Gold is one of the most popular materials used in jewelry making and for a good reason. Its beauty, durability, and value make it an excellent choice for both investment pieces and everyday wear.

Have you ever heard of white or rose gold? What about 24K or 17K? Do you ever wonder what they are and how they affect the value of a piece of jewelry?

While gold is a timeless and beloved metal for jewelry, its types and colors can be confusing and overwhelming. Understanding the differences between gold types and colors is essential for making an informed decision when investing in fine jewelry.

So, let's take a closer look and unravel the mysteries of gold in the jewelry world.

A Comprehensive Look At The Composition Of Gold

Composition Of Gold

At its core, gold is an element found in the periodic table with the symbol Au. It is a soft, dense, and malleable metal with a distinctive yellow color. However, gold's unique chemical and physical properties make it special.

Gold is a transition metal considered one of the least reactive chemical elements, making it resistant to corrosion, tarnishing, and rust. This is why gold jewelry can retain its shine and beauty for centuries. In addition, gold has a relatively low melting point, which makes it easy to work with and mould into different shapes and forms.

Regarding its atomic structure, gold has 79 protons and electrons, with 118 neutrons in its most common isotope. It is a dense metal with a specific gravity of 19.3, making it more than 19 times heavier than an equal volume of water.

The Ins And Outs Of Gold Karats

When it comes to an understanding the value and quality of gold jewelry, karats are an essential factor to consider. A karat is a measure of the purity of gold, with higher karat gold being purer and, therefore, more valuable.

The Difference Between Karat and Carat

Before we dive into karats, let's clarify the difference between karat and carat. While the two terms sound similar, they have entirely different meanings. Karat refers to the measure of gold purity, while carat refers to the weight of diamonds and other gemstones.

Now, back to karats. Pure gold is 24 karats (24K), meaning it is 99.9% pure gold. However, pure gold is too soft for everyday wear, so it is typically alloyed with other metals like silver, copper, or nickel to increase its strength and durability. The amount of pure gold in a piece of jewelry is expressed as a percentage of 24, with 18K gold being 75% pure, 14K gold being 58.5% pure, and so on.

Understanding The Colors Of Gold Karats

In addition to affecting the purity of gold, karats also affect the colour of gold. Yellow gold is the most traditional and classic option, typically available in 18K, 14K, and 10K.

White gold is created by alloying yellow gold with other metals like nickel or palladium, and it is available in the same karat options as yellow gold. Rose gold, which has a pinkish hue, is created by alloying yellow gold with copper.

Gold Comes More Than Yellow

Gold Colors Jewelry

While yellow gold is the most traditional and classic colour for gold jewellery, it's important to know that gold can also come in a range of other colours. These colours are achieved through alloying; other metals are mixed with gold to create a new colour.

So what are the different types of Gold?

White Gold

One of the most popular alternatives to yellow gold, white gold is created by alloying yellow gold with metals like nickel, palladium, or silver. This creates a silvery-white colour that resembles platinum or white gold. White gold is often plated with rhodium to enhance its shine and durability.

Rose Gold

With a pinkish hue, rose gold is created by alloying yellow gold with copper. The amount of copper used can vary, resulting in different shades of rose gold. It's a popular choice for vintage or antique-inspired jewellery.

Green Gold

Green gold is created by alloying yellow gold with silver, copper, and zinc. The addition of silver gives it a greenish tint. Green gold is a unique and uncommon option for jewellery, making it a great choice for those looking for something different.

Understanding Gold Alloys

Gold alloys are a magical combination of pure gold with other metals, like silver, copper, zinc, and nickel. This blend of metals changes the color of gold and influences its durability and value.

Knowing the different types of gold alloys can help you decide when buying your next piece of gold jewelry. So, let's dive into the world of gold alloys and discover the secrets behind their shimmering beauty!

14K Gold

This is the most common gold alloy used in jewellery, with 58.65% pure gold and 41.3% other metals. 14K gold is known for its durability and affordability, making it a popular choice for everyday wear.

18K Gold

With 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, 18K gold is a higher quality alloy than 14K. It has a richer color and is more valuable but also more malleable and less durable.

22K Gold

This alloy has 91.7% pure gold and 8.3% other metals, making it a soft and malleable option for jewellery. It's not commonly used in jewellery because of its softness, but it's often used in decorative items like coins and sculptures.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, gold comes in a rainbow of colours, each with its unique charm and allure. From the timeless elegance of yellow gold to the romantic blush of rose gold and the modern chic of white gold, the gold color suits every taste and occasion. 

The next time you're shopping for gold jewelry, take the time to consider which color speaks to your heart and makes your spirit shine. Whether you're treating yourself or a loved one, a piece of gold jewelry is a timeless and precious treasure that will bring joy for years to come. 

So go ahead and embrace the beauty of gold in all its dazzling colours!

FAQs

Can gold be mixed with other metals to create different colors?

Yes, gold can be mixed with other metals to create different colours. For example, adding copper to gold creates a reddish hue known as rose gold, while adding nickel or palladium to gold creates white gold.

Does the color of gold affect its value?

The colour of gold can affect its value, as different colours of gold have different levels of rarity and desirability. Generally, yellow gold is the most common and thus the least expensive, while rose and white gold can be more valuable due to their unique properties.

Does the color of gold fade or change over time?

The color of gold does not fade or change over time. However, the finish of the gold jewelry can wear off over time with everyday wear and tear. This can be remedied with a visit to a jeweler to have the piece re-polished or re-plated, if necessary.