How many times have you heard the term ’18-karat gold’ and said to yourself, “What does that mean?” If your answer’s any number more than one, you’re in the right place.
When it comes to the world of fine jewellery, understanding the nuances of gold can play a key role in your purchasing decision. Lucky for you, that’s where we come in – From what is 18K gold to its uses, we’ve synopsized everything you need to know about 18K gold into one article.
Read on…
What Is 18K Gold?
Before we dive into the world of 18K gold, let’s take a moment to learn a little more about pure gold itself.
You see, pure gold is like that one friend who shows up to a paintball game in a three-piece suit rather than the appropriate gear — Absolutely stunning, but you already know they’ll be the first ones getting hurt. By itself, this metal is too soft to handle the wear and tear of everyday life, which is why it’s often combined with durable alloy metals like copper and palladium which have no problem lending it a little extra strength.
The result? An alloy (a metal created by mixing two or more metallic elements) that’s equal parts strong and beautiful! Interestingly, depending on the amount of alloy metals thrown into the mix, the resultant gold metals can have varying purity levels.
Also Read: Know About 22K Gold
How can you tell what the purity level of a gold piece is, you ask?
With the karat system, of course!
In a nutshell, this system measures the purity of gold by calculating the percentage of pure gold (out of 24 parts) in comparison with the other alloy metals present within an accessory.
Coming back to 18K gold…
Made up of 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts other alloys, this kind of gold is a crowd-favourite in the world of fine jewellery. In terms of percentage, 18K gold is about 75% pure gold and 25% other alloys, which can include several metals like silver, copper and nickel, for example.
Apart from its elegant shine, this metal is celebrated for its durability. It’s kinda like the superhero of metals – Ready to dazzle without getting damaged.
Also Read: Types of Gold
18K Gold Colours: What Are They?
Psst…Want to know a little secret? Alloy metals aren’t just sidekicks; they massively impact the appearance of the main metal too. In fact, depending on the alloys, the resultant gold can appear in three distinct colours:
1. Yellow Gold
Imagine pure gold throwing a party and inviting its alloy buddies — Silver, copper and zinc into the mix. The result? Yellow gold. 18K yellow gold is adored for its soothing yellow colour and is a fabulous choice for anyone who loves all things traditional.
2. White Gold
Ever wondered what would happen if you combined silver, zinc, nickel and maybe a dash of palladium with pure gold? Because if so, the answer is white gold! Known for its distinctive sheen achieved through rhodium plating, the fashion-forward 18K white gold is just what you need to add a sophisticated yet chic touch to your jewellery box.
3. Rose Gold
Featuring a pinkish tinge caused by mixing copper with pure gold, 18K rose gold is basically the Marilyn Monroe of the metal world — Timeless, beautiful and always camera-ready.
So, the next time you want to treat yourself to a metal that’s Instagram-worthy, you know which one to buy!
Also Read: Know About 24K Gold
What Is 18K Gold Used For?
Fine jewellery for the most part!
Thanks to its high gold content (75%) and relative durability, 18K gold is often used to create everything from high-end bracelets to necklaces.
Did You Know?
Roughly 78% of the total gold mined each year is used to create jewellery. Why? Well, it’s mainly because gold is easy to work with, just like your favourite lab partner in school.
But don’t think that this metal is only used in jewellery. No siree! Apart from grabbing the spotlight in your jewellery box, 18K gold is also frequently used for various decorative gilding processes… Think: Gold leafing and plating.
So, there you have it, everything about 18K gold — Whether you love its colour or value, 18K gold is bound to be the best purchase you ever make.
Don’t know where to shop? Angara is a fabulous choice! Whether you’re in the mood to buy 18K gold rings, 18K gold earrings or something completely different, we have plenty of options for you to choose from.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and shop now!
Up Next: How to Test Gold at Home
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is 18K gold?
In a nutshell, 18K gold is an alloy (a metal made by mixing two or more metallic elements) comprising 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals.
