karats
Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal
As an ornament, gold has been cherished for centuries due to its inherent beauty and lustrous appeal. Often the word jewelry synonyms gold. Even sometimes gold is related to religious beliefs. Gold can be a valuable resource too. Gold is a highly conductive metal and is used in different types of applications. For instance, gold is used in dentistry for its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion. Even gold is used in electronic systems and space exploration because it is reliable and durable.
Gold has been a popular investment for centuries. Its value mostly follows an upward trend during times of economic growth. Gold is a tangible asset that is not subject to inflation or government control.
Different Types of Gold Used in Jewelry
Though gold is always a precious metal, the value and quality of gold jewelry differ based on its manufacturing process. Here are some types:
Gold Plated
Gold-plated jewelry is the most affordable option and is made by covering a base metal like brass or copper with a thin layer of gold. The gold layer can be as little as 0.05% or less and may fade or tarnish over time. Gold-plated jewelry is produced in many countries, including China, India, Thailand, and the United States.
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Gold-Filled
Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a solid layer of gold to a base metal like brass, with nearly 100 times more gold than gold-plated jewelry. This process results in a more durable piece of jewelry that won't rub off. Gold-filled jewelry is commonly produced in the United States, Italy, and Turkey.
Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil jewelry features a sterling silver base coated in a thick layer of gold plating, typically 2.5 microns thick. The gold plating is done through the electroplating process, and the resulting piece is more durable than gold-plated jewelry. Gold vermeil jewelry is commonly produced in countries such as the United States, Italy, and France.
Solid Gold
When the jewelry is made of gold metal with no other base metal, it is called solid gold jewelry. Not to mention, it is the best type of gold jewelry.
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However, the solid gold jewelry comes in various karats. High karat golds offer more purity, and quality in exchange for a higher price tag. Solid gold jewelry is produced in many countries worldwide, including China, South Africa, Australia, the United States, and Canada.
The value of each type of gold can vary depending on several factors such as its purity, rarity, and demand in the market. Solid gold will always be the most expensive due to its high purity and lack of base metals.
Gold-filled and gold vermeil feature higher quality and are more expensive than gold-plated jewelry. But they are more budget-friendly than solid gold made jewelry. Solid gold made jewelry is the most expensive one as it offers better quality than gold-filled and gold vermeil jewelry. Gold-plated jewelry is the most affordable option, but its gold content is minimal, which affects its durability and longevity.
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