Gold is a precious metallic element, highly malleable and not subject to oxidation or corrosion. Pure gold is 24 karat and is very soft so to create durable jewelry it is often mixed with other metals to create 22k,18k, 14k and more. The percentage of gold in the mix determines the Karat. The higher the karat the more gold is in the mixture.
It has material value which is determined by the global market. Gold jewelry has symbolic significance in many cultures. Gold has been associated with the sun and is believed to represent the life-giving properties of the sun. Gold jewelry is also associated with the heart. It symbolizes love, compassion, generosity and comes in various colors.
Yellow Gold has been the most popular. The process of alloying (mixing other metals with pure 24 karat gold) gives malleable gold more durability and can be used to change its color.
White gold is created through alloying pure gold with another white metal such as palladium or silver. It is usually then plated with rhodium to create a harder, whiter surface along with a brighter shine.
Pink or Rose gold is created using copper as the alloy.
Other colors of gold such as blue, purple and black can be obtained from the addition of patinas or oxides on the surface of the gold.
Gold-filled jewelry is composed of a solid layer of genuine gold that is permanently, mechanically bonded to a base metal often brass. It is required by law to have a minimum of 5% gold. It is the thickest type of plating about 100 times thicker than other types of liquid plating. Gold filled jewelry is usually made with 12 or 14 karat gold and is like a tube of gold which is long lasting.
It is created with a core base metal that is sandwiched between two layers of a gold alloy. It is then heated and rolled, creating a bond between all the sheets of metal. It is durable, tarnish resistant and won’t chip. Gold-filled is a quality process that is beautiful, and a great affordable alternative to solid gold.
Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard is 925 often stamped on sterling silver jewelry. Fine silver, which is 99.9% pure silver, is relatively soft, so it is usually alloyed (mixed with other metals) usually copper to increase its hardness, strength and durability. at