Which Gold Carat Is Best For Your Jewellery? (Understanding 9ct, 14ct, 18ct and 24ct Gold)

At Eterling, we believe your jewellery should adapt to your life, not the other way around.
Every alloy we use is chosen with intention, for its light, its strength, and how it performs in daily wear.
Because behind those small numbers (9ct, 14ct, 18ct, or 24ct) goes beyond a simple measure of purity. It’s a balance between brilliance, durability, and everyday use.

When you buy a piece of gold jewelry, it usually isn’t made out of pure gold. The reason is simple: pure gold is very soft. If engagement rings, earrings and other jewellery were made using pure gold, they would scratch and warp easily. That’s why gold jewellery is made from an alloy combining pure gold with other metals.

What does “carat” actually mean and what is the difference between 9ct, 14ct, 18ct or 24ct?
Pure gold is naturally soft and malleable, which makes it unsuitable for most jewellery pieces. It would scratch, bend, or lose its shape easily.
To make it wearable, gold is mixed with other metals such as silver, copper or palladium.
The carat system indicates how much pure gold is contained in the mix.
The higher the carat, the purer and softer the metal. The lower the carat, the stronger and more resistant it becomes.

24ct pure gold (100% purity)

24-carat gold has a very distinctive colour and rich tone.
Because of its softness, it is rarely used in fine jewellery. It is mostly reserved for coins, bars, or specific industrial and medical uses.

In jewellery, its beauty comes with fragility, which makes it more symbolic than practical.

• Purest and most expensive gold
• Very soft, scratches easily
• Not suitable for everyday jewellery

18ct gold (75% purity)

18ct gold contains 75% pure gold mixed with 25% of other metals. It is the highest purity commonly used in jewellery and is often chosen for high-end pieces.
Its high gold content also makes it softer and more prone to scratches than 14ct gold.

• Used for higher-end jewellery
• Softer, requires more care
• Better for occasional wear

14ct gold (58.5% purity)

14ct gold is more durable than 18ct, making it a reliable choice for everyday wear, especially if you have an active lifestyle or work with your hands.
It is also one of the most popular types of gold for engagement rings in many countries.

• More durable than 18ct
• Well suited for daily wear
• Common choice for engagement rings

14ct and 18ct can both be excellent choices. The decision depends on your lifestyle.
If you want to wear your jewellery every day, 14ct is usually the more practical option, while still offering a beautiful finish.

10ct gold (41.7% purity)

10ct gold is less pure but more resistant.
It is well suited for everyday use, including travel or pieces you wear all the time.
Its colour is slightly lighter than higher carats, with a more subtle gold tone.

9ct gold (37.5% purity)

9ct gold contains less pure gold but offers strong durability and a more accessible price.
It is commonly used for everyday jewellery and casual wear.
Its colour is slightly lighter than higher carats, with a more subtle gold tone.

• Durable and affordable
• Suitable for everyday jewellery

Choosing your gold, the Eterling way

At Eterling, we design jewellery to be worn every day and last over time.
Each alloy serves a purpose:

• 9ct or 10ct for durability and accessibility
• 14ct for balance and everyday wear
• 18ct for higher purity and a more refined finish

All our pieces are made from solid gold, never gold-plated, gold-filled or vermeil.
Because what matters is how your jewellery holds up over time.

In the end, it’s not about choosing the highest carat.
It’s about choosing what fits your lifestyle.