The Difference Between 9kt, 14kt and 18kt Gold

Understanding Gold Karat

For thousands of years, gold has symbolised beauty, value and something enduring. Yet not all gold is the same. When we speak of 9kt, 14kt and 18kt gold, we are essentially talking about purity and the balance between strength, colour and exclusivity.

What Does Karat Mean?

Karat (kt) indicates how much of a piece of jewellery consists of pure gold. Pure gold is 24 karat, but in jewellery, gold is alloyed with other metals to create strength and durability.

• 9kt gold contains 37.5% pure gold
• 14kt gold contains 58.5% pure gold
• 18kt gold contains 75% pure gold

The remaining percentage typically consists of metals such as silver, copper or palladium, which influence both colour and durability. Learn more about the gold used in our jewellery.

The Difference in Practice

The higher the karat, the higher the gold content and the richer the colour.

• 9kt gold has a lighter, more subdued tone and is highly durable, but contains relatively little gold.
• 14kt gold offers a balance between strength and beauty and is a popular choice in many jewellery collections.
• 18kt gold has a deeper, richer glow and an exclusive weight and presence that can be appreciated both visually and in the hand.

Why Choose 18kt Gold?

18kt gold represents the point where preciousness and functionality meet in perfect balance. Its high gold content gives it a naturally warm glow that is not only seen, but felt. The colour is softer, deeper and more vibrant. At the same time, the alloy remains strong enough to be worn throughout a lifetime and passed down through generations.

18kt gold develops a beautiful patina over time while retaining its character. It is a choice rooted in quality, but also in intention.

Explore our collections, crafted exclusively in 18kt gold.

When Diamonds Are Part of the Design

When a piece of jewellery features diamonds, the choice of gold karat becomes even more important. Diamonds reflect light, and their appearance is influenced by the metal that surrounds them. 18kt gold provides a more harmonious and luxurious setting for the stone. The higher gold content works beautifully with the diamond’s natural brilliance and clarity. At the same time, 18kt gold is strong enough to secure the stone safely without compromising aesthetics. Learn more about our choice of diamonds.

This is why Helle Leiberg Nissen, our designer, works from a clear conviction: when materials speak the same language, a special sense of calm and balance emerges within the piece.

Explore our diamond rings.

The Origin of Gold - From Stars to Jewellery

Gold is more than a material. It is a trace of something far greater. Scientifically, gold is created during extraordinary cosmic events, such as the collision of neutron stars. Read more at NASA. During these powerful moments, the heavy elements that later become part of our world are formed.

This means that the gold we wear ultimately comes from the stars. Perhaps that is why we are drawn to it. There is something timeless about gold. Something that connects the outer world with the inner. A quiet reminder that we, too, are part of something greater.

When gold is shaped into jewellery and worn close to the body, it becomes more than an adornment. It becomes a connection - to nature, to the universe, and to the things we choose to carry with us.

At Ro Copenhagen, 18kt gold is a conscious choice. We work exclusively in 18kt gold, where the glow is deeper, the expression more harmonious, and the jewellery carries a sense of calm that can truly be felt. These are pieces created to be worn, cherished and preserved.

Discover Ro Copenhagen’s jewellery crafted in 18kt gold.