Monday, July 24, 2017

Stories of a Country Jeweler: What actually is a karat of gold?

Welcome back to Stories of a Country Jeweler! We are continuing the educational theme of the last few posts, and are back to answer more of your questions about gold! Today's question is: what is the difference between karats of gold? Can you make colored gold in different karats?

Simply put, the karat of gold is the percent weight of pure gold that is within the metal alloy. For example, 24k gold is gold that is %100 pure, while 10k gold is gold that only has 41.7% pure gold within its alloy. Here is the full list of commonly referenced karats:


24 karat = 100% gold (or "Pure" gold)

22 karat = 91.7 % gold
18 karat = 75.0 % gold
14 karat = 58.3 % gold
12 karat = 50.0 % gold
10 karat = 41.7 % gold

Is there really a noticeable difference between karats of gold though? Yes. Definitely. Pure gold (24k) is an incredibly bright yellow, soft, and heavy metal. While the warm golden color is beautiful, 24k is actually not the best karat for jewelry that is meant to be worn everyday: every scratch and dent will be visible in this soft metal. We work mostly in 14k (and some 18k) because at 14k the alloy has been strengthened with other metals which make the gold more resilient for everyday use.

Note how much paler 10 k yellow gold is than 18k yellow!
What makes up the other percentage in the gold alloy will depend on the color of gold that is desired. If yellow gold is what is desired, silver and copper are added to the alloy. If rose gold is the aim, silver and copper will still be added, but the ratio of silver to copper will not be the same as in yellow gold. More copper is added, which gives the gold its beautiful rosy color!

Green gold can be achieved through the mixtures of various metals, but mainly silver and zinc. White gold is made by mixing together many different metals, primarily nickel. The higher karat you want to achieve means that less other-colored metals can be added, and so the more yellow the metal will remain. 

For items of jewelry that will be worn everyday, such as wedding rings or a beloved bracelet, we highly recommend choosing either 18k, 14k, or 12k because it is in this range that the gold retains a beautiful color (and considerable monetary worth) while also being strong enough to withstand everyday wear.

14K Yellow River Ring, 14k White Pooled Ring, 14k Rose Bark Ring, 14k Yellow Perfectly Puddled Ring

33 comments:

  1. I Like Beloved Bracelet. Really Beautiful Wedding Rings. Thanks for Sharing. More Info: jewelry industry news

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful Wedding Rings. Crystal earrings are one of the most popular pieces of jewellery amongst a majority of women. These are a great way to express your feelings to the woman you love and make a memorable and cherished present. Shop Sizzling Crystal Earrings for Women on www.shopperstrail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Every Indian women have a weak point for gold jewellery. Purchase gold jewellery online from Rockrush.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Family Owned, Located in Bethesda and Washington DC, Secrete offers unique bespoke handmade Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands. Oris, Graham, Hamilton.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Shop for baby gold chain online. They have best range of trendy and latest gold chain. Do visit their website to know more.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey!! Your Collection gold ring is awesome look. Thanks for sharing.read more https://www.goldbraceletsformen.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. AN Jewelry Collection one of the leading jewelry websites that provide high-quality solid 925 sterling silver jewelry at affordable prices.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. great blog post. I will keep visiting this blog very often. If You Want To Buy gold jewellery Online Click Here.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Pure gold jewellery can be recognized by the number which is printed in the jewellery which is 18k,22k,24k, k here denotes karats(amount of gold present).

    https://www.zarjewels.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. Learn about ruby, gold silver gem tester with different reports on gemstone available at gemlab. Here, you can also learn various facts about the synthetic diamond detector machine.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Discover unique collection of silver wedding bands for her. AN Jewelry Collection offers premium quality jewelry at best price.

    ReplyDelete
  16. For most pieces of fine jewelry, this is an acceptable means of cleaning. Just make sure you rinse the jewelry well and dry it thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth. Both silver and gold may tarnish if it is not dried well.women jewelry

    ReplyDelete
  17. Se cerchi anelli oro bianco con diamanti, visita LUPPINO GIOIELLI SRLS. Il negozio offre una vasta collezione di anelli d\’oro ad un prezzo accessibile.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nice ... such jewellery you can find at kalyan jewellers as they have reputed and trusted jewellery in india

    ReplyDelete
  19. It's a really great and useful piece of information. Thanks, and please keep up the rewarding work. Kenosha Kickers Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  20. I really enjoyed reading your article. I found this as an informative and interesting post, so i think it is very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the effort you made in writing this article. Clint Eastwood Vest

    ReplyDelete
  21. Incredible blog here! It's mind boggling posting with the checked and genuinely accommodating data. Donovan Mitchell Jacket

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...