When you’re buying a yellow gold wedding ring, you’ll be faced with the choice: 9ct or 18ct?
You can dig up all the technical facts online to help you decide.
Some facts are are pretty neutral: the colours of the two are similar, and they’re both ‘proper’ precious metals.
Some facts are a personal choice: The price difference sways toward 9ct if wedding planning budget is a concern.
What does 9ct vs 18ct mean in a practical sense, though, once you’re wearing it on your finger?
One word for you:
Oxidisation.
The additional metals in a 9ct gold mixture means the colour will change over time - and not very much time at that.
Here’s a ring with a 9ct yellow gold brushed centre, on my bench for its first touch up after about 2 years. On the right, you can see the colour it changed to. On the left, is the original colour it reverts back to with a spruce up by me.
In a practical sense? Choosing 9ct yellow gold means accepting the ongoing metal colour change, and the ongoing maintenance that requires over time. It also won’t last as long as an identical 18ct yellow gold band.
If your budget allows, 18ct yellow gold is the far more practical choice, for longevity, easy maintenance, and appearance.