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Gold: What You Need to Know
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GOLD
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Doug Mitchell
Diamond Doug is Owner/Artist at UniQ Jewelry Gallery. More info: uniqjewelry.com.
Gold has been used since ancient times. Because of the malleability and durability of gold, it is a perfect suitor for jewelry-making; when pure gold is exposed to air, it cannot be oxidized. However, the jewelry we love and wear isn’t usually made of 100% pure gold. The other metals used to create our favorite hues and tones are what make our most sacred pieces vulnerable to oxidation and tarnishing while also increasing the strength and durability for long-lasting wear. When shopping for jewelry, there are some standard terms we know and love. For example, when you hear the word “gold,” you know that piece is going to be rich in value. But when a jeweler starts talking about different karats and even platings, how do you know which one is right for you?
We’ve got the inside scoop, and we’re here to have you feeling like an insider in no time!
PURITY: STAMPING AND KARATS
Pure gold is found within the earth. While not usually found in large quantities, it is often mined, panned, and sifted from soils. Pure gold has impeccable malleability, making jewelry made from pure gold a poor candidate for longevity. Pure gold is not strong enough to hold the intended shape and will not prevent the gemstones from falling out. Most gold used for jewelry is actually a gold alloy with other metals added to strengthen the metal or change the color. Metals used to increase the strength are copper, silver, zinc, and nickel. The percentile of metal added will determine the karat of gold. There are different markings on jewelry to indicate the purity of the metal used. There are also different markings depending on where the jewelry was created. There are two main markings you will find: US and European.
US KARAT MARKING EUROPEAN MARKING
PURITY/ % OF GOLD
24K 1000 100% 18K 750 75% 14K 585 58.35% 10K 416 41.6%
Some other gold-jewelry terms you may be familiar with are gold-filled and gold-plated. If you love the look of yellow gold, but don’t love the price, these options may be a good alternative for you. While both of these jewelry types signify that the piece is not solid gold, they are different in the way they are created.
GOLD-FILLED
To make gold-filled pieces, the core metal is sandwiched between two layers of gold alloy, which is then heated and passed through a roller several times - a process that both bonds the metals together and thins the sheet out.
GOLD-PLATED
To make gold-plated pieces, an electric current is used to negatively charge the base metal and positively charge a solution containing gold ions. The positive gold ions are attracted to the negative charge of the core metal, slowly forming a layer of gold on top of the core.
COLORS OF GOLD
YELLOW GOLD
Alongside different purities, there are also different colors of gold we’ve come to know and love. For example, different purities of yellow gold will change the appearance due to the varying amounts of added metals: the more pure yellow gold, the brassier the appearance.
ROSE GOLD
A popular gold choice currently hot on the market is rose gold. The gorgeous pinkish appearance of this metal is achieved using varying amounts of iron and copper. As a result, some rose gold appears pinker while others have more of a blush-pink appearance.
WHITE GOLD
White gold, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated. It is similar to yellow and rose gold in the way that metals such as palladium and nickel are added to achieve a more “white” appearance; however, in most cases, to finalize the look and give it the bright-silver appearance white-gold lovers are looking for, the jeweler will dip the piece into rhodium for a longlasting finish.
There are so many metal options for the jewelry pieces we adore. Although the price may vary depending on purity, the value of the piece is dependent on you! Each piece you wear tells a story. Knowing differences in colors, purity, and plating will help you find the perfect fit for your style.
Clean is not just about looking better, but living better! SAVE YOUR ENERGY IN JULY
Summer air conditioning puts additional strain on our energy bill, so try to save power in other areas.
ENERGY SAVING TIPS:
• Vacuum under & behind the refrigerator to make it run more efficiently. • Set the water heater at 120 F. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. • Remind the kids to keep the doors closed.
