If gold is described as 18k (or 18 carats), it denotes the amount of pure gold content. As pure gold is very soft, it needs other metals mixed in as alloys to give it extra strength and stop it from scratching or bending out of shape. 18k gold has 75% gold content and 25% alloy metals, usually zinc, copper, and nickel. 18k gold is hard enough to cope with everyday wear, making it an ideal choice for high-quality jewellery. The high amount of pure gold in the mix also means that it retains that gorgeous and unmistakable colour. If you compare a 9k and an 18k piece of jewellery side by side, you will notice a difference in the colour, with the 18k appearing lighter and brighter.
Learn more with our metal education guide.
Gold itself will not tarnish. Because there is such a high percentage of gold in 18k gold, it is highly tarnish-resistant and can be brought back to that brilliant yellow-gold colour with a simple wipe with a soft cloth. If you buy a yellow gold bracelet, you can keep it looking bright by cleaning it occasionally in warm, soapy water to remove everyday dirt, dust, and the natural oils from your skin.
Read our page on jewellery care.
Yes. In fact, a yellow gold bracelet makes a fantastic gift for all kinds of occasions. A simple yet elegant tennis bracelet works beautifully as an 18th or 21st birthday gift, while a gold diamond bracelet with a heart motif is the perfect present for a bride-to-be. A gold bracelet featuring a circle of diamonds can represent unending love, while a heart-shaped halo bracelet is the ultimate Valentine's Day gift for a significant other. There’s an 18k gold diamond bracelet for every occasion.
Once you put your gold bracelet around your wrist, it's unlikely that you'll ever want to take it off! However, if you're participating in sports, swimming, or doing activities that bring you into contact with dirt and dust (such as gardening), we recommend removing your bracelet and popping it into a soft cloth bag to protect it. The clasp on an 18k gold bracelet should be strong enough to cope with everyday wear.
