Gold
History and Reputation
The symbol for gold is Au, which is short for the Latin word “Aurum”, or “glowing dawn.” Gold is a timeless, world-recognized symbol of wealth, prestige, power and purity. Although other metals from the platinum group can have higher price values, gold is classically regarded as the most precious of all metals.
For centuries, craftsmen and jewelers have adored gold for its beauty and the ease with which it can be worked. The earliest goldsmiths are estimated to have existed on the shores of the Black Sea in what is now Bulgaria, at around 3000 BC. The Bible describes a gift of gold earrings, which Abraham gave to Rebecca to celebrate her marriage to Isaac.
Exceptional achievements are typically rewarded in gold, in the form of medals. For example: winning an Olympic medal for wining an event or for outstanding bravery. The sanctity of marriage and commitment are concepts embedded within the gold that wedding rings are traditional made of.
International money systems have been based upon the value of pure gold, due to its characteristic durability, divisibility and universal value. It is from this distinction of gold that the term “gold standard” originates.
Pure Gold
The most malleable of all metals, gold is one of the most ductile metals known. Pure gold is rarely used in jewelry due to its inability to withstand daily wear and tear. Gold is corrosion resistant as it does not react with oxygen or water, and will therefore never tarnish or rust.
To increase the durability of gold, it is mixed with other metals, or alloys. The purity of gold is measured by karats (k or kt.), which signify the ratio of pure gold to alloys contained within a piece. Karat weight and value are proportional; the higher the karat weight, the more expensive the piece. When purchasing gold jewelry, it is crucial to check for the karat engraving or “k” on the piece, as well as the manufacturer’s trademark and country of origin.
Common Gold Alloys
24kt (100% pure gold) - Extremely soft and rarely used in jewelry.
18kt (75% gold) - Recommended for use in fine jewelry.
14kt (58.3% gold) - Common gold jewelry and items in which strength matters, i.e. earring backs and bracelet clasps.
10kt (41.7% gold) - Legal karat limit according to U.S. standards
Colored Gold
The color of a gold piece of jewelry is determined by the type and saturation of the alloys with which pure gold is mixed. The gold content of colored gold is measured in the same way as regular gold jewelry, according to caratage.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the most common, and is made by alloying pure gold with copper and zinc.
White Gold
White gold is usually alloyed with nickel, zinc, silver or palladium. Most white gold is plated with rhodium – a very hard and shiny metal in the platinum family, which enhances the whiteness of white gold. White gold is an excellent metal in which to set diamonds as it enhances their sparkle and shine.
Rose Gold
Rose gold obtains its rose-reddish color from copper alloy.
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