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"K18 Hard" that is thin yet resistant to bending

極細でも曲がりにくい「K18ハード」

at cobacoA super thin ring with a width of about 1mm, widely available.In order to wear delicate designs without hesitation in daily life, we use a relatively hard material "K10" in addition to "K18," which is harder and more durable than the standard "K18."K18 HardWe have made it possible for you to choose from the material.

STUDY01: What is "K18" in the first place?

K18ハードについて|cobaco

Pure gold (100% gold) is represented as "K24". "K18" refers to gold that contains 75% gold. The remaining 25% is composed of metals such as silver and copper. By mixing these metals, the strength of gold, which is a soft metal, is enhanced.

STUDY02: The secret of strength lies in the remaining 25%

K18ハードについて|cobaco

The gold content in "K18 Hard" is the same 75% as regular "K18". The remaining 25% contains components that enhance hardness. As a result, durability is improved, allowing you to wear even a 1mm wide ultra-thin ring with confidence every day.

You can try bending a ring made of "K18 Hard," but it won't budge even with a little force applied.

(However, even though it is difficult to bend, it will bend if strong force is intentionally applied. It remains a delicate material. Please handle it with care.) 

STUDY03: Results after wearing for over a year

K18ハードについて|cobaco

"Gold Ring_plain (narrow)"

I cook three meals almost every day, and even when doing laundry or cleaning, I keep my ring on (I don't bother putting on gloves each time). I also carried heavy equipment during event setup and takedown.

STUDY04: Unbendable, Scratch-resistant

What were the results of the one-year experiment? First, please take a look at this.

K18ハードについて|cobaco

The ring in the middle has been worn for one year. The one on the right is new, and the one on the left is new (matte finish).

Although the shine has diminished compared to new items, there are no signs of distortion, deformation, or discoloration. There are some minor scratches here and there, but they are hardly noticeable to the naked eye.

Typically, with regular "K18", it gets scratched more easily and visibly becomes dull. I found that "K18 Hard" is less prone to scratches after wearing it for a year.

*Although K18 hard material is excellent in durability, it is not completely free from the possibility of deformation. Even with the same usage, deformation can occur depending on how the load is applied, and deep scratches may also occur. Additionally, the perception of fine scratches varies from person to person. Please consider this result as a reference only.

*Some items are not available in K18 hard material. Please check the material on each item page.