We often find fine jewelry made up of different carats such as 21k, 22k, or 18k. Here in Kuwait, most of the Asian people use 22k, while Arabs use 21k jewelry and 18k is used by both on average. The question arises, why do we have different gold carats available in the market?
- Is it only in Kuwait? or does it happen in other parts of the world as well? or
- Is it our geographical location that makes a difference? or
- Does it have to do with fundamental differences in gold carats due to its unique mixture with other alloys?
For years, gold has been admired for its natural elegance and aura. Of all precious metals, it is the most flexible and elastic that it can be molded into any piece of jewelry that we have today. Gold is resistant to become dull, rot, and oxidation. It is an incredibly durable metal, making it the most important metal in the jewelry industry. It has not lost its importance until the present day and is still one of the most desired metal. It is also known for being the king of all metals. Gold’s purity is based on carats. It is weighted according to the carats as it is a unit of measurement for its purity. For instance, you bought a piece of jewelry weighing 10 grams made up of 21k. Since this jewelry is 21 carats meaning only 87.5% of the weight 10 grams (excluding the stones) you bought is pure gold. We will discuss carats and gold purity in a summary below.
24-carat pure gold ― (24/24 = 99.99% purity)
Pure gold is too fragile and soft to be used for jewelry making. It does not have mixed metals. There is no pure gold higher than 24k. It is more expensive to buy and more valuable than any other carat. However, you may find jewelry items made up of 24k, however, it is very rare as it is very soft and prone to deform and get scratches which makes it impractical for daily use jewelry. Pure gold has a deep yellow hue and tone. This type of gold is used in bars and coins for investing purposes. It is also used in electronic and medical equipment. It is melted and mixed with other metals such as silver, copper, nickel, and zinc to increase its durability and hardness and change its color.
22-carat gold ― (22/24 = 916.67%)
21-carat gold ― (21/24 = 87.5%)
The remaining 12.5% of 22k gold consists of a combination of other metals such as copper, zinc, nickel, etc as mentioned above. It is widely used by people around the world, especially in Middle Eastern countries. It is prone to fewer scratches and possesses higher durability as compared to carats above 21k. However, it is softer than 18k. Jewelry made from this type of gold is more suitable for daily wear due to its durability and strength. It can hold diamonds and gemstones. It is less expensive than 22k and 24k. For people who suffer from metal-allergies choose this type of gold because of it being less prone to oxidation and gold purity is higher than 18k.
18-carat gold ― (18/24 = 75%)
This type of gold refers to the gold alloy which consists of 25% of other metals. This makes it more sturdy enough for daily wear than any other carat. This type of gold is mostly used in fine jewelry items. Usually, chains in bracelets and necklaces, and earrings are made up of 18k. This makes it less vulnerable to hits and will not be damaged easily. this type of gold does not require rhodium plating because it has a higher ratio of metals mixed in it. it is also more cost-effective in terms of the long run and does not require many repairs.
Gold comes in different colors
- Yellow gold: Its color is formed from the redness of copper, the whiteness of silver, and goldenness (yellow) from the pure gold. It is the most hypoallergenic gold that requires less hustle to maintain its original color. Note that, pure gold does not change its color, however, an alloyed gold (mixed with other metals) changes its color by time due to oxidation. It is the most popular type and an appropriate choice for daily wear and events like weddings, and engagement occasions.
- White gold: It is more modern than yellow gold. It is very attractive due to its silvery and luxurious whiteness. In this type of gold, with addition to other metals such as copper and zinc, palladium (platinum metal group) is mixed which results in white gold. It is then rhodium plated for more durability and resistance to scratches as compared to yellow gold. Rhodium plating wears away over time which needs maintenance of replating again to bring back the original white gold shine. It was initially introduced and prepared as an alternative to platinum.
- Rose gold: It looks warmer in color, different and unique in its appearance, and shows the expression of love. Its beautiful pinkish color tone is created by mixing more copper and less silver into it. The more the ratio of copper, the stronger the pink tone will be. The fineness and uniqueness of rose gold jewelry are appreciated and loved by the ones who wear it. It is also known as Pink gold or Red gold.
- Black gold: It has a cooler effect, shows a daring and upfront personality in color. Black gold is actually not black. It is black rhodium plated on white gold which outcomes in classic black finish. Jewelry made with this type of gold has glittering gemstones in it which allows a black gold glamour to show off. It is rarely used in Kuwait since people are conscious about it being a real gold.
Which type of gold is widely preferred and is popular around the world?
Gold jewelry’s popularity depends on tastes that differ from country to country, and from people to people. 24k and 22k gold are common in Asia and India, believing that gold is not only intended for jewelry and ornamentation but is also considered as a good source of investment. The bright yellow-gold color is what they usually look for. The jewelry in 18k is more common in South America and Europe, the standard carat used in Europe’s fine jewelry. The jewelry in 14k gold dominates the United States jewelry market. Americans usually use custom or designer made gold jewelry, and the jewelry has to be durable. Jewelry in 14k fits well for any kind of jewelry. The minimum and standard carat accepted in the United States is 10k.