The Golden Touch: Different Types of Gold and Their Unique Properties

Gold's allure has captivated human beings for centuries due to its rarity and status as a symbol of wealth and power. However, there are different types of gold out there which has been created for different needs. In this post, we will aim to explore the different types of gold and their unique properties, so you can make an informed decision before making any purchases.

Types of Gold Colors

1. Yellow Gold: Yellow gold is the most popular choice of gold, and it is created by mixing pure gold with other alloys.

• Most resistant to tarnishing

• Easy to forge

• Most popular choice for jewelry

• Bright yellow color, most attention grabbing

• Most traditional

• Most hypoallergenic

2. White Gold: White gold is a modern alternative to yellow gold and is created by mixing pure gold with nickel, palladium or silver. A thin layer of rhodium may also be used on the finish for that extra luster.

• Good resistance to tarnishing

• Most expensive to forge and make

• Perfect for those going for a subtle look

• Brings out the shine of diamonds even more

• Bright silver color with very slight yellow tint

• Most commonly used for diamond pieces

• May cause allergic reactions

3. Rose Gold: Rose gold, also known as pink or red gold, has gained popularity recently. It features a delicate brown hue that exudes romance and elegance. The creation of rose gold involves combining pure gold with copper alloys, which imparts the distinctive rosy tint.

• Good resistance to tarnishing, may have slight discolorations due to copper content

• Easy to forge and make

• Perfect combination of modern and traditional

• Bright light bronze color

• More subtle than yellow gold, less subtle than white gold

• Most commonly used in modern jewelry designs

• May cause allergic reactions

Gold Purity

When it comes to gold purity, there are different levels that are suitable for different occasions. There are also many people who do not really understand this concept, and hopefully by the end of this article we can clear any doubts!

1. 24-Karat Gold (Pure Gold): The highest level of gold purity is 24-karat gold, often referred to as pure gold. It contains 99.9% gold, with negligible amounts of other metals. The main advantage of pure gold is its rich and vibrant yellow color. As it is not alloyed with any other metals, it exhibits the natural properties and characteristics of gold. However, pure gold is the softest and most malleable, making it more extremely prone to scratches and deformations. It is more often used for investment purposes and seldom in jewelry.

2. 22-Karat Gold: 22-karat gold is a good compromise between purity and durability. It consists of 91.7% gold and 8.3% other metal alloys such as copper or silver. The addition of these alloys slightly enhances the metal's hardness and strength, while still retaining a significant gold content. Jewelry made from 22-karat gold exhibits a warm, rich yellow orange hue. This type of gold is very common in traditional jewelry designs.

3. 18-Karat Gold: Most commonly used in the realm of fine jewelry, 18-karat gold strikes an ideal balance between purity, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Comprising 75% gold and 25% other alloys, it offers a much higher level of durability. The additional metals provide strength and resilience, while also allowing the alteration of its color (e.g. white and rose gold). Jewelry crafted from 18-karat gold is usually the best for value retention and suitability for everyday wear.

4. 14-Karat Gold: With a gold content of 58.3% and 41.7% alloyed metals, 14-karat gold is a popular choice for both fine and fashion jewelry. It offers a good balance between durability and affordability. The added alloys make the gold more resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for everyday jewelry that requires longevity. Although 14-karat gold exhibits a slightly paler color, it still maintains an attractive golden hue.

5. 10-Karat Gold: At the lower end of the gold purity scale is 10-karat gold, comprising 41.7% gold and 58.3% other metals. While it has the highest level of durability, it suffers a lower gold content. While the color of 10-karat gold may appear slightly less intense, it still possesses a distinct golden appearance. Jewelry made from 10-karat gold is often made with affordability in mind.

Note: Usually, many pawn shops do not accept anything below 18-karat gold. This is due to the difficulty of extracting the pure gold. Different finishes also affect the color appearance of the gold (matte vs. polished).

We hope this guide provides you with more information to help you decide which color you should go for! At the end of the day, our best advice would always be to choose the color that you like most, as that's the best way to enjoy your pieces to its fullest potential.