Gold & Plating Type
9ct Yellow Gold
37.5% Pure Gold
9ct yellow gold plating delivers a warm, classic gold finish at an accessible price point. With 37.5% gold content, it offers excellent durability and a rich yellow tone that suits everything from fashion jewellery to everyday accessories.
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Tone
Warm yellow
Brightness
Medium — classic, understated gold
Warmth
Warm
Style
A classic, warm yellow gold with a slightly muted tone compared to 18ct
About 9ct Yellow Gold
9ct yellow gold is the most widely used gold alloy in Australian jewellery, and for good reason. The 37.5% gold content is alloyed with silver, copper, and zinc to produce a metal that is harder and more scratch-resistant than higher-carat golds, making it ideal for items that will be worn regularly.
As a plating finish, 9ct yellow gold produces a warm, slightly muted yellow tone — less intensely yellow than 18ct but still unmistakably gold. Many clients prefer this more understated warmth for everyday pieces, as it complements a wide range of skin tones and clothing styles.
The lower gold content also makes 9ct plating significantly more economical than 18ct, particularly for thicker deposits like Heavy (5–10 µm) where the gold content per piece is substantial. For high-volume fashion jewellery production or watch restoration where cost is a consideration, 9ct is often the practical choice.
9ct yellow gold plating is compatible with all our thickness options — from Flash for decorative display pieces through to Heavy for watch cases and rings requiring maximum durability. It is also available as a Gold Vermeil deposit on sterling silver.
Specifications
Gold Purity
37.5% (9 carat / 375)
Colour
Warm yellow gold
Hardness
Higher than 18ct — more scratch resistant
Tarnish Resistance
Good
Available Thicknesses
Flash, Standard, Gold Vermeil, Heavy
Typical Use
Fashion jewellery, watches, everyday accessories
Is 9ct Yellow Gold Right for Your Project?
Best For
- Fashion jewellery and retail collections
- Watch case and bracelet restoration
- High-volume production runs
- Everyday rings and bangles
- Clients seeking a classic, understated gold finish
- Cost-sensitive projects requiring thicker deposits
Not Ideal For
- Clients wanting the deepest, richest yellow (choose 18ct)
- Pieces where maximum gold purity is specified
Available Plating Thicknesses
Care & Maintenance
Store in a soft pouch or jewellery box to prevent scratching
Remove before swimming, bathing, or applying perfume and lotions
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wearing
Avoid abrasive cleaners or ultrasonic cleaning
Re-plate when the finish begins to show wear
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 9ct yellow gold plating the same as solid 9ct gold?
No. Solid 9ct gold is a through-and-through alloy. 9ct gold plating is a thin electrodeposited layer of 9ct gold alloy over a base metal. The appearance is identical but the durability and cost are very different.
How does 9ct compare to 18ct in appearance?
9ct yellow gold has a slightly more muted, warmer tone compared to the richer, more intense yellow of 18ct. Many people cannot distinguish them by eye, but side by side 18ct is noticeably more vibrant.
Can I specify 9ct for a Gold Vermeil finish?
Yes. While 18ct is the most common choice for Gold Vermeil, we can apply a 9ct yellow gold vermeil deposit on sterling silver on request. The finish meets the 2.5 µm minimum thickness requirement.
Is 9ct gold plating suitable for people with metal allergies?
The plating layer itself is a gold alloy, but very thin deposits may wear through to the base metal over time. If you have a nickel allergy, we recommend a nickel-free base coat and a thicker deposit (Standard or Heavy) to minimise skin contact with the base metal.
Other Gold & Plating Types
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