 | What are the Different Types of Gold? Gols is available in different levels of purity, measured in carats, and in different colours. The following is an explanation of these differences and the terms used to describe them. |
| Carats Pure gold is very soft which makes it unsuitable for most jewellery. To make it stronger, it is mixed with other metals, such as silver, copper, zinc and palladium. This is called alloying. The gold you see in jewellery is actually gold alloy.
The carat (ct) tells you how may parts of gold and how many parts of other metal are in the gold alloy. Don't confuse this with the carat weight of diamonds and gemstones.
One carat is one part of 24, or 41.66 parts of a thousand. 9ct gold is 375 parts gold per thousand parts. 18ct gold is 750 parts per thousand. 24 carat gold is pure gold.
Preference for a certain caratage is often based on cultural factors. In the UK, 9ct and 18ct is most commonly sold, while in America, 14ct is more popular. In India, 22ct gold is preferred. 24ct gold tends to be used for exchange and investment. |
| Colours of Gold Although pure gold is yellow, it can be transformed into a variety of colours by changing the types and proportions of other metals mixed with it during a process known as alloying. The only exceptions are 22 and 24 carat gold which are always yellow.
White gold jewellery first became popular in the 1920s as an alternative to platinum jewellery. Over the past few years, white gold has become more and more fashionable. White gold is made by mixing pure gold with other metals, such as silver and palladium, in the alloying process. The white gold you see in jewellery is actually an off-white gold alloy.
Rose gold jewellery is becoming increasingly fashionable, particularly in the UK and North America. It is made by mixing pure gold with other metals, notably copper, giving a gold alloy with a striking pinkish hue. |
| How to Choose When choosing gold jewellery, there are several factors to take into account.
- 9 carat gold is more durable than 18 carat gold, making it better for jewellery which is likely to be roughly handled.
- 18 carat gold is more valuable than 9 or 14 catat, and therefore is a more expensive option.
- Choose gold colour so that you can wear different pieces together.
- Choose gold colour to go well with your skin colour or complexion.
- Always ensure that gold jewellery is hallmarked, unless it is a very small piece.
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