GOLD
"Gold, like our love, is forged in the fires of time and tempered by the hands of destiny. It gleams with the warmth of a thousand sunrises, a precious testament to a bond that outshines the stars."
Historical Significance
Gold boasts an exceptional history and possesses special characteristics. As a lasting material naturally colored in a unique yellow hue, gold is immune to rust, tarnish, and decay. Even though gold is quite durable, it's also the most flexible among all precious metals.
Gold has adorned human beings for centuries, featured prominently in the annals of history, associated with myriad civilizations, from The Incas to the Ancient Egyptians, Sumerians in Mesopotamia, Ancient Greeks, and more recently, with Bulgarian gold jewelry tracing its roots back to 4,600 BC.
Throughout history, gold has been a central element in the realm of jewelry, as well as statues, amulets, currency, and various aspects of civilizations worldwide.
In recent times, the allure of gold's rich heritage has persisted globally. The California Gold Rush, which began in the mid-1800s, was set in motion when James W. Marshall struck gold. The metal's rarity and enduring value continue to make it a favored choice for jewelry, particularly as a leading metal for various types.
Gold's Purity
Due to its flexibility among all precious metals, gold is an outstanding option for creating pieces with highly detailed designs. Additionally, it resists oxidation, tarnish, and deterioration. Pure gold lacks the sturdiness needed for daily use, so it's combined with silver, copper, and a small amount of zinc to enhance its toughness and longevity. This process strengthens the final product, ensuring it can be passed down through generations.
The term "Karat," represented by a number preceded by “k,” signifies the purity of the metal present in a piece of jewelry. The karat value of gold is determined in milligrams, with 24k gold being the purest. It boasts a rich, opulent gold-yellow hue, which sets it apart from 14k and 18k gold that is too soft for regular use. To identify the karat of your jewelry, look for a number followed by a lower case "k" stamped at any point on the piece.
Our offerings include yellow, white, and rose gold in both 14k and 18k. These pieces are recognized as genuine, solid gold items as they do not contain a base metal covered in gold plating. Solid gold pieces, such as those in the 14k and 18k range, are perfect for daily use.
The Hallmark
Gold jewelry typically features a hallmark, which provides information about its purity and, in some cases, the date of manufacture and country of origin. According to federal regulations, gold jewelry must also bear a maker's mark or a registered trademark.
Authentic gold jewelry is stamped with a number followed by the letter "k" to denote its karat level, reflecting its gold content. Additionally, you might find a maker's mark or even a date engraved on the piece. Symbols like "GF" and "KP" signify that the item is gold-plated or gold-filled, rather than being solid gold.
The Color Of Gold
- The types of metals used in the alloy
- The proportion of each alloying metal
- The metals mixed with gold, which can include zinc, copper, nickel, iron, cadmium, aluminum, silver, platinum, and palladium
Our collection of fine gold jewelry features three distinct colors: yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Each type is cherished for its unique aesthetic appeal and long-lasting durability.
Yellow gold is created by alloying pure gold with silver, copper, and a small amount of zinc. The exact composition can vary, but typical formulations include 75% pure gold for 18k gold and 58.3% for 14k gold. This blend produces a warm, classic luster that enhances the appearance of diamonds, especially those with lower color grades that have a subtle yellow hue.
When choosing between 14k and 18k yellow gold, it's important to consider their differences in durability. 18k gold is softer and more prone to scratches, while 14k gold, being harder, offers better resistance to wear and tear.
Yellow gold has been a cherished choice in jewelry for centuries and continues to be highly valued for its timeless appeal.
White gold is a popular choice for its elegant silvery-white appearance, achieved by alloying yellow gold with nickel, palladium, and silver. To enhance its finish and provide a bright, polished look, the jewelry is coated with a layer of rhodium through a process called plating.
Though rhodium plating is generally durable, it may wear off over time. If your white gold jewelry starts to show a slight champagne tint after several years, it might need replating to restore its original bright white finish. We offer replating services at our local jewelry stores to keep your pieces looking their best.
Often chosen as a more affordable alternative to platinum, white gold has been a favored option since the 1920s. It is a versatile choice for both vintage-inspired and contemporary engagement rings. Despite being real gold, white gold is processed differently from yellow or rose gold to achieve its distinctive color.
ROSE GOLD
Rose gold is a cherished metal used in a variety of fine jewelry, from rings and necklaces to earrings. Often referred to as pink gold, it’s composed of genuine gold alloyed with copper, which gives it its signature pinkish tint. The intensity of this pink color depends on the amount of copper mixed with the gold, with higher copper content resulting in a more pronounced rosy hue.
In terms of gold content, rose gold is similar to yellow and white gold. The key difference lies in the alloying metals used: whereas yellow and white gold are blended with metals like nickel or zinc, rose gold primarily incorporates copper to achieve its unique color.
Rose gold’s romantic, warm tone makes it an excellent choice for engagement rings, offering a blend of contemporary and vintage charm that has been particularly fashionable in recent years. The choice between 18k and 14k rose gold typically reflects a preference for either a lighter or deeper pink shade.
Unlike white gold, rose gold does not require replating because its beautiful color is inherent to the alloy itself. With regular care, the pink hue of rose gold remains vibrant over time.
14k Vs 18k Gold, What Karat Is Best?
Choosing the right gold karat often comes down to personal preference or budget considerations. Both 14k and 18k gold jewelry offer their own unique appeal. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when making your decision:
Gold Karat Chart
Gold at DJOYR
At DJOYR, we offer jewelry crafted from 14k gold and if you require in 18k as well. Our 18k gold consists of 75% pure gold, alloyed with other metals to ensure durability and suitability for everyday wear. Our 14k gold contains 58.3% pure gold, combined with additional metals for enhanced strength. In the U.S., the minimum karatage for gold jewelry is 10k, which has 41.7% gold content.
For our Indian customers, it's important to note that the minimum karatage for gold jewelry is 22k, representing 91.6% pure gold. Additionally, 14k gold in India is referred to as 585, indicating 58.5% gold, while 18k gold is known as 750, which denotes 75% pure gold. This ensures that our gold jewelry meets high purity standards both internationally and in the Indian market.
Want to know more?
For any inquiries, contact our customer care team at info@djoyr.com or visit our FAQ page for assistance.