat, the less pure gold it contains — but that’s not always a bad thing. Let’s explore each type:
9ct Gold (37.5% Pure Gold)
Best for: Durability, affordability, everyday wear
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Composition: 37.5% gold, 62.5% other metals
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Durability: Very strong and hard-wearing
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Colour: Slightly paler than higher carat golds
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Price: Most affordable option
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Common Uses: Ideal for rings, chains, and pieces worn daily
9ct gold is a great practical choice. It’s durable, budget-friendly, and perfect for people who lead active lifestyles or are hard on their hands. However, it contains less pure gold, so the colour is slightly lighter and it may not have the same warm glow as 14ct or 18ct gold.
14ct Gold (58.5% Pure Gold)
Best for: Balance between luxury and strength
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Composition: 58.5% gold, 41.5% other metals
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Durability: Very durable, slightly softer than 9ct
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Colour: Richer and warmer than 9ct gold
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Price: Mid-range
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Common Uses: Wedding rings, fine jewellery, everyday luxe
14ct gold offers a beautiful middle ground. It contains more pure gold than 9ct, giving it a deeper, more luxurious colour, while still being strong enough for everyday wear. It’s especially popular in the US and a growing favourite here in New Zealand for those who want quality without the premium price tag of 18ct.
18ct Gold (75% Pure Gold)
Best for: Heirloom-quality, luxury, and special occasion pieces
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Composition: 75% gold, 25% other metals
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Durability: Softer than 9ct and 14ct, but still suitable for regular wear with care
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Colour: Deep, rich yellow hue
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Price: Premium option
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Common Uses: Engagement rings, luxury pieces, family heirlooms
18ct gold is often chosen for its high gold content and stunning colour. It has a soft, buttery glow that looks incredibly rich and luxurious. While it’s not as hard-wearing as 9ct, it can still be worn daily — just with a little more care.
Which One Should You Choose?
It really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal style:
| Gold Type | Best For | Price | Colour | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9ct | Practical, everyday jewellery | $ | Light yellow | Very high |
| 14ct | Luxe everyday wear | $$ | Warm yellow | High |
| 18ct | Special occasion, heirlooms | $$$ | Rich yellow | Moderate |
If you’re after something affordable and hard-wearing, 9ct might be the way to go. If you love a deeper gold tone and don’t mind paying a bit more, 14ct or 18ct will give you that richness and lasting beauty.
A Note on Colour Variations
All of the above carats are available in yellow, white, or rose gold — the main difference is in the alloy mix. The carat affects the purity, while the colour comes from the metals used in the alloy (e.g., copper for rose gold, palladium or silver for white gold).
Final Thoughts
At Ativa Jewellery, we believe in jewellery that’s as enduring as it is beautiful. Whether you choose 9ct, 14ct, or 18ct, you’re investing in a piece designed to last — crafted with care, and made to celebrate your story.
Still not sure which is right for you? We’re always happy to chat and guide you through the options based on your needs, preferences, and budget.
Ready to find your perfect piece?
Explore our gold jewellery collection — each one designed and handmade here in Aotearoa.