Topics of discussion
- What Karats and Gold purity means
- How alloys are used to obtain Karats
- The truth behind Gold colour
- Jewellery vs. Gold bullion
FOUR FACETS TO GOLD
Ara L. - Feb 23, 2021
As you may already know, you can find jewellery crafted with various types of metals. With the emerging trend like demi-fine jewels, even lower quality metals like Brass and Copper have taken the front stage.
Jewellery doesn't have a set of rules. A designer follows inspiration and sets out to complete a goal. They follow the design based on style, colour and, most importantly, base metal. Naturally, any metal a jeweller chooses will carry an intrinsic value. However, Silver and Gold top the charts. It's time to get a complete description of these valuable precious metals.
After reading a few simple points, you'll start feeling a sense of expertise. The truth is, understanding precious metals is simple. You then become poised with the simple question: am I investing in precious metals, or am I buying fashion? Either way, you'll win.
Here are four simple facets to Gold's various complexities related to Goldsmithing while saving Silver's conversation for another day.
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Topics of discussion
- What Karats and Gold purity means
- How alloys are used to obtain Karats
- The truth behind Gold colour
- Jewellery vs. Gold bullion
Jump to...
FOUR FACETS TO GOLD
Ara L. - Feb 23, 2021
As you may already know, you can find jewellery crafted with various types of metals. With the emerging trend like demi-fine jewels, even lower quality metals like Brass and Copper have taken the front stage.
Jewellery doesn't have a set of rules. A designer follows inspiration and sets out to complete a goal. They follow the design based on style, colour and, most importantly, base metal. Naturally, any metal a jeweller chooses will carry an intrinsic value. However, Silver and Gold top the charts. It's time to get a complete description of these valuable precious metals.
After reading a few simple points, you'll start feeling a sense of expertise. The truth is, understanding precious metals is simple. You then become poised with the simple question: am I investing in precious metals, or am I buying fashion? Either way, you'll win.
Here are four simple facets to Gold's various complexities related to Goldsmithing while saving Silver's conversation for another day.
Purity
The term used to measure the level of purity in Gold is a term you've probably heard before: Karat. With only a limited amount of options, the Karat identifies the level of pure Gold content within your piece versus the number of mixed Alloys.
A&A TIP: Sometimes, you will find just the numbers and not the Karats engraved on your jewellery. Use the STAMP column to determine the amount of Gold purity in your piece.
The chart above gives you a demonstration of how much pure Gold content you'll find within a piece based on their Karats. Wondering what the remaining percentages are?
Alloys
Jewellers mix Alloys with pure Gold for two reasons, primarily to "toughen up" your jewels. If you were to use pure 24 Karat Gold to fashion jewellery, it would be prone to breaks and bending due to its softness. Alloy strengthens your Gold to ensure you can avoid this.
Alloys consist of other mixed metals. They are carefully selected to make a perfect match with Gold, both structurally and esthetically. The overall significance of Alloys is to decide on both the Karats and colour tone of your jewellery.
Colour Tone
Before the introduction of different colours of Gold like White and Rose, Yellow was the predominant selection. There weren't any complications to Goldsmiths. They would pull their combination of Fine Silver and Copper to gain the desired Karats in their appropriate portions.
To get the colour you want, it's merely a matter of changing the Alloys, which means White and Rose Gold starts with pure Yellow Gold! By simply choosing the suitable alloys, you will get the desired colour tone.
It's important to note that White and Rose Gold have limitations. Since they both start with a base of pure Yellow Gold, there is a maximum amount of Karats you can have. The maximum purity of White and Rose Gold is 19KT and 22KT, respectively.
Jewels vs Bars
If you're an avid investor in Gold Bullion or merely interested in the subject, you'll notice a price disparity between Gold Bars versus finished jewellery. It's important to remember that while Gold jewellery is an investment, your investment is a smaller percentage than the artwork itself. If your goal is to invest, you should always aim to invest in Gold Bars or futures. However, if you want to invest and be fashionable at once, you know the answer to this one.
Use the Karat scale to know your investment. Realize that as you go up the scale of purity, the said piece's value and the price will also go up. Also, look at it from a long-term perspective. The value of precious metals has risen over the last year, higher than ever seen. That natural progression in price has also increased the value of Golden jewels you already own.
With a slight bit of information, you'll be able to make more straightforward decisions. Does 10KT make a better pendant than an 18KT one? These questions are yours to answer now. Even if it is still tricky, Jewellers and Goldsmiths are a fantastic resource you can use. Everyone's circumstance asks for a different type of jewellery. At A&A Jewels Co., creating that Simply Perfect shopping experience begins with helping you through these decisions. Schedule a Virtual Consultation or Chat with us while you shop, so all the ambiguity clears out!
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