Basically there are three main types of gold that you should know about. These are White gold, Rose gold and Yellow gold. Each one of these is different in its own way and each can be used in a variety of ways.
Yellow gold
Historically, yellow gold has been the most popular color for jewelry. It was a symbol of wealth. The gold jewellery was often adorned with brightly colored stones. It was also a symbol of royalty. The earliest examples of this type of jewelry are found in ancient Egypt.
Traditionally, yellow gold is more substantial and durable than white gold. It is also hypoallergenic. In addition, it is more resistant to scratches. It is especially recommended for people with sensitive skin.
Unlike white gold, yellow gold has a much softer, more reddish hue. It is less dense and durable than platinum. It also contains a small amount of silver.
The colour of yellow gold alloys is more muted, but it is still a great option for sentimental jewelry. It will not scratch as easily as white gold.
White gold
Unlike yellow gold, white gold has a slightly off-white shade that gives it a vintage look. It is commonly coated with rhodium, which gives it a silvery sheen. It’s also more durable than yellow gold and can be re-plated to extend its life.
White gold is alloyed with metals such as palladium and nickel. This combination of elements makes white gold a stronger metal than pure gold. The alloy also gives white gold its light gray color. It is generally used for jewelry.
White gold is usually plated with rhodium, a reflective metal that adds luster and durability to the jewelry. The coating wears away over time, but re-plating is often done free by most jewelers.
The purity of the white gold depends on the amount of alloy added. A white gold alloy containing 14 parts of gold, nine parts of nickel, and one part of zinc is considered 10 karat. An 18 karat piece contains the same percentage of gold, but the same amount of nickel and zinc.
Rose gold
Unlike white gold and yellow gold, rose gold has a soft pinkish hue. It’s a popular metal for jewelry because of its durability and a romantic look. It’s also a good choice for those with olive skin tones.
Rose gold is an alloy of gold and copper. It’s a good combination because it’s durable and doesn’t tarnish. However, the color can change after a few years.
There are four karats in rose gold: 10K, 14K, 18K and 22K. The higher the karat, the more pure gold it contains. The difference in karats affects the color, durability, expense and composition of the gold.
The most common metal used in rose gold is copper. This is the most durable metal, but it does not make the gold hypoallergenic. This is because the nickel in the metal causes an allergic reaction in one out of eight people.
Gold-filled
Compared to gold plated jewelry, gold filled jewellery lasts longer and is more durable. It is also more affordable. It is made by bonding real gold to a base metal, which is usually brass. It is bonded to the surface of the brass with heat and pressure.
It can last for years, provided that it is properly cared for. When storing it, it should be put in a dry and airtight plastic bag. It should not be exposed to chemicals, chlorine, or hot tubs. It should be stored separately from other jewellery.
To clean gold filled jewelry, you should gently wash it with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. You can also use a cloth dipped in a warm soapy solution for a few minutes. Then, wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any soap residue.
Gold-plated
Choosing between different types of gold-plated jewelry depends on the type of material that is used as a base. Generally, the base metal is copper or brass. The thickness of the plating is also important. Thin gold plated jewelry will tarnish more quickly than thicker gold plated jewelry. Usually, the thickness of the gold-plated jewelry is between 0.17 and 2.5 microns.
The thickness of the gold-plated jewelry also determines its price. A higher karat weight of gold can cost more. It is recommended to buy jewelry with a nickel-free base. It is also advisable to keep the jewelry in an airtight container to prevent it from getting damaged.
Aside from the thickness, gold-plated jewelry is also affected by chemicals. Chlorine, body oils, soaps and detergents can damage the gold plating. It is important to clean the jewelry frequently to avoid these effects.