Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry has been a staple in cultures all around the world for thousands of years, symbolizing power, and also a sign of wealth. Over the years, it has remained prevalent as a classic in jewelry design. But even though it’s been around for a while, there are still some common questions that people have when choosing gold. Below, we’ve answered a few frequently asked questions about gold jewelry, so keep reading to learn more!
What Color is Gold?
Gold is naturally a bright yellow color. The more pure the gold jewelry is, the more yellow it will appear.
What Do 10k, 14k, 18k, and 24k Mean for Gold Jewelry?
These numbers refer to the purity of the metal. “K” stands for karat, which is another way to show the percentage of gold in the alloy. An alloy is a mixture of metals. Gold is a naturally soft metal, so it must be mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more resistant to damage during use.
- 10K is 41.7% pure gold
- 14K is 58.5% pure gold
- 18K is 75% pure gold
- 22K is 91.7% pure gold
- 24K is 100% pure gold.
The remaining percentage of yellow gold’s alloy usually includes copper, nickel, zinc, or silver.
What’s the Difference Between Carat and Karat?
Both carat and karat refer to the percentage of gold in the alloy. Karat is technically the correct use. Although used in this situation for gold, Carat is actually a unit of weight used for gemstones. Carat is most often used outside of North America to refer to gold.
What is Rose Gold?
Rose gold is an alloy that uses pure gold and copper. The addition of copper lends a red or pink tint to the yellow gold.
What is White Gold?
White gold is a gold alloy that is at least 25% nickel and zinc with yellow gold. The more nickel and zinc, the whiter the metal will appear. White gold looks similar to platinum.
Is Gold Hypoallergenic?
Pure gold is naturally hypoallergenic, but because 24K gold isn’t strong enough to use alone for jewelry, it is unlikely that you’ll get a genuinely hypoallergenic piece of gold jewelry. Nickel is a common allergen, so when it is alloyed with gold, you won’t get the hypoallergenic characteristics of pure gold. Titanium may be a better alternative to white gold, as it is hypoallergenic. If you want yellow gold, get the highest karat possible.
Contact Bostonian Jewelers
Still have questions about gold jewelry? Whether you want information about an existing piece of gold jewelry or you need help choosing the right gold for a new piece, the professionals at Bostonian Jewelers are here to help you out! As the expert custom jewelers in the Boston area, we’ll be able to help you choose the right metal and create a gorgeous unique piece of jewelry for you. Contact us today to setup a consultation!