9ct gold jewellery: what it is and how to know if it's right for you.

Short answer: 9ct gold is a genuine solid gold standard (37.5% pure gold), warmer in tone than silver, more hard-wearing than higher-carat golds, and a lovely option if you want the meaning and design of a piece with a richer, more luxurious finish.

What 9ct actually means.

Gold in its pure form (24 carat) is too soft for everyday jewellery, so it's alloyed with other metals for strength - the carat number tells you how much pure gold is in the mix. 9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold, making it one of the more durable gold standards, well suited to jewellery you intend to wear daily rather than save for occasions. Our gold pieces are solid throughout, not plated, so the colour won't wear away over time the way gold-plated jewellery eventually can.

How to decide between silver and gold.

Some things worth weighing up:

Tone. If you lean warmer in your existing jewellery and metal accessories, gold will likely feel more cohesive. If you wear mostly silver, white gold, or platinum, sterling silver will match what you already own.

Occasion vs everyday. Gold carries a slightly more special, "treat yourself" feeling for many people - it's a popular choice for milestone gifts and for pieces meant to be heirlooms, though it wears just as well day to day as silver.

Budget. Gold costs more than silver, reflecting the value of the metal itself, so it's worth considering whether this piece is one you'd want to invest a little more in.

The meaning behind the piece - Phoenix, Sunrise, Darling Heart, and so on - stays exactly the same whichever metal you choose; it really comes down to tone and occasion.

What to expect.

All our gold pieces are solid recycled 9ct gold, handmade and hallmarked to order in our York studio. Because of this, gold pieces take a little longer than silver - please allow around 4-5 weeks for delivery, so it's worth ordering ahead of a specific date.