What does Gold Karat means? Carat Vs Karat? 

Karat is nothing but a scale to measure Gold percentage.

24K = 100%
9K = 37.5%

Now, think of it like this, if 24K is considered 100 parts then 22K means 22/24 meaning 91.6 parts. Similary, 18K means 18/24 which will give you 75 parts.

Using Same Logic:
24K = 24/24 = 100% gold 

22K = 22/24 = 91.6% gold

18K = 18/24 = 75% gold

14K = 14/24 = 58.5% gold

9K = 9/24 = 37.5% gold

Now, Carat is a completely different term.

1 carat = 0.2 grams (200 mg) 

The term “carat” comes from carob seeds, which were historically used as tiny balance weights because of their consistent size. 

Carat with a C refers to a scale to measure Diamond/Stone Weight.
Carat is basically another unit like grams, miligrams or lbs. 

Precious and semi precious stones are easier to imagine when Carat weight is used.
1ct looks better on my little finger whilst 2ct looks more befitting on my forefinger. It also makes pricing and trading simpler.

For example 1ct diamond usually costs much more than two 0.5ct diamonds.
I used the term 'usually' to emphasise that Diamonds are graded and priced using 4C's. (Cut, clarity, colour and carat) 

THIS IS A WHOLE OTHER TOPIC. MORE ON THIS LATER.

18K Gold vs 22K Gold?

Feature                          18K Gold                         22K Gold

Gold purity                        75%                                91.6%

Strength                        Stronger                           Softer

Color                         Slightly lighter                Rich yellow

Durability               Better for daily use      More delicate

Price                                 Lower                               Higher

• 18K Gold: It is cheaper per/g of jewellery as 18K means 75% Gold is used to make that article. 📉 

Best option for daily wear while maintaining traditional gold like lustre and colour. 

Often used for Diamond Rings and Earrings.

It is more durable than 22K.

• 22K Gold: It is more expensive per/g of jewellery as 22K means 91.6% Gold is used to make that article. 📈

Not suitable for everyday wear but is considered safer for investment and is a good option for Traditional and Wedding Jewellery. 

Might bend easily under pressure and heat.

Should I buy 9K Jewellery?

💛 You should buy whatever your heart wants. 💛 

37.5% Gold Content. Thats still pretty good.

On a more serious note, 9K Jewellery is an excellent purchase for someone who is beginning to buy gold or is on a budget.
It is the most affordable Gold Jewellery that you can purchase at the moment in India or anywhere for that matter. 

Good thing about 9K gold is that it is now BIS Hallmark approved and can be sold and purchased without fear of losing money on your purchase.

Let me give you a Pro's and Con's List:

Pros:

1. Affordable: You can buy more on a budget. 💰 

2. Durable: Very durable. Almost like wearing copper or stainless steel. 💪 

3. Real Gold: What I mean by that is even though its lesser Gold Percentage, it is still real gold alloy. Meaning it is 37.5% gold through and through. 🟡 

Cons: 

1. Colour: Might look pale yellow, or even dull to some eyes. 🎨 

2. Value: You might get less value when you sell it for cash. Reason being it is much more hassle for a jeweler to melt and extract gold from it. 📉 

3. Tarnish: Might tarnish more because copper and silver inside it might react with your sweat and perfume and oxidise. ⚠️ 

4. Skin Irriation: It is infamous for skin irritation and might be troublesome for your piercings. 🤧