18 carat gold is a gold based alloy that by weight, 75% of the metal contains pure gold (or 18 parts out of 24 contain pure gold) and 25% other metals. Other metals that may be included are copper, silver or palladium. Different metals can also be added to the alloy to adjust the overall colour and hue. 18 carat gold is commonly used in higher end jewellery as it strikes the perfect balance between gold purity, affordability, and durability for everyday wear. Jewellery at 75% pure can show a deep yellow colour similar to 22ct gold, but at a lower price point and more durable.
The UK has strict gold hallmarking laws. Genuine 18ct pieces must feature a hallmark that confirms its fineness (750) to denote 75% pure gold content along with the assay office mark and the maker’s mark. The UK hallmarking system is trusted globally, it protects consumers and is a symbol of British craftsmanship. International hallmarks will often be ’18K’ or ’18kt’.
Rich Yellow Colour: With 18ct containing 75% gold it has a high gold content. It has a warm, luxurious glow that appeals to high end jewellery buyers. As it can look similar in colour to 22ct and 23ct gold, it becomes a more affordable option due to its lower gold content.
Enhanced Durability: Gold in its purest form is a soft metal, easy to dent and scratch. When mixed with harder metals, 18 carat gold offers durability combined with a high carat gold appearance. The alloying metals improve resistance to scratching and tarnishing, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
Hypoallergenic Options: The metals mixed with gold can cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin. Since gold in its purest form is hypoallergenic, a higher purity means a lower chance of an allergic reaction. Some lower carat golds, such as 9ct, can cause reactions in highly sensitive people. As 18ct contains only 25% of non-gold metals, it is a great hypoallergenic option where a reaction is unlikely.
A mistake many people make is taking the gold spot price per gram and multiplying it by the weight of their 18ct item. This is incorrect as the gold price is quoted in its purest form (999.9 or 24ct). To establish the spot price for 18ct gold, you need to take the spot price and multiply it by its gold percentage, 75%.
If the current spot price is £75 per gram, you would multiply this by 0.75, which will return the spot price for 18ct gold (£56.25).
If you are looking to sell your 18ct gold jewellery, there are many gold dealers who will pay high rates for your 18ct rings, necklaces, bangles, and bracelets. Use our 18ct gold price calculator to get an instant estimate on your gold.
If you are looking to invest in gold, then buying pure 999 is your best option as you are purchasing gold in its purest form. However, if you are looking to buy and wear a jewellery piece that will hold its value and maintain its condition, then 18ct is a great option. The higher the purity the better, but if you want something you can wear daily then 18ct gold can tick all boxes.
At recycle or scrap value, 18ct gold plated jewellery does not hold much worth as it would take a large volume of gold plated items to extract a very small amount of actual gold. Gold plated means the piece is made from a non-gold base metal with a very thin layer of 18ct gold applied onto the surface via a process called electroplating. This layer is often just microns thick.
The process for a gold recycler to extract the gold is costly and the cost can often outweigh the value of gold left at the end. However, gold plated items have a base metal which can be copper or silver, which can have some scrap value, albeit much lower than gold.
18ct gold remains a cornerstone of UK jewellery production. With its hard-wearing properties and luxurious appearance, it makes for an excellent choice. Whether you are buying, selling, or holding 18ct gold, understanding its gold content and how it’s valued on the open market helps you make the most informed decisions. For real-time spot price tracking and gold valuing, visit the Cheshire Gold Xchange homepage.
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