Differences between types of gold and their shades

Gold, known for over 6.000 years, is a fascinating metal, not only for its beauty, but also for its properties and the fascination it has always aroused in human beings.

Gold (Au), well known for being a symbol of wealth, is a noble metallic chemical element, that is, it hardly undergoes oxidation. It is also the most ductile and malleable metal known: about 1 gram of gold can be rolled into up to 1 square meter. Therefore, other metals are used, such as silver and copper, so that their tenacity increases and the alloy is more resistant than pure gold. In its natural state and under ambient conditions, gold is solid and has a bright metallic yellow color.

Gold is present throughout nature, but in tiny concentrations. World reserves are around 90.500 tons per year, with Brazil holding around 1,9% (10th largest reserve). Production around the globe is worth around 2.500 tons per year and our country contributes around 1,6% (14th largest producer). Due to its rarity, it has a high commercial value that is constantly changing, as its price is quoted daily.

Pure gold is a very malleable material. If you have a 100% gold ring and you shake hands with someone, the ring will bend, becoming oval. Of course, nobody wants a piece of jewelry as delicate as Play-Doh. Then, gold is mixed with other elements, such as copper, zinc, silver or palladium, forming a metallic alloy. In addition to determining the hardness of the alloy, they also affect the color of the gold.

To define the amount of gold in an alloy, the expression carats (K) appeared, with 24K equivalent to 100% gold, pure gold. If we say that a jewel is 18K gold, that means that it has 18 parts of gold and 6 parts of other metals, that is, it has 75% gold.

When purchasing a piece of gold jewelry, it is important to pay attention to the amount of metal in the piece. The legislation that determines the percentage of gold in a jewel that makes it in fact gold, varies according to the country. In Brazil, for example, a piece with a gold composition above 14K is already considered gold. But it is worth noting that 18K gold is the best option for making jewelry, and can also be called 750 gold (750 parts of gold in 1000 parts). At this carat, in addition to resistance, the jewel is less susceptible to oxidation and darkening.

A difference in hue can arise depending on the proportion of each chemical element in the composition of the gold alloy. That's where the different shades come from. The best known and commercialized: 24K yellow gold, 18K yellow gold, rose gold, red gold, green gold, white gold and black gold. It is worth remembering: the shades of gold may vary according to the amount of light in the environment; another factor that interferes is the type of light to which it is being exposed: cold light, yellow light, colored lights.

What really matters is that you like the piece and feel good wearing it. Use, combine and abuse the shades of gold! Just don't forget to share your opinion in our comments.

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