Gold has been one of the most popular precious metals for jewelry making for centuries. Several trends have been observed over the years. In addition to the classic yellow gold, two other types of gold have been created. At Planderful we will tell you about the different types of gold and find out which one suits you best.
How many types of gold are there?
Symbol of wealth and value, gold is one of the most used materials in the world of jewelry. With the ability to adapt to different trends, this material is the perfect complement to all styles, being able to convey elegance and exclusivity, but have you ever wondered how many types of gold there are in jewelry?
There are three different types of gold: yellow gold, white gold, and red gold. Each of them has a different color and composition.
- 14 or 18-karat yellow gold
- White gold with a color like platinum or silver
- Red gold with a soft red color
All types of gold contain gold in their base. To obtain their colors, they are complemented with other metals such as palladium, zinc, silver, or copper.
The quality of gold is expressed in karats. This term indicates the amount of fine gold incorporated in gold jewelry. Pure gold is 24 karats or 100% fine gold, but jewelry cannot be made from it because the material is too weak. We mix gold with other materials to make it stronger and turn it into jewelry. The higher the carat, the yellower the jewelry.
Types of gold by color
Despite being the most popular, goldsmiths do not only work with yellow gold but by mixing it with other metals, different colors are obtained.
Yellow gold
Yellow gold is the most classic form of gold. To maintain its natural color with the alloy that allows us to work it in jewelry at 18kt (18 parts of pure gold for every 24 parts of metal), we mix it with silver and copper. The usual mixture, or "alloy" or "league" consists of 750 thousandths of pure gold, 125 thousandths of pure silver, and 125 thousandths of pure electrolytic copper in each gram of 18kt yellow gold.
White gold
White gold is an alloy or a mixture of pure gold with a metal that provides the white color; among the most commonly used metals for this alloy are: silver, palladium, and nickel. This mixture can be made in different amounts depending on the kilatage to be achieved, for example, a jewel with 75% of pure gold and 25% of other material, would have 18 carats, while a jewel with 59% of pure gold and the rest with other material, provides pieces of 14 carats.
Although at first, it would seem that this practice decreases the value of the jewelry, in reality, it is quite the opposite. With this type of technique, jewelry houses create unique colors and completely innovative designs. White gold is very popular for engagement rings. It can also be used in combination with yellow gold.
Source: https://www.myirishjeweler.com/guides/jewelry-education/what-does-karat-gold-mean/
Red gold or rose gold
Red gold is obtained as a result of the combination of gold and copper (75% gold and 25% copper). Due to its aesthetic result, this type of gold is widely used in jewelry. It is important to note that the color of this metal will not be totally red, but the piece will have a yellow color with a reddish hue (the hue provided by the copper at the time of alloying).
Red gold is a very popular choice among women. It is easy to combine with different styles and colors. Red gold is distinctive, gives off a warm light, and has a classic look. In some places red gold is often confused with rose gold, however, it is important to note that while the other pink has the same percentage as red gold (75% gold), the main difference lies in its remaining components: rose gold has 20% copper and 5% silver, while red gold has 25% copper and no silver. The more copper the piece has, the more noticeable the red color will be.
Red gold contains a higher proportion of copper and therefore has a "special" color that will resemble an oxide red. In addition to the color tone, copper gives more strength and hardness to the red gold alloy, so we can conclude that red gold is stronger and more durable than rose gold.
Rolled gold
As we already know, the natural color of gold is yellow and through alloying, it is transformed into white gold. However, the tone achieved is gray with light yellow pigments.
The intensity of the white color is acquired in the final rhodium plating process by means of electrolysis on the finished piece of jewelry. Platinum-plated jewelry has an unparalleled brilliance, which you will hardly see in other metals, and its color is an ultra-bright silvery white.
What is platinum? Platinum is very similar to white gold but differs in several aspects. White gold is an alloy with another precious metal, while platinum is a pure raw material. Platinum jewelry is made from a pure material, so it is more resistant to marking and stronger. Platinum jewelry is more durable and hypoallergenic. However, they weigh more.
Today it is more normal to see jewelry in white gold than in find it in platinum. However, the jewelry world is increasingly including this metal to make jewelry even though it has a higher price. Platinum is much less common than gold: it is obtained 60 times less.
Source: https://sarapatinojewelry.com/blogs/background/what-is-14k-gold-filled
Find out more about precious metals and their value
Precious metals are not, or just barely, exposed to get oxidated. In addition to gold, platinum, and silver, there are other precious metals. They can be used to add other colors to yellow gold or to make gold more solid. For example, it is also possible to create green, blue, or purple gold by adding other specific metals.
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