Not all gold is the same gold. A 9ct ring and an 18ct ring can look almost identical sitting side by side, but they're made of genuinely different amounts of the metal, which affects the colour, the durability and, obviously, the price. Here's a plain-English breakdown of what 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold actually mean, so you know exactly what's on your finger (and what you're paying for).
What does "carat" actually mean?
Pure gold is 24 carat. On its own it's too soft for everyday jewellery, so it gets mixed with other metals, usually copper, silver or palladium, to make it stronger and more wearable. The carat number tells you how much of that mix is pure gold, out of 24 parts.
Solid gold jewellery is stamped with a hallmark to prove it, usually a three-digit number rather than the carat itself:
- 9ct gold (stamped 375) - 37.5% pure gold. The most common purity in Irish and UK jewellery.
- 14ct gold (stamped 585) - 58.5% pure gold. A popular middle ground, common in American and European pieces.
- 18ct gold (stamped 750) - 75% pure gold. A deeper colour and higher gold content, at a higher price point.
- 22ct gold (stamped 916) - 91.6% pure gold. Very soft, mostly used for ceremonial or investment pieces rather than everyday jewellery.
- 24ct gold (stamped 999) - 99.9% pure gold. Practically never used in jewellery, since it's too soft to hold a setting or stand up to daily wear.
In Ireland, gold jewellery over a certain weight is legally required to be hallmarked before it can be sold as solid gold, ours goes through the Assay Office at Dublin Castle. If something is described as "gold" with no carat or hallmark mentioned, it's worth asking, because it's likely gold-plated rather than solid.
9ct gold: the everyday choice
9ct is what you'll find in most Irish jewellery boxes, ours included. Less pure gold means it's harder-wearing and more affordable, which makes it a solid choice for rings and earrings you'll wear daily rather than save for occasions.
9ct Gold Citrine and Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings - €125
Shop the citrine & pearl drop earrings →
9ct Yellow Gold Heart Cluster Ring, 375 Hallmark - €195
Shop the heart cluster ring →
Vintage 9ct Yellow Gold Cross Pendant with Blue Topaz - €125
Shop the cross pendant →
14ct gold: a warmer middle ground
14ct sits between the two, more pure gold than 9ct, so a slightly richer colour, while still tough enough for daily wear. It's less common here than in the US and mainland Europe, so it's a lovely one to have in the collection.
14ct Vintage Russian Wedding Ring - €345
Shop the Russian wedding ring →
18ct gold: the luxury option
18ct has the richest, warmest colour of the three, since it holds the most pure gold, but that also makes it softer and more prone to scratching, and it costs more. It's usually kept for fine jewellery and statement pieces rather than something you'd throw on every day.
We don't have solid 18ct pieces in at the moment, but our gold collection changes regularly as new vintage finds come in, so it's worth checking back.
What about white gold?
Quick one, since it trips people up: white gold isn't a separate carat, it's the same 9ct/14ct/18ct system, just alloyed with white metals like palladium instead of copper, then usually plated in rhodium for that bright, silvery finish.
White Gold Amethyst Studs - €105
Shop the amethyst studs →
And what about "gold" that isn't solid gold?
Not everything gold-coloured in our shop is solid gold, and we're always upfront about which is which. Gold-plated or gold-tone pieces are usually stainless steel or brass with a thin layer of gold over the top, no hallmark, no carat, and a much friendlier price. Great for trend pieces or everyday layering you don't want to stress about.
The Gold T-Bar Necklace - €15
Shop the T-bar necklace →
Gold Hoop Earrings with Ball Accent - €12
Shop the ball hoop earrings →
So, which gold is right for you?
- Want something durable for everyday wear, at a lower price? Go 9ct.
- Want a bit more gold and a warmer colour, still practical? Go 14ct.
- Want the richest colour and highest gold content for a special piece? Go 18ct.
- Want the gold look without the gold price? Go gold-plated.
Browse the full gold jewellery collection to see what's in stock right now, every solid gold piece is listed with its carat and hallmark, so you always know exactly what you're getting.