The Different Types of Gold in Jewelry
When buying gold jewelry, there are several terms and qualities to consider. Each type of gold has its own unique properties with advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview of the most common types: 9 karat, 14 karat, 18 karat, 14k goldfilled, gold plated, brass and gold vermeil.
9 Carat Gold (9kt)
Description: 9 karat gold consists of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals such as copper, silver or zinc. This makes it one of the lowest gold contents that is still considered gold.
Advantages:
- More durable and harder than higher carat gold due to the greater amount of alloying metals.
- Usually cheaper than 14kt and 18kt gold.
Disadvantages:
- Less pure, meaning it is less valuable than 14kt and 18kt gold.
- May cause a reaction in people who suffer from metal allergies due to the presence of other metals.
14 carat gold (14kt)
Description: 14k gold is made up of 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% other metals. It is a popular choice for jewelry because of its balance of price, durability, and appearance.
Advantages:
- Good balance between sustainability and purity.
- Less sensitive to scratches and wear than 18kt gold.
- More affordable than 18kt gold.
Disadvantages:
- Not as pure as 18kt gold, making it slightly less valuable.
- May still cause allergic reactions in some people.
18 Carat Gold (18kt)
Description: 18 karat gold contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. This high gold content makes it richer in color and heavier than lower karat gold.
Advantages:
- Higher purity means more value.
- Deeper gold color that is highly prized.
- Less chance of allergic reactions because it contains fewer alloying metals.
Disadvantages:
- Softer and more vulnerable to scratches and wear.
- More expensive than 9kt and 14kt gold.
14k Goldfilled
Description: 14k goldfilled jewelry consists of a thick layer of 14 carat gold that is mechanically bonded to a base metal, usually copper or brass. The gold layer must make up at least 5% of the total weight of the jewelry.
Advantages:
- Much more durable than gold plated jewelry.
- Looks like solid gold for a fraction of the price.
- Hypoallergenic, suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Disadvantages:
- Thicker than gold plated, but can still wear after prolonged use.
- More expensive than gold plated jewelry.
Gold Plated
Description: Gold plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold applied to a base metal such as copper or silver. The gold layer is usually less than 0.05% of the total weight of the jewelry.
Advantages:
- Much cheaper than solid gold and gold filled jewelry.
- Good option for fashionable, non-durable jewelry.
Disadvantages:
- The gold plating can wear off quickly, especially with daily use.
- May cause skin irritation due to exposure to base metals.
Brass
Description: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and has a goldish color. It is often used in inexpensive jewelry.
Advantages:
- Very affordable.
- Easy to edit and shape.
Disadvantages:
- Quickly loses its shine and can become dull.
- May cause skin irritation and discolouration due to oxidation.
Gold Vermeil
Description: Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is sterling silver that has been coated with a thick layer of gold of at least 10 karats, but often 14 karats or higher is used. The gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick.
Advantages:
- High-quality option for gold-plated jewelry, with a thicker gold layer.
- Hypoallergenic, because the base metal is silver.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than regular gold plated jewelry.
- Can wear off and expose the silver underneath.
Conclusion
Each type of gold has its own unique properties that make it suitable for different uses and preferences. Whether you are looking for affordable fashion jewelry or a valuable investment, there is an option that will suit your needs. Understand the pros and cons of each type of gold to make the best choice for your jewelry collection.