Can I put 9ct with 18ct gold?
I am shopping for my wedding ring and have been told that since my engagement ring is 18ct gold, I will have to get an 18ct gold wedding band to match it. I am not planning on taking the wedding ring off (whereas I do not wear my engagement ring to bed etc), and I have heard that 9ct gold is harder wearing. Would a 9ct ring look silly next to an 18ct one?
Kimberly, Dunedin
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Greg Holland answers...
Greg Holland is a passionate jewellery designer who has almost 20 years' experience working with a range of gold and various other metals. He dissects the 'carat' question...
There are no rules as to what you should and should not have for your wedding ring. However, in almost all cases, we recommend and manufacture wedding rings in the same metal as the engagement ring. This is generally in 18ct gold (of various colours - i.e. white, yellow or rose) or platinum - thus keeping the colours the same.
As a standard, 9ct gold is 37.5% pure, whereas 18ct gold is 75% pure gold. As such, 9ct is a bit harder wearing. However, if you have your ring handcrafted, the very nature of this process will harden the metal. If you choose a plain wedding band, this should be at least 1.5mm to 2mm thick to ensure its longevity.
If the decision is purely based on cost, then a 9ct gold wedding band will be less expensive. However, in my opinion, if it's true quality that you want, then I would opt for the 18ct gold or Platinum option. After all, you will be wearing this for the rest of your life.
Good luck,
Greg
PS - For more information about gold, its different carats and other metals, check out this article: Metal on the Mind
Ring pictured is a Greg Holland original design. Photo not taken by theBIGstep site photographers.
