Ah, gold – the shining star of the periodic table and the unspoken hero of the fine jewellery world. Whether 10K, 24K or a purity measurement in between, this gorgeous metal is all it takes to add a certain je ne sais quoi to a piece and take it from beautiful to drop-dead gorgeous. That said, have you ever stopped to wonder what the different kinds of gold are or how the quality of gold varies depending on its purity level?
‘Cause if so, you’re in luck!
From the different types of gold colours to the significance behind each purity measurement, this article is your shortcut to becoming a gold expert!
Read on…
What Are the Different Types of Gold Colours?
Believe it or not, pure gold, although beautiful, isn’t strong enough to handle the wear and tear of daily life. To make it more durable, it’s typically mixed with other strong alloy metals like palladium and zinc, for instance. Interestingly, these alloy metals, in addition to amping up the metal’s durability, can also change its colour. The three main gold colours are as follows:
1. Yellow Gold
Also known as the OG of the gold world, yellow gold is made by mixing pure gold with a bunch of other durable metals like silver, copper and zinc. The result? A metal that’s equal parts strong and beautiful.
What’s more, yellow gold is the closest to pure gold colour-wise, making it the go-to choice for those who want to channel their inner Midas without turning everything they touch into, well, gold.
2. White Gold
Created by mixing pure gold with silver, zinc, nickel and/or palladium, white gold is undoubtedly one of the trendiest metals out there. It owes its distinctive sheen to rhodium plating, which basically plays the role of a fairy godmother – turning an already gorgeous metal into something fit for a royal ball.
3. Rose Gold
IMO, rose gold isn’t just a metal; it’s a mood! This blushing beauty gets its pinkish tinge from the copper mixed into the pure gold.
Move over Cupid; rose gold is aiming for your heart!
Also Read: What’s The Difference between Rose and White Gold?
Gold Purity: What Is It?
The term ‘gold purity’ essentially refers to the amount of gold present within a piece and is measured in karats. The karat scale works by measuring the ratio of pure gold to other alloy metals in an accessory. It ranges from 0 to 24, with 0 karats indicating a gold-free piece and 24 karats indicating that an item is pure gold.
Did You Know?
In the U.S.A., a jewellery piece needs to be at least 10 karats for it to be officially considered gold. So, if you’re planning on treating yourself, aim for double digits darling!
How do I calculate the total percentage of gold within my sparkler, you ask?
Well, you need to do a bit of mathematical cha-cha for that! Take the karat measurement, divide it by 24 and then multiply it by 100. Et voila! You’ve got the magic number that tells you just how pure your gold really is.
Also Read: What’s the Difference Between White and Yellow Gold?
What’s the Difference Between Each Gold Purity Measurement?
1. 10K Gold
Constituting at least 41.7% pure gold, 10K gold is kind of like your dependable bestie – pretty to look at and stronger than anyone you’ve ever known (read: super-duper durable). Plus, it’s pocket-friendly, so you don’t need to take out a loan to wear it around town. Just beware of tarnish – it’s the metal’s Achilles’ heel.
2. 14K Gold
Featuring a respectable 58.3% share of pure gold, 14K gold is a sturdy option for those with an active lifestyle. With 14 parts of gold out of 24, it strikes a balance between beauty and durability, i.e., the gold sweet spot for many.
3. 18K Gold
Flaunting 75% pure gold content and just 25% other metals, 18K gold is perfect for everyday wear. After all, who wouldn’t want a metal that’s equally durable and high in gold content?
Also Read: Difference Between 14k and 18k Gold
4. 22K Gold
Consisting of 91.67% pure gold, 22K gold is undoubtedly one of the best types of gold out there. It’s durable and features a rich, warm colour that screams, ‘I’m worth it!’
5. 24K Gold
Unquestionably the most expensive type of gold, 24K gold is pure gold. Because of its high gold content (99.9%), this type of metal is typically reserved for gold coins, bars and certain medical and electronic applications.
Also Read: Is Gold Magnetic?
What Is Gold Used For?
Since its discovery, gold has been commonly used to create jewellery, coins, bullions and other noteworthy objects like religious icons, for example.
Intrigued and want to know about the history of gold jewellery? Cheque out our article titled ‘Evolution of Gold Jewellery.’
Having said the above, gold has several other industrial uses today – Some of which are as follows:
Thanks to it being chemically inert, non-allergenic and easy to insert, pure gold has become the diva of dental work. Crowns, bridges, orthodontic appliances… You name it and gold has been used to create it.
In medicine, pure gold is used in salt or radioisotope form to alleviate conditions like severe rheumatoid arthritis and tuberculosis. It even plays a role in the treatment of lagophthalmos (a condition distinguished by an individual’s inability to close their eyes), helping people close their eyes by planting a smidge of gold in their upper eyelids. Apart from this, the gold isotope (gold-198) is used in the fight against cancer. Talk about an all-rounder!
Moving on to the aerospace world, pure gold is used to lubricate different mechanical parts, conduct electricity in circuitry and coat the inside of spacecrafts. This is done to shield astronauts from heat and infrared radiation.
And lastly, if you’re reading this article on a device, congratulations – you’re touching gold! Being a highly efficient, dependable conductor and connector that does not corrode, pure gold is typically used in circuitry. In fact, a little gold can be found in almost all electronic devices ranging from cell phones to GPS units. It’s even used in computers (both desktop and laptop) to facilitate the accurate transmission of digital data at incredible speeds.
And there you have it – a crash course in all-things gold. From its various colours to its surprising uses, gold is truly the MVP of metals. So, whether you’re wearing it, investing in it or just admiring it from a distance, remember: Gold is not just a metal; it’s a lifestyle!
Learned enough about this metal to buy yourself a gold ring for women? Angara is the perfect place to shop! From subtle solitaire to extravagant cocktail pieces, we’ve got something for everyone within our collection. What’s more, you can even pick and choose the type of gold used to create your jewellery piece. Need we say more?
Also Read: How to Test Gold at Home?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. What are the different types of gold used in jewellery?
In terms of colour, yellow, white and rose gold are most commonly used to create fine jewellery.
Q2. How is gold purity measured and what do karats indicate?
Gold’s purity is typically measured in karats. The karat scale works by measuring the ratio of pure gold to other alloy metals in an accessory. It ranges from 0 to 24, with 0 karats indicating a gold-free piece and 24 karats indicating that an item is pure gold.
