9ct vs 18ct gold: Which actually lasts longer?
Choosing between 9ct and 18ct gold for your engagement and wedding rings can be a tough call if you’re unfamiliar with these metals. It’s commonly said that 9ct gold is “harder”, and therefore lasts longer as a piece of jewellery. However the truth is more complex than metal hardness alone.
A Simple Way to Understand the Difference
To unravel this myth, let’s compare it to something we’re more familiar with - the humble dining table. The difference between 9ct and 18ct gold is a lot like the difference between a hardwood table and a laminate dining table.
A hardwood dining table costs more at the furniture store. It shows more surface marks, but these are easy to manage with some care, or even add to the character of the piece. Overall, the hardwood is stronger, sturdier, and more resilient to everyday life. In many years’ time, it’s likely this solid household staple will still be hosting family dinners decades later.
A laminate dining table, by comparison, is far cheaper at the furniture store. It resists surface marks better at first, so doesn’t appear to need as much care early on. Though it damages more obviously and irreparably over time. A laminate table is more brittle in construction, and simply won’t hold up as well to the demands of daily use the way solid hardwood does.
How This Applies To 9ct and 18ct Gold Rings
The difference between 18ct gold and 9ct gold rings is remarkably similar to this example. An 18ct gold ring is much like the hardwood table. A 9ct gold is much like the laminate table.
An 18ct gold ring will set you back a bit more at the beginning, but will far outlast the same ring made in 9ct gold. It’s softer and can seem like it marks more easily, but scratches are easily taken care of with an occasional polish. For an engagement or wedding ring that you plan to wear most days, and keep for many many years, 18ct is the stronger long term choice.
A 9ct gold ring, by comparison, is cheaper than an 18ct ring, but won’t last as long (and in fact, considering its shortened life, often works out to be more expensive per year of wear than 18ct). It resists less surface scratches initially, but its more brittle nature means it doesn’t hold up as well to wear and tear over time. A 9ct gold is unlikely to become a family heirloom.
So Which Should You Choose?
Your choice of gold for own engagement ring or wedding ring is a personal one. It comes down to how often you plan to wear your ring, and how long you keep it, which is different for everyone.
A 9ct gold ring can be a great choice if you’re on a tight budget, don’t plan on wearing your ring much, or intend to upgrade your ring later.
For a ring that you plan to wear most days, want to have in your life for many years, or potentially pass down as an heirloom, 18ct gold is unquestionably the stronger, longer lasting option. Durability isn’t the only difference either. If you’re deciding between the two, it’s worth considering how 9ct and 18ct gold compare in appearance over time too.
Still Not Sure Which Is Best For You?
Need more advice on which precious metal is best for your own engagement and wedding rings? Book an appointment to chat directly with an Australian jewellery maker.
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