The appeal of gold jewelry is split between its intriguing history and promising future. It was one of the first metals and elements to be discovered, and in ancient Egypt, Africa, and Asia the amount of gold royalty wore was indicative of their power. Now the gold standard is used to set the world’s currency system, and it seems as if gold jewelry is everywhere in a variety of colors.
So what’s the difference between yellow, white, and that gorgeous soft shade of rose gold? What exactly is a karat? Why is a 24K ring much more expensive than a 10k pair of gold hoops? Gold plated, gold filled, gold vermeil, solid gold…which one is going to last the longest and which one is perfect for me?
Karats
Karats describe the exact proportion of pure gold to other metals. It’s like the metric system for gold.
24k – pure gold, 24 parts gold.
18k – 75% pure gold – there are 18 parts gold to 6 parts of another metal or alloy
14k – 58.3% pure gold – there are 14 parts gold to 10 parts of another metal or alloy
10k – 41.7% pure gold – there are 10 parts gold to 14 parts of another metal or alloy
24k gold is the softest and purest type of gold you can find. It’s so soft that it’s far too delicate for the everyday use we subject our jewelry to. There are 24k yellow gold plated jewelry designs like the Leila Square Pendant and Ribbed Enamel rings that incorporate the delicate material beautifully.
Did you know 10k gold is the lowest karat designation for gold jewelry to be accepted as gold jewelry in the United States? Yet solid 10k yellow gold jewelry – the gold isn’t plated or filled – can be more expensive than jewelry with more karats of gold. For example, the value of Rebecca Norman’s pair of Large Yellow Gold Diamond Hoops isn’t solely impacted by its diamond accents; the solid 10k yellow gold hoops have increased its worth. Since 10k gold has the lowest proportion of pure gold, it’s not as soft as other karats of gold, but it’s sturdier, which opens up the possibility for the jewelry to be made with solid 10k gold.
Technique
The number of karats of gold aside, solid gold jewelry is often worth more and priced higher than gold plated, gold filled and gold vermeil jewelry. Gold plated metals contain a very thin layer of gold over metals like silver or copper. Since 24K gold is the softest and most delicate gold, it’s often applied to jewelry through the gold plating technique to protect its purity. Gold plating is a popular choice for 18k and 14k gold designs. The CC Skye Gold Bamboo Hoops and Ettika Lace Hamsa Necklace are two gorgeous examples of gold plated jewelry at its best. Gold vermeil is gold plated over sterling silver, and it’s stronger and more long-lasting. Look no further than the delicate Rebecca Norman Disk Necklace and the Jennifer Zeuner Kiss Necklace for gold vermeil alternatives.
Gold fill is the most durable option durable because the process involves the bonding of a thick layer of gold with heat and pressure to the surface of a strong base metal. Gold filled jewelry’s bonding is almost 10 times stronger and durable than the bonding used for gold plated and gold vermeil jewelry. The Calico Juno Raspberry Orange Chandelier Earrings and the Sonya Renee Initial Heart Disk are elegant examples of gold filled jewelry you’ll find irresistible.
Color
Gold jewelry actually comes in a variety of colors, but only yellow gold is true to the natural pure state of gold. However, when gold is mixed with other alloys and metals it can come in beautiful colors like white, rose, blue, and green gold that you’ll be hard-pressed to walk away from. The colors are determined by the percentage of each metal alloy that’s mixed with the gold. The karats in gold still apply even as colors change. 18k and 14k white gold have 75% and 58.2% gold respectively, and its color is white because it’s plated with rhodium. The Lata K Blue Sapphire Whimsy Charm Necklace is a beautiful example of an 18k white gold necklace. Rose gold jewelry designs have a dusky pink tone because of the amount of copper in the alloy. The muted colors of the M2 Design Love “V-Hoop” Earrings and GK Designs Large Rose Gold Peace Pendant make these pieces a must have for when you want to soften your look and add a touch of elegance.
Gold is a metal that’s survived the currency systems and fashion styles of many societies over hundreds of years. It’s timeless, classic, and precious. The possibilities today’s jewelry designers have created with a variety of manufacturing techniques promise that gold jewelry will continue to be reinvented for many many years.
0
Great post! Really informative