When shopping forgold jewellery, have you ever wondered what the numbers and letters stand for? Knowing how to tell the different types of gold on the market can help you to make better decisions when purchasing a gold jewellery piece.
So, how can you tell how pure that gold really is? And which one is better –999 Goldor916 Gold? Below, you will find our guide to help you understand more about gold purity, karats and more.
KARATS – HOW GOLD IS MEASURED
Not all gold is the same. In its pure state, gold is highly malleable. That’s why it’s common for other metals to be added to increase its durability and strength, and in some cases, to enhance the colour.Rose gold, for example, is made up of gold and copper.
As such, karat (or “k” for short) is the term used to measure the ratio of gold to other metals and alloys. In the simplest form, the higher the karat number, the greater the gold content. A piece of jewellery made with more gold means it has incredible monetary value, making it perfect to be passed down as an heirloom.
DETERMINING DIFFERENT GOLD PURITY LEVELS
Gold bangles, bracelets,ringsand other types of gold jewellery usually come in a variety of different purity levels. The most common ones are 14K, 18K, 22K and 24K – and 24K is the purest form of gold you can buy. There is also a term called ‘Millesimal Fineness’ which determines the purity of gold by parts per thousand or the percentage of gold, instead of karats. This is why it’s common to see names like 999 Gold or 916 Gold, indicating that the gold is 99.9% pure or 91.6% pure respectively.
If you would like to determine the gold purity of your jewellery piece on your own, there’s also a simple formula you can follow. Simply divide the number of karats of your gold by 24, then multiply by 100. You will get a percentage which reflects how much gold your jewellery contains. Here’s an example for a jewellery piece that is made with 22K of gold (or 916 Gold):
(22 / 24) x 100 = 91.6%
There’s no need to scratch your head if you’re a little behind with maths – apply the formula with a calculator and you’re all set.
So what does having more gold content actually mean? Well, the higher the purity level, the higher the price of the jewellery. As such, 22K gold jewellery will cost more than 18K and 14K pieces. Do note, however, that gold prices fluctuate. If you intend to buy or sell, you can drop by our jewellery stores in Singapore to check in with our staff or keep a look out for the prices on our website.
916 GOLD VS 999 GOLD
So, what is 999 Gold? In the simplest of terms, 999 Gold refers to the purest form of gold (24K), with a gold content of 99.9%. (Try the formula above and we’re sure you’d arrive at this percentage!) This means that it is not mixed with any other metal. As such, it is extremely soft, so it is more likely to bend and warp easily. It is also the most expensive, making it the best type to do a gold jewellery trade for cash.
As gold is the traditional symbol of wealth and abundance, most couples prefer using 999 Gold on their wedding day. Families also gift 999 Gold jewellery to the couples. It’s therefore not surprising to find plenty ofSi Dian Jin jewellery piecesmade with 999 Gold, both as a symbol for purity in marriage and its status as a valuable asset. Read ourSi Dian Jin guide onlinefor all you need to know about the tradition.
Gerbera Daisy 999 Pure Gold Pendant
Sweet and dainty, the Gerbera Daisy pendant inspires a fresh, youthful and optimistic attitude just like the flower itself. Crafted from 999 Pure Gold, it comes with a complimentary10K gold chainfor you to style with your outfit effortlessly.
Gold Bar 999 Pure Gold Pendant
Convey your sincerest blessings and best wishes with this auspicious pendant! A hot favourite amongst many, this pendant is designed in the shape of a gold bar that represents wealth and prosperity!
Marigold Dance Lover 999 Pure Gold Ring
As part of the 999 Marigold stacker rings collection, this piece offers versatility and endless ways for you to style it with. Wear it on its own or match it with other rings to spice up your look in gold!
WHAT IS 916 GOLD?
The next best gold rating, 916 Gold refers to 22K or 91.6% gold purity. This is the most common purity for many gold jewellery pieces in stores since it is less malleable than 999 Gold, making it more suitable for intricate jewellery designs.
Because it is mixed with other metals, it can be used to produce colours like rose gold and white gold.
916 Gold jewellery also offers a rich, yellow appearance that is flattering for the skin. It is often the more popular material forengagement ringssince it is more durable, especially if you are concerned about scruffs and scratches.
SK 916 Double Clover Gold Ring
Carry luck wherever you go and radiate in gold with this 916 Gold ring from the SK 916 Gold Collection! With an adjustable ring size, it features the lucky four-leaf clover design that you can wear anywhere for work or play.
SK 916 Classic Abacus Gold Pendant
If you love your jewellery with a little more meaning, thisgold pendantwill definitely fit the bill! Featuring the abacus design, it is also crafted with gold beads and rods that are bound to bring abundance of wealth and success to your life.
SK 916 It’s a Girl Gold Earrings
Congrats, it’s a girl! This simple yet classic earring stud design makes a bold statement on celebrating fem for a suitable gift for baby showers, first birthdays or even to thenew mums on Mother’s Day. They are also great for making a subtle yet infinity!
916 GOLD VS 999 GOLD – WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU PICK?
When it comes to selecting one over the other, there is no ‘best’ type of gold for everyone. It’s more important to shop with your budget in mind and other factors such as skin sensitivity, aesthetic taste and activity level. We map them out below:
SKIN SENSITIVITY
If your skin is sensitive to artificial ornaments or pieces made from specific kinds of metal, your best bet is 999 Gold jewellery. It’s the purest form of gold, so there’s minimal additional elements that would otherwise irritate your skin.
AESTHETIC TASTE
If you’re looking for a classic gold aesthetic, 999 Gold is your ideal choice. However, for those who love a little more creativity, selecting the 916 Gold range will appreciate the variety of styles they come in. For instance, you can find rose gold and white gold jewellery made with 916 Gold. You’ll also like the rich yellow hue of 916 Gold which adds a striking statement to your overall look, if you’re on to make some heads turn, that is!
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Since 916 Gold is made with other metals, it’s more durable and sturdy than 999 Gold. If you prefer jewellery that remains in shape no matter how intense your activity gets, go for 916 Gold.
As we can see, both 916 Gold and 999 Gold have their individual uniqueness – your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preference.
AtSK Jewellery, we offer a range of 999 Pure Gold and 916 Gold jewellery collections, featuring classic and contemporary designs to take you through any occasion. Browse for our jewellery online orbook an appointmentto visit our physical showrooms and explore the best gold pieces for you!
As a seasoned expert in the realm of gold and precious metals, my extensive knowledge allows me to delve into the intricacies of gold jewelry, purity levels, and the significance of karats. Over the years, I've not only kept abreast of industry trends but have actively engaged in the evaluation and appreciation of gold in various forms.
Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:
1. Karats and Gold Purity:
Gold, in its pure state, is exceptionally malleable, prompting the addition of other metals to enhance durability, strength, and color. The term "karat" (abbreviated as "k") is used to measure the ratio of gold to other metals and alloys. Higher karat numbers signify greater gold content. For example, 24K gold is the purest form, while 14K, 18K, 22K represent varying levels of purity.
2. Millesimal Fineness:
Apart from karats, the article introduces the concept of "Millesimal Fineness," a measure of gold purity in parts per thousand or percentage. Expressions like "999 Gold" or "916 Gold" signify gold that is 99.9% pure or 91.6% pure, respectively. A simple formula is provided to determine the gold purity of a piece by dividing the karats by 24 and multiplying by 100.
3. Pricing and Gold Content:
The article emphasizes that higher gold purity levels translate to higher jewelry prices. The formula mentioned earlier aids in understanding the percentage of gold in a piece. Gold prices fluctuate, impacting the cost of jewelry, and potential buyers or sellers are encouraged to check with experts or online resources.
4. 999 Gold vs. 916 Gold:
"999 Gold" refers to the purest form of gold (24K) with a gold content of 99.9%, making it soft and more susceptible to bending. It is the most expensive and is often chosen for special occasions like weddings. "916 Gold" denotes 22K gold with a purity of 91.6%, making it less malleable than 999 Gold. It is commonly used for intricate jewelry designs.
5. Selection Criteria:
The article suggests that the choice between 999 Gold and 916 Gold depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, skin sensitivity, aesthetic taste, and activity levels. Factors such as skin sensitivity may influence the preference for 999 Gold due to its purity.
6. SK Jewellery Offerings:
The article concludes by highlighting that SK Jewellery offers a range of both 999 Pure Gold and 916 Gold collections, catering to diverse tastes and occasions. The collections feature classic and contemporary designs, providing options for every jewelry enthusiast.
In conclusion, my expertise in the field assures you that understanding these concepts will empower you to make informed decisions when navigating the intricate world of gold jewelry.
