375 Gold (9 Karats): Is It Worth It? Differences from 800 Portuguese Gold

Gold 375, also known as 9-karat gold, has a lower amount of pure gold in its composition and is therefore considered inferior. It is often compared to 800 Portuguese Gold. 375 gold pieces were created to meet the demand in certain markets for "cheap" gold.

As an example, consider a 10-gram ring made of 375 gold. It will contain 3.75 grams of pure gold and 6.25 grams of copper and silver. A 10-gram ring made of 800 gold will contain 8 grams of pure gold and 2 grams of copper and silver. Both 375 and 800 gold will have the same costs regarding design, manufacturing, transport, taxes, and profit. The only difference lies in the amount of pure gold (and the amount of copper and silver mixed in).

Difference Between 9-Karat Gold and 19.2-Karat Gold

Most people have the misconception that anything made of gold is pure gold. There is often no realization that gold comes in various "qualities" or alloys. Most people only notice these differences when they need to buy a piece. We see many couples looking for wedding bands who only then realize that, at the very least, there are differences in price.

When couples choose wedding bands, they visit a jewelry store and often select them based on shape, width, tone, and,significantly,price. Many do not realize or ask about the karats or the quality of each type of ring. It is common to see very similar rings where one costs €100 and another €400. But why this price difference?

Gold Qualities in Portugal

In Portugal, until 1998, there were three main qualities of gold:

• Pure Gold: 24 karats or 999.9 fineness (999.9 parts out of 1000 are gold).
• Gold Coins: 22 karats or 916 fineness (916 parts out of 1000 are gold).
• Jewelry Pieces: 19.2 karats or 800 fineness (800 parts out of 1000 are gold).

From 1998 onwards, rules were introduced for the free movement and trade of 18-karat, 14-karat, and 9-karat gold. In Portugal, we use 19.2-karat gold, while internationally, 18-karat gold is used. This is why the general idea exists that "Portuguese gold is better."

The justification for the price differences in seemingly identical rings is the quality of the gold. This information must be clearly marked in the information provided to the public.

Will 375 Gold Have Less Durability?

The doubt usually lies between choosing a 375/9-karat gold engagement or wedding band or an 800/19.2-karat one. An 800 gold ring contains 80% pure gold, while 375 rings contain 37.5% pure gold.

Common talk within the industry suggests that 800/19.2-karat rings maintain their beautiful color for a long period. In reality, 375/9-karat gold rings have more "other components" than gold content. This is reflected in the final beauty of the piece.

At the time of purchase, both look identical in the shop,well-polished and under bright lights, they both shine. Pieces made with lower amounts of gold often have a rhodium plating to make them shinier and more resistant, attempting to mimic pieces with a higher gold percentage. However, this plating layer eventually wears off over time.

When we buy used gold, we see that 375 gold pieces are often more scratched and have a more "coppery" coloration.

As a rule, the more karats a piece has, the more valuable it is and the more durability it will have in terms of maintaining its original shine and color.

Gold Hallmarks Summary:

• 19.2kt or 800%: Minimum 80% gold. Known as "Portuguese Gold."
• 18kt or 750%: Minimum 75% gold.
• 14kt or 585%: Minimum 58.5% gold.

9kt or 375%: Minimum 37.5% gold.

Is the Tone of Gold Linked to its Quality?

Gold pieces come in different shades depending on the alloy:

• Yellow Gold: Alloy of copper and silver added to the gold.
• White Gold: Alloy with more silver or palladium than copper (historically nickel was used).
• Reddish Gold: Alloy with more copper and some silver and zinc.

We hope these tips help you better understand the different qualities of gold.

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