Understanding Gold:
A Deep Dive into Karats and Types
Gold, in its purest form, is too soft for many types of jewelry and can be prone to damage. To make it more durable and usable, gold is often mixed with other metals, which results in gold of different purities. This purity is typically measured in karats (K), with 24 karats being pure gold.
Let's delve deeper into the different types of gold commonly used in jewelry.
Purity: 100% Gold
This is pure gold, with no alloy metals added. It's the softest and the most yellow in color. Due to its soft nature, it's less commonly used in jewelry and more frequently in gold coins and bars.
Color Description: Bright, vibrant yellow. The purest and richest gold color.
SHOP 18K GOLD | SHOP 14K GOLD | SHOP GOLD FILLED | SHOP VERMEIL
Chart Value: Gold: 75% - Other: 25%
This type combines 75% gold with 25% other metals like copper or silver, giving it a balanced blend of color and strength. It's less yellow than 24K gold but is significantly more durable.
Color Description: Slightly muted yellow compared to 24K. Still very rich and resembles what most people think of as "gold" color.
SHOP 18K GOLD | SHOP 14K GOLD | SHOP GOLD FILLED | SHOP VERMEIL
Chart Value: Gold: 58.3% - Other: 41.7%
This mix contains a little over half gold (58.3%) and is commonly used in jewelry because it provides a good balance of color, durability, and affordability.
Color Description: A moderate yellow, less vibrant than 18K. The presence of more alloy metals starts to influence the color.
SHOP 18K GOLD | SHOP 14K GOLD | SHOP GOLD FILLED | SHOP VERMEIL
Chart Value: Gold: 41.7% - Other: 58.3%
With just over 40% gold content, 10K gold is less yellow in color but offers excellent durability. It's a popular choice for pieces that will see heavy wear, like rings and bracelets.
Color Description: Lighter yellow. There's a noticeable difference between 10K and 24K in terms of color richness.
SHOP 18K GOLD | SHOP 14K GOLD | SHOP GOLD FILLED | SHOP VERMEIL
Chart Value: Gold: 20.8% - Other: 79.2%
This is much less common and contains only 20.8% gold. Given its low gold content, it's less yellow and more resilient but might not be as desirable for those seeking a more pure gold appearance.
Color Description: Very muted yellow, almost leaning towards a beige or tan shade due to the high content of alloy metals.
SHOP 18K GOLD | SHOP 14K GOLD | SHOP GOLD FILLED | SHOP VERMEIL
Gold-filled pieces are composed of a solid layer of gold, mechanically bonded to a base of either sterling silver or some base metal. The gold content must account for at least 1/20th (5%) of the item's total weight. The gold layer in gold-filled items is much thicker and more durable than gold-plated items.
Color Description: This would depend on the karat of gold used for the layer. It could range from bright yellow (if a high karat like 24K is used) to a more muted yellow (if a lower karat is used).
SHOP 18K GOLD | SHOP 14K GOLD | SHOP GOLD FILLED | SHOP VERMEIL
Vermeil is a specific kind of gold plating over sterling silver. To be considered vermeil, the gold must be at least 10 karats and be at least 2.5 micrometers thick. Due to its silver core, vermeil tends to be more affordable than solid gold pieces, yet offers a similarly shiny appearance.
Color Description: Similar to gold-filled, it would depend on the karat of gold used. However, since vermeil uses a silver core, it might have a slightly brighter sheen compared to pieces that use other base metals.
SHOP 18K GOLD | SHOP 14K GOLD | SHOP GOLD FILLED | SHOP VERMEIL
The Nina Blog
Nina Wynn: Where Jewelry Meets Enduring Artistry
Discover the extraordinary allure of Nina Wynn Jewelry, where elegance meets timeless craftsmanship. Celebrating nearly 25 years of excellence, our brand is synonymous with quality and innovation,...
Choose Your Chain: Crafting Your Signature Permanent Jewelry Piece
In the enchanting world of permanent jewelry, personalization is key. That's why we're thrilled to introduce our workshop, "Choose Your Chain," where individuality meets craftsmanship.
How to Start a Permanent Jewelry Business
Starting a permanent jewelry business can be an exciting and potentially profitable venture. However, it's essential to understand that the initial investment is not...
Giveaway
This April, we're bringing you a blooming marvelous opportunity! Win the Essential Permanent Jewelry Starter Pack worth $3995.00 and plant the seeds for your very...