Solid gold continues to trend among Gen Zers, and this is made even more clear by the slew of creators on TikTok that create content about fine jewelry and the value of curating a collection of investment jewelry pieces. One creator, however, has gained popularity on the digital platform for her enviable collection of vintage, solid gold charms and insightful take on when you should invest in 9-karat gold in particular.
After receiving a question from a follower, TikTok user @okay______fine posted a video in which she shared her opinion on when to purchase 9-karat gold.
“Nine-karat gold is more affordable … because it’s 37.5% gold, while the rest is other metal alloys,” she said in a video posted Oct. 5. “Twenty-four-karat is pure gold, so 9 out of 24 is 0.375. This means it is less pure gold, therefore it’s cheaper than 14 or 18.”
Given that it’s mixed with “other metal alloys,” @okay______fine added that 9-karat gold is stronger than other gold compounds, “since pure gold is a softer metal.” She added, “The colors are … slightly less yellow and more toned down, or sometimes a smidge pinker.”
According to the Royal Mint via DSF Antique Jewelry and Sky News, an “increase in gold investment” was driven by Gen Zers and millennials, “who increased their purchases by 38% and 29% respectively in 2022.”
The Irish Jewelry Company‘s website includes a comparison of 9-karat gold versus other varieties of gold:
- Due to the relatively low proportion of gold, it contains (9 karat gold is less expensive than compounds with greater karatages), 9 karat gold.
- Due to the fact that it is so much harder than the others, 9 carat gold is immune to being dented or scratched.
- 9K gold isn’t hypoallergenic like 14K or 18K gold. The greater the karatage of the gold, the less likely it is to cause allergic reactions and the safer it is overall.
- Gold compounds with a higher karat content appear more brilliantly golden than gold with a lower karat.
When should you purchase 9K gold?
While the decision on whether to purchase 9-karat gold is ultimately based on personal preference, @okay______fine said that she likes the “color variation” that incorporating this metal brings to her jewelry stacks.
“It helps break up colors visually,” she said, before adding that 9-karat gold is commonly found at vintage and antique markets, especially in pieces that were made in England, where it is the minimum percentage allowed to be sold as gold. “I’ll really only purchase 9-karat if the item is antique or comes from a country where 9-karat is standard [and] if it is an item that I don’t mind the slight color difference.”
Should an American brand manufacture “modern pieces” in 9-karat gold, however, @okay______fine may suggest steering clear.
“It feels like a ploy for higher profit margins, and I think it could be deceptive for consumers who are educated on gold standards,” she said. “Some people with metal allergies or sensitivities also might react to the larger portion of alloy metal in 9-karat gold.”
Several commenters and jewelry aficionados have taken to @okay______fine’s comment section to thank her for her insight. Others are also sharing their reasons for gravitating toward 9-karat gold.
“I personally love 9-10 carat as I love to wear my jewellery regularly and love the colour and durability,” @shannypants18 wrote.
“Ahh thank you!! I definitely agree with you on the vintage/ unique pieces vs new ones, you just made me realize that!” @adva.aknin replied.
“Agree with everything you just said. I buy 9k only if it’s something I like and it’s unique and vintage. Price is a big factor too. I don’t like new companies selling 9k at 14k. It’s a hard pass for me. But I do love dog clip chains and I find most of the in 9k,” @kittycatclaws_239 wrote.
To this, @okay______fine responded, “Spot on! i would never buy a staple piece in 9k if its already a very available style in 14.”
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What is 9K gold, and what should you look for in this type of vintage jewelry?
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