Gold Is Just Great

Everyone knows what a gold ring is. Or do they? Would you know the
difference between an 18 karat and a 22 karat ring? Between Rose Gold
and White Gold?

Gold isn't just gold, and without a little of an idea of what the
differences are it can be pretty confusing.

Firstly, what is a karat or carat?

A karat is a measure of the purity of gold, or in other words, how much
of it is gold and how much is something else.

Pure gold is 24 karats (or 24K or 24Kt or 24Ct). So 24 is the maximum
karats you can get.

Less than 10 k cannot be sold as gold.

18 karat gold is 75% gold (18 is 75% of 24) and so on. If the gold is
less than 24K then it will be mixed with another alloy. This makes the
gold harder, which is better for jewellery as gold is a very soft
metal.

Jewellers usually use 14K or 18K gold. The higher the quantity of gold
the more "goldy" the colour and look.

Gold can be mixed with such alloys such as Silver, Copper, Nickel or
Zinc. Changing the type of alloy mixed with the gold will change the
look or colour of the gold.

The Europeans on the other hand, use a scale which is comprised of
1000, as opposed to 24. So pure gold in the European scale would be
1000 parts gold (actually called 999). 18K gold is 75% gold so is 750,
(75% of 1000)

What is Gold Plated? Usually this means that there is a very thin layer
of gold over another alloy with no real gold content. If there is a
gold content then it should state this, ie 18K gold plated.

What is White Gold? White gold is a gold alloy, or mix. It is mixed
with an alloy which makes it take on a look more like Platinum. It is
softer and easier to work than Platinum, but softer and so will wear
more.

What is Rose Gold? This is gold alloyed with copper so that it takes on
a more coppery look.

If I get a Gold ring how do I care for it? Most men don't bother
really. A ring is worn all the time. If it is gold it will scratch a
little, this is part of having a gold ring and really doesn't detract
from the look. If you wish though you can clean with a mixture of soap
and water and a soft brush or cloth.

I think I am Allergic to Gold. It is very rare for someone to be
allergic to pure gold. More likely is that the allergy is to the alloy
mixed with the gold.
One of the more common gold allergies is caused by Nickel which is used
in white gold. If you think allergy could be a problem then make sure
that you get the purest gold (ie higher Karat).

If you want white gold get a ring which is alloyed with palladium.
It is also possible to get a reaction to things which lodge under the
ring, for example soap from washing up. If this is the case take the
ring off when doing this.

Read our Gold Mens Wedding Rings page.

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