Gold, a timeless symbol of wealth and beauty, comes in various forms and purity levels. Understanding the types of gold used in jewellery is crucial for any jewellery enthusiast or investor. Historically, gold has held immense value and is often chosen as a preferred investment. It's a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewellery, including playing a significant role in trade and commerce.
However, the type of gold you choose can significantly impact your jewellery's appearance, texture, and overall quality. Whether you're selecting a diamond engagement ring, diamond earrings, red ruby gemstone ring, blue sapphire gemstone earrings, green emerald gemstone necklace, understanding gold's varieties will help you make the perfect choice.
Let's explore the different types of gold, their colours, and their compositions, helping you make informed decisions for your jewellery purchases.
The world of gold is diverse, encompassing various types based on purity, colour, and composition. Many believe that there’s often only one type of gold used for all fine jewellery, but this is untrue. Gold comes in multiple purity levels, from the highest purity of 24k gold to more durable forms like 14k gold and 18k gold; each type offers unique characteristics and uses.
The most commonly used purities in jewellery, including engagement rings, necklaces, and bracelets, range from 9k to 24k gold. Each level of gold purity offers different advantages and disadvantages, affecting everything from the material's hardness to its potential for causing skin irritation.
Gold's allure isn't limited to its classic yellow hue; it also spans a spectrum of colours, including white gold, rose gold, and exotic shades like green and blue gold.
Additionally, gold types range from solid gold to gold-plated and gold-filled, catering to various preferences and uses.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the varieties of gold.
Gold purity, indicated by karats, determines the percentage of gold in a piece. 24k gold represents pure gold, while 18k gold contains 75% gold, and 1 4k gold has 58.3% gold. The higher the karat, the purer and softer the gold, making 24k gold ideal for investment and 18k gold and 14k gold better suited for durable jewellery like rings and necklaces.
Gold's allure extends to its varied colours. Here is the vibrant spectrum of gold colours, each offering a unique aesthetic and appeal.
Exploring unique shades like black and purple gold reveals creative possibilities in gold jewellery designs, catering to varied personal styles.
Did you know that gold jewellery differs in composition, influencing its appearance and usage? Here's a breakdown of the different types:
Containing 37.5% of gold, 9K is the most durable gold but it also has the lowest gold content. It looks slightly paler (less yellow) than 14K gold, but you won't be able to see the difference with your bare eyes, and is more prone to scratches and tarnish.
Do take note that 9K gold will be scratched and tarnished easily.
14K gold, with 58.3% gold content, balances purity and durability. Because the gold is malleable and soft, it easily gets scratches or bends, however, it is acceptable for daily wear, making it a popular choice for everyday wear and fashion jewellery like rings, earrings, and pendant necklaces.
18K gold is a popular choice for fine jewellery, boasting a rich and stunning appearance of nearly pure gold colour due to its high gold content (75%). This high purity also reduces the risk of allergic reactions, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands.
Please note that for gold options below 18K, you can select from alternative colours like rose gold or white gold. Speak to us to choose your
18K yellow gold, white gold or rose gold engagement ring!
Gold with a purity of 20K and above is characterised by its rich, deep yellow hue due to its high gold content. With this level of purity, there is limited option for other colours in jewellery, as the intense yellow of the gold dominates.
22K gold, known for its approximately 91.6% gold content, is favoured for its deeper yellow tone, often desired in engagement rings and ceremonial jewellery. It contains more pure gold than mixtures of other metals, making the gold softer and more malleable. Hence, it's not typically recommended for everyday wear due to its susceptibility to bending and shaping.
24K gold, known as 999 gold, is the purest form, comprising 99.9% pure gold. It has a distinct bright yellow colour, is the most expensive gold, and is often used as the base for gold exchange rates. Due to its softness and susceptibility to bending, 24K gold is not typically used in regular forms of fine jewellery. However, its purity and lustre make it ideal for investment pieces, ceremonial ornaments, and to make coins, electronics, and medical devices.
Choosing between 14k gold and 18k gold depends on your needs. 14k gold offers more durability and affordability, making it suitable for everyday wear. 18k gold, with its higher gold content, provides a richer colour and is preferred for more luxurious pieces.
14k white gold and 18k white gold differ mainly in purity and colour intensity. 14k white gold is more durable and less prone to scratching, while 18k white gold has a higher gold content, giving it a richer appearance.
The main difference between 18k gold and 24k gold lies in purity and practicality. 24k gold is pure gold, making it softer and more malleable, ideal for investment pieces. 18k gold, with its mix of gold and other metals, offers more strength, making it better for everyday jewellery.
If you have more questions about choosing the right type of gold for your needs, our consultants at ZCOVA are ready to provide expert guidance and assistance. Speak to us today. We’re more than happy to assist you!
The ideal gold type depends on your needs and preferences. For durability and everyday wear, ZCOVA's collection of 14k gold jewellery is for those seeking luxury, and our 18k gold range offers exquisite choices for richer colours.
24k gold is the most expensive due to its high purity and gold content. It's perfect for those looking for premium quality and investment pieces.
All karat gold, from 24k to 9k, is considered real gold. The karat number indicates the gold content.
14k gold is the most common type of gold used in jewellery, known for its balance of purity and durability. ZCOVA offers a wide range of 14k gold jewellery, catering to various styles and preferences.
To verify the authenticity of gold, check for hallmarks, perform a magnet test, or consult with ZCOVA's professional jewellers. Our experts can provide a reliable assessment and guide you through our certified gold jewellery collection.
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