9 carat gold was first recognised as a gold purity standard in the UK in the mid-19th century. Before around 1854, British law only permitted use of high purity gold such as 18ct, and 22ct to be hallmarked as gold. However, during this time an act of Parliament revised the hallmarking regulations. This allowed for lower gold purity standards being accepted. The purities that became accepted as part of this act were 9ct, 12ct, and 15ct. This adjustment introduced a whole array of more affordable gold jewellery. Over time as tastes and standards evolved, and 12 carat and 15 carat stopped being commonly used in the UK. 9 carat has now become one of the most used gold purities in jewellery within the UK.
Whether you are considering selling a 9 carat gold necklace, investing, or simply looking to understand how 9 carat gold is made, this guide will explore what 9 carat gold is, how it compares to higher carat gold alloys, its hallmarking standards, pricing considerations, and more.
9 carat gold is an alloy containing 37.5% pure gold and the remaining 62.5% is a mix of other metals. So, if you have a 100g 9 carat gold necklace, the necklace will contain 37.5g of pure gold. The 62.5% non-gold metals are commonly seen as copper, silver, zinc, or palladium. Gold is a naturally soft metal, these metals are added to the pure gold to improve durability, alter colour, and reduce the cost (vs high purity gold). The exact metal mixture can vary depending on the intended colour and other properties.
In the UK, 9 carat gold is considered the minimum standard for a piece to be legally described as “gold,” and this classification is supported by a hallmark confirming the gold content. The hallmark on the piece ensures that when you purchase a piece described as 9 carat, you are indeed getting a metal that is 375 parts per thousand (ppt) gold.
Gold is hallmarked in the UK as a way of protecting the consumer. For 9 carat gold in the UK you will often see a “375” stamp or “9ct” stamp. Gold from other countries can feature different hallmarks to represent 9ct. Reputable refiners and jewellery makers will have their items independently tested and hallmarked by an Assay office. This hallmarking guarantees authenticity and gold purity level.
9ct gold is the most popular gold purity used in the jewellery manufacturing industry in the UK. One of the reasons 9 carat gold has become so popular, is due to its price point. The lower price point of 9 carat gold allows it to be more affordable to the masses, as 9ct contains 50% less pure gold compared to 18ct for example. With the current spot price of gold globally recently reaching all time highs, we do wonder whether lower purity golds will be introduced to make gold jewellery more affordable again without having to buy plated or rolled gold.
Gold is a very soft metal, and in its purest form (24ct), it can be easily bent and manipulated with your hands making it unsuitable for everyday wear jewellery like rings and bangles. The added metals in 9 carat gold improve its hardness and resilience to denting and scratching, making it ideal for regularly worn jewellery. Although pure gold is not ideal for use in jewellery, we do occasionally see some Indian and Asian celebration jewellery in 24ct purity.
The other metals added to 9ct gold can have a greater influence on the overall colour of the piece, as they makeup the majority of the composition. The added metals will adjust the final hue for instance, adding more copper yields a warmer, red-gold tone which can create ‘rose gold’, while adding silver or palladium can produce a paler, more subtle yellow or even a white-ish tone as seen with ‘white gold’. This versatility allows jewellers to create a wide range of coloured gold pieces, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences.
9 carat gold is used extensively in the jewellery industry, from wedding bands and engagement rings to necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Additionally, some small gold investment bars or coins may be produced at 9 carats, although this is less common than higher-purity options intended specifically for bullion investment.
When it comes to investing in gold, 9 carat is not typically an investment grade option. For gold bullion investments purity is much higher as there is rarely any need for large quantities of other metals to be included. For investment grade bullion coins, we see purities of 22ct such as Sovereign Coins. These are technically legal tender coins and with these coins designed to change hands, the introduction of some other metals makes the coins more durable. For gold bars we normally see purity at 999/24ct, as these are purely investments there is no need to increase volume by adding other metals.
However, purchasing a heavy 9ct gold necklace for example will still contain 37.5% of pure gold so you will still see benefit if the gold spot price increases. Some investors may look to buy 375 jewellery or antiques that may appreciate over time, especially if they are crafted by a well known designer or carry historical significance. The relative affordability of 9 carat gold pieces can also make it a good entry point for beginner investors who want to benefit from gold price appreciation and own physical gold without committing large amounts of capital.
As 9 carat gold is 37.5% pure gold, its value per gram will always be lower than higher purities such as 18ct or 24ct. In order to value 375 gold, you need to follow the below steps or you can use an online gold price calculator.
It’s important to note that when selling 9ct gold you are unlikely to be paid the spot price for your gold. The 9ct gold jewellery buyer will work on a profit margin from the spot price. For unique, designer, or antique items, the overall value may exceed the intrinsic gold value due to rarity or historical significance, so check this before deciding to sell.
Like most precious metals, 9 carat gold requires proper care to maintain its appearance. If the 9ct piece is jewellery that is regularly worn, it can dull over time. 375 purity gold is a harder alloy compared to higher purities but it can still receive surface scratching from daily wear.
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