Gold has been a symbol of wealth and beauty for thousands of years, valued for its rarity and stunning appearance. However, not all gold is created equal. You will find various types of gold available on the market and each has its own characteristics. Let’s take a look at the different types of gold available today.
Pure Gold (24-Karat Gold)
Pure gold, also known as 24-karat gold, is the highest grade of gold available and the most expensive. It contains 99.9% gold and has a rich bright yellow hue. Due to its softness, pure gold is not typically used in jewelry, though it can be used for small accents. You’re more likely to find it in gold bars, coins, or bullion.
Yellow Gold (14K / 10K)
Yellow gold is one of the most common and popular gold types used in jewelry. You will find it in any good jewelry store and most everyday fine jewelry is made with it. It is made by alloying pure gold with other metals such as copper and silver. The resulting alloy creates the yellow color. The exact color and durability can vary depending on the proportions of the alloy metals. Yellow gold jewelry comes in 18K (75% gold) and 14K (58.3% gold) and 10K (41.7% gold).
White Gold
White gold is a modern alternative to platinum and silver, offering a sophisticated and versatile look. It is created by alloying pure gold with white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver. The alloy is then often plated with rhodium to enhance its whiteness and add a reflective, shiny finish. White gold is popular for its ability to complement diamonds and other gemstones. Typical karat values for white gold jewelry are 18K and 14K, similar to yellow gold.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is recognized for its warm, pinkish hue. This color is achieved by taking pure gold and adding an alloy of copper. The more copper is used, the redder the gold becomes. Rose gold has gained popularity in recent years and is easier to find in jewelry stores today. It is often used in fine jewelry with gemstones such as morganite, pink sapphire, and garnet. Most rose gold is 14K.
Gold-Plated and Gold-Filled
While not “real” gold, gold-plated and gold-filled items are worth mentioning. They do use genuine gold in their processing. Gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal. Gold-filled jewelry involves bonding a layer of gold to a base metal creating a more durable product than gold-plating. The gold content in gold-filled jewelry is much thicker and more durable than gold-plated items and will wear much better over time.
Karat vs. Carat
It’s important to know the difference between karat and carat. Karat refers to the amount of pure gold in the piece, while carat is the unit of measurement for the weight of gemstones and diamonds.
Conclusion
The diverse types of gold available today gives the jewelry buyer a range of choice based on their tastes and budgets. Understanding these differences can help you make informed choices whether you’re investing in fine jewelry or fashion jewelry. These choices allow for something for every taste and preference.
