Gold jewellery is treasured all around the world, not just for its intrinsic beauty but also for its material value which is often gauged by its purity. Purity levels, marked as 916 and 999, represent the amount of gold in a jewellery piece, which influences everything from appearance to durability.

However, when it comes to gold jewellery, a high number isn’t always synonymous with better quality. Let’s explore the characteristics of 916 vs 999 gold jewellery to find out why.

Understanding Gold Purity

The numbers 916 and 999 in gold jewellery represent the gold's purity level. These different compositions can affect a jewellery’s properties and price.

916 gold, commonly known as 22-karat gold, consists of 91.6% gold, with the remainder made up of other metals like silver and copper. 

On the other hand, 999 gold, known as 24-karat gold, is as close to pure gold as one can purchase, with 99.9% gold content. 

How the Type of Gold Affects Jewellery Design

The type of gold chosen for a piece of jewellery significantly influences the overall aesthetics and functionality of the design. Here's how 916 and 999 gold can affect your jewellery.

Colour and Finish

916 gold, or 22-karat gold, is comprised of 91.6% gold, with the remaining portion made up of metals such as silver and copper. The addition of other metals imparts a warmer, richer hue compared to the bright, vivid yellow of 999 gold. Different metals can also influence the colour of the gold. For example, adding silver gives a paler, almost greenish tint, while copper provides a redder shade. This allows for subtle variations in colour, giving jewellers and consumers more aesthetic choices.

Design 

999 gold is extremely soft and ductile, making it easy to shape but also highly susceptible to deformation, such as dents, bends, and scratches. When alloying this pure gold to create 916 gold, the remaining 8.4% is composed of metals like silver, copper, and occasionally small amounts of zinc or nickel. This enhances the overall hardness of the alloy, making it more resistant to scratching and bending whilst maintaining the gold’s malleability for jewellery making. 

Unlike pure 999 gold, which can deform easily under stress, the right mix of metals in 916 gold ensures that the alloy is soft enough to be shaped into intricate designs and hold them reliably. Additionally, these metals increase the tensile strength of gold, enabling it to be drawn into thinner wires or hammered into finer sheets without breaking, which is ideal for creating detailed filigree work and fine engravings. This blend of properties makes 916 gold particularly valuable for making jewellery with intricate designs.

Which Type of Gold is More Practical?

Durability is a crucial factor when discussing the practicality of 916 vs. 999 gold jewellery. While 999 gold's higher purity level may attract collectors and those looking for a high-value investment, its softness makes it less ideal for frequent use.

If you’re someone who prefers to wear their gold jewellery daily, 916 gold is undoubtedly the more practical choice. Its alloy structure is far more resistant to wear and tear, making it perfectly suited for everyday jewellery such as engagement rings and bracelets. Softer 999 gold, on the other hand, is best suited for pieces that are worn less frequently and on pieces such as necklaces, which are less likely to constantly come into contact with other objects throughout the day.

The Impact of Gold Types on Jewellery Value

916 vs 999 gold jewellery price is not just a matter of gold purity. We must also take into account the total cost of ownership, which includes factors such as cleaning and repair costs. Pieces like this beautiful 916 gold multi-ring bracelet from MoneyMax stand out not just for its aesthetic design but also for its practicality.

Owning 916 gold jewellery can be more economical over time, as it requires less maintenance and withstands daily wear better than softer 999 gold, which can cost more to upkeep. Plus, the durability and practicality of 916 gold add an intangible value: the joy of being able to wear your favourite piece every day. 

How to Choose Between 916 and 999 Gold Jewellery

Looking to buy 916 or 999 gold jewellery? Consider these key factors:

Usage and Lifestyle: Consider how frequently you plan to wear the jewellery and the activities you'll engage in while wearing it. For those with active lifestyles or who prefer to wear their pieces daily, 916 gold is ideal due to its enhanced durability and resistance to wear and tear. 

Investment or Personal Wear: While it is possible to buy gold jewellery as an investment and to wear, buyers very often lean one way or the other. If you're looking buying a piece as an investment, 999 gold typically retains more intrinsic value and is often more accepted by collectors and investors should you choose to sell.

Personal Preferences and Emotional Satisfaction: Consider how the jewellery matches your personal style and the emotional joy it brings. 916 gold offers a robust array of designs due to its versatility, making it possible to find pieces that resonate with your personal aesthetics. The ultimate value of jewellery often lies in the personal joy and connection it fosters.

Buy 916 and 999 Gold Jewellery with MoneyMax

Looking for a reliable place to buy a 916 gold bracelet, 999 gold bracelet or other types of gold jewellery? MoneyMax offers a variety of options that cater to different needs, whether for daily wear or as a valuable investment. 

Discover pieces like our 916 gold rope bracelet, which features an effortlessly elegant design that complements any outfit or occasion. As Singapore & Malaysia's leading jewellery brand with over 7,700+ happy customers, we invite you to explore and buy gold jewellery pieces from our online store.

Enjoy the convenience of free delivery for orders above $100 and take advantage of our 7-day free exchange policy at any of our physical outlets. Shop with confidence and add a timeless piece to your collection today.