With all that’s been written about gold throughout history, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out what’s true and what’s a legend. But one thing is certain: fine gold jewelry has been treasured for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations such as those in Egypt, Greece, and Rome have left us a rich legacy in terms of artifacts adorned with incredible fine gold pieces. And over time, these masterworks have proven to be timeless pieces. So it’s no surprise that gold has gained in popularity throughout history. But what do you know about gold? Here we’ll share some facts about gold, the different karats and colors of gold and much more.
What is 18K gold and what exactly is a karat?
So you’ve decided to purchase a jewelry piece for yourself. But which type is the best? A karat is a measurement used in jewelry that indicates just how much pure gold is contained in an alloy.
24K gold is 99.9% pure gold meaning that 24 out of 24 parts of the metal are gold. It has a bright orange color and is not really used in jewelry since it bends and warps easily yet it’s the best type for investing in gold.
18K gold is composed of 75% pure gold and 25% alloy which is a mixture of metals such as copper and silver made ready for casting. 18 out of 24 parts of the metal are gold. 18K gold is ideal for jewelry since it is as pure as possible while still practical and has a rich yellow appearance.
14k gold is composed of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloy, meaning that 14 out of 24 parts of the metal are gold. Compared to 18K gold, it has a less vibrant yellow hue due to the lower saturation of pure gold, and is considered harder than 18k gold. 14k gold jewelry is most popular in the USA.
What are the different gold colors?
Gold comes in a variety of colors. Some colored gold is found in nature, while others can only be created artificially with the addition of other metals.
White Gold Jewelry – White gold has been around since ancient times; however, it didn’t get its name until 1906 when Edward Molyneux developed a process for mixing copper with white metal to create an alloy that was similar to yellow gold but whiter in color. White gold is mainly used for wedding bands and diamond jewelry.
Yellow Gold Jewelry – Yellow gold been used for thousands of years. It has a history dating back to 4000 B.C., with the earliest examples coming from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt where men and women both wore gold jewelry as it was highly desired as a symbol of wealth and power. It’s typically composed of pure gold mixed with other metals like copper and silver to achieve higher durability and the desired color tone. When pure gold is mixed with other metals, it produces a softer, creamier yellow as opposed to the buttery, yellowy color of 24 karat gold.
Rose Gold Jewelry – If you want jewelry that is somewhere between yellow and white gold, rose gold might be for you. Also known as pink gold, rose gold was created in the 19th century and adopted in 2012. It has a reddish color that’s created by adding other metals like copper or nickel to traditional yellow gold.
Exotic colors of gold – Black gold, blue gold, purple gold, and green gold are naturally occurring colors of gold. Some other exotic colors of gold are created by alloying gold in various proportions with other elements such as silver, cadmium, palladium and many more.
Grading based in part per one thousand (PPM)
Grading based in part per one thousand (PPM) is typically used for jewelry destined for the European and Asian markets.
Another way of expressing 18 karat gold is 999 parts per one thousand (ppt) fine
Another way of expressing 18 karat gold is 750 parts per one thousand (ppt) fine
Another way of expressing 14 karat gold is 583 parts per one thousand (ppt) fine
For example 18 karat divided by 24 karat equals 0.75. If you multiply this by one thousand you get 750. This means that 18 Karat gold is 750 parts per one thousand gold. 18K Gold and 750 are two different ways of grading the same gold alloy.
Find Gold Markings
Markings or hallmarks showing the gold grading (for example 750 or 18k) are found on jewelry pieces. These markings are often found hidden, but they should still be seen.
Gold markings on a ring can be found on the interior circle.
Chains and bracelets typically have gold markings on their clasps.
You can find these markings on the posts of earrings.
Invest in gold
For investment purposes, the best option is 24k gold as it is made of 99.9% pure gold. If you’re only looking to buy gold for investment purposes, it’s best to opt for gold coins or bars. These have minimal additional costs, unlike jewelry.
Even though this blog has all the needed information, we understand that it’s a bit overwhelming, so we provide you with our jewelry consultant, he’s ready to help you with anything you need.
Now that you know more about gold, it’s time to browse through Garo Boyadjian’s 18K Gold pieces and shop your favorites!
