Why We Won’t Use 9kt — And Why It Matters More Than You Think
At Better Diamonds, we believe gold is the engine of fine jewelry. That’s why we never use 9kt gold, which is just 37.5% real gold — the rest is base metals like nickel and copper. It may look like gold, but it doesn’t wear, age, or last like true fine jewelry.
At Better Diamonds, we often say:
Gold is the engine. Lab-grown diamonds are the creative unlock.
It’s more than a tagline. It’s how we design — and why we never compromise on the foundation of our jewellery.
Because the part you don’t see — the gold under the polish — is what decides how long your jewelry actually lasts.
💡 What’s the Deal With 9kt Gold?
9kt gold = 37.5% real gold → Which also means 62.5% alloy — copper, nickel, zinc, and other base metals
So what are you really getting?
-
A piece that looks like gold
-
But doesn’t feel, wear, or behave like real gold
- And one that often scratches, tarnishes, and fades — fast
🧂 “Sounds rich coming from a lab-grown brand…”
Fair. We get that.
But here’s the difference:
-
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to natural ones — no structural downgrade
-
They offer ethical sourcing and design freedom without compromising on quality
-
9kt gold, on the other hand, does compromise — structurally, chemically, and visually over time
Lab diamonds unlock creativity. 9kt gold undermines the very engine of value.
⚠️ The Hidden Cost of 9kt
We’re often asked, “Isn’t 9kt still gold?” Yes — but just barely.
⚖️ The Gold Comparison Table
🟡 Even silver vermeil (gold-coated sterling silver) can offer honesty and stability than 9kt — because it doesn’t pretend to be solid gold, and its thick plating often lasts longer without fading like diluted gold.
💔 9kt Fails the Heirloom Test
🔩 Structurally Weaker
— Mostly base metals
-
Bends easier, breaks faster
-
Warps with time
-
Struggles with decades of wear or resizing
🧪 Ages Poorly
-
9kt tarnishes, fades, corrodes - Unlike 14kt or 18kt which develop a rich patina
-
Sensitive to moisture, sweat, and skin acidity
🧬 It Can Cause Allergies
-
Nickel and copper content = high allergy risk
-
Not suitable for sensitive skin or daily wear
Skin Reaction With Various Alloys in 9 KT Gold
📉 Low Emotional + Gold Value
-
Only 37.5% is gold
-
Low resale or melt value compared to initial markup
-
Doesn’t carry weight — financially or symbolically — over time
🛠️ Repairs? Not So Easy
-
Jewelers often refuse to work on 9kt pieces
-
Doesn’t solder cleanly and may crack under heat
An heirloom should gain character, not lose integrity.
🛡️ Chain-Snatching Isn’t a Reason to Downgrade Your Gold
A recent LiveMint report noted a rise in chain-snatching across India, prompting some brands to promote 9kt gold as a “safer” choice because it’s cheaper to lose.
But that’s like buying a cheaper car because car thefts are rising. Wouldn’t you rather buy the right car — and get better insurance?
At Better Diamonds, we offer theft protection with every jewelry piece. So you can own long-lasting, investment-worthy gold — and still sleep peacefully at night.
We believe safety comes from smart coverage, not compromising your heirloom. Because gold should hold value, not just its place on your neck.
🧬 Why We Won’t Use 9kt — And Never Will
Because we’re not chasing price points. We’re building long-term value.
If the diamond brings the beauty, then the gold must bring the investment.
9kt won’t hold its shape. It won’t hold its shine. And it certainly won’t hold its place in your story.
Because fine jewelry isn’t just made to be worn — It’s made to be carried forward.
🧭 The Better Diamonds Standard
We build jewelry that:
-
✅ Starts at 14kt gold — the real fine jewelry minimum
-
✅ Uses lab-grown diamonds as a design advantage, not a compromise
-
✅ Refuses to sell illusions, even if they’re profitable
You won’t find 9kt here. Not because it’s evil — But because it’s not enough.
💬 Design is what you see. Value is what you build into the part you don’t.
💬 Because Your Story Deserves Better Diamonds — and Better Gold.
We’d love to break this down for you in-store, on call, or over DM. Your gold should work as hard as your story does.
Explore More Here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gold-value-engine-diamonds-ride-shotgun-toshik-anand-lhvzc