The price of 9 carat (9ct) gold varies by location and current market, but it's around £39-£40 GBP per gram or $75-$80 AUD per gram, reflecting its 37.5% pure gold content, meaning you'll pay significantly less than for higher purities like 18ct or 24ct. For instance, UK traders list 9ct at roughly £39.95/gram, while Australian gold buyers offer around $75-$76 AUD/gram.
As of early January 2026, 1 gram of pure (24k) gold is valued around $145 USD, though prices fluctuate, with variations depending on the dealer, form (bar, coin, jewelry), purity, and current market conditions, often ranging from roughly $140 to over $200 USD for small bars. For example, you might see spot prices near $145/gram, but a 1g minted bar could sell for $250 AUD or more.
Now, 9ct gold is only 37.5% pure, so its intrinsic value per gram is about 37.5% of £105.74 – which comes out to £39.65 per gram for 9ct gold. To put it simply, if you have one gram of 9ct gold, it contains 0.375 grams of pure gold. Multiply that by the pure gold price and you get the 9ct gold value.
22 kt gold coin comprises 22 parts of gold and alloyed metals such as silver, copper, and zinc. This makes it highly durable, as it is moulded with silver, copper, and zinc. Whereas, a 24 kt gold coin comprises 24 parts of gold without moulding any other metals.
Gold and silver prices saw record highs in 2025. Global factors like central bank buying and geopolitical risks drove these surges. Indian demand remained steady but did not lead the price increases. High prices are now influencing consumer buying patterns.
Alright, so let's break this down — 9 karat gold (sometimes written as 9kt gold, or 9 karat gold) isn't fake, cheap, or “low quality.” It's just a different blend — one that actually works better for regular, real-life wear.
One of the biggest practical differences is price. Since 18ct contains twice the amount of gold as 9ct, and gold is the expensive part, 18ct jewellery is significantly more expensive than 9ct.
All in all, 9ct gold is tough enough to survive a lifetime of wear - but 18ct gold is better suited to heirloom pieces chosen with future generations in mind.
How to Check If 9ct Gold is Real
Gold prices fluctuate daily, but today's market remains well above long-term averages. Selling gold jewelry is typically a practical decision. Jewelry value is driven by weight and purity, not sentimental attachment, and many people choose to sell pieces they no longer wear or plan to use.
Most analysts see the price of gold settling between $4,000 and $5,000 per troy ounce in 2026, with caveats. For instance, Goldman Sachs has a price target of $4,900. But the firm sees "significant upside" potential to that target if investors shift more of their traditional equity and bond exposure to gold ETFs.
– 22K Gold is also referred to as 916 gold. It has 91.6% gold and a little bit of other metals for strength. Most of the gold jewellery is made from this. – 18K Gold has 75% gold, with more other metals.
24 carat is pure gold with no other metals. Lower caratages contain less gold; 18 carat gold contains 75 per cent gold and 25 per cent other metals, often copper or silver. The minimum caratage for an item to be called gold varies by country.
Carefully place the gold piece into a bowl or cup of water. Genuine gold will settle to the base of the cup. If it is not real, it will rise to the top of the cup or remain motionless in the middle. Because of its high density, gold will quickly settle to the bottom of any water container.
How much can I sell 1 ounce of 24ct gold for? As of January 9, 2026, here's how much we're paying for 1 ounce of 24ct gold: 1 troy ounce (31.1035 grams): £3,268.81.
Ultimately though, gold is seen as a good long-term investment, protecting your money over the years. It offers strong potential returns, at low risk, and is the perfect way to diversify your portfolio and spread your exposure to any losses.
10K gold is the least pure, least expensive, yet most durable, form of gold used widely in jewelry today. With its 41.7% gold purity, it's the most impure gold available on the market that can still legally be called “gold” in the US and most other countries.
This is because white gold is actually an alloy of gold. An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals. What this means, is that white gold is actually made up of a blend of pure yellow gold, plus other precious metals like palladium, platinum and silver.
18 karat gold is purer and, well, more gold than 9 karats, so it's always best to opt for 18 karats if you can. It doesn't tarnish, it's more durable and because it costs more, it'll be worth more in the long run. Conversely, 9-karat gold contains a higher proportion of other metals so it will tarnish over time.