VELVET BOX SOCIETY
  • Shop
    • Latest Finds
    • Shop By Era
    • Engagement Rings
    • Stackable Bands
    • Cocktail Rings
    • Timepieces
    • Gentlemans Accessories >
      • Gentleman's Rings
    • Bracelets
    • Earrings
    • Necklaces & Pendants >
      • Charms & Pendants
      • Chains
    • Diamonds & Gems
    • Signed Jewelry
    • From The Vault
    • Gift Ideas >
      • Wedding Day Gifts
      • Wedding Party Gifts
      • Push Presents Gifts
      • Anniversary Gifts
      • Graduation Gifts
      • Birthday Gifts
      • Religious Gift Ideas
      • Sweet Sixteen Gift Ideas
      • Quinceañera Gifts
    • Birthstone Jewelry
    • Final Sale Items
    • Gift Cards
  • Custom
    • Custom Engagement Rings
    • Custom Jewelry
    • Recreating an Heirloom
    • Family Crest Jewelry
    • Design Process
    • Schedule Consultation
    • For The Trade
    • More For The Trade
  • Sell To Us
    • What We Buy
    • Ways To Sell
    • Expert Qualifications
  • Services
    • Appraisal Services >
      • Jewelry Insurance
      • SELL TO US
      • Appraisal Fee Schedule
      • Exchange
      • Gem Identification
      • Metal Analysis
      • Estate Appraisals
      • Authentication Services
      • Expert Witness & Court Related Matters
      • Museum Collection Services
    • Schedule Consultation
    • Custom Jewelry Design
    • Recreating an Heirloom
    • Jewelry Repair >
      • Costume Jewelry Repair
    • Jewelry Restoration
    • Timepiece Repair
    • Diamond Cutting and Gemstone Repair
    • Searching for Something? >
      • Find Jewelry For Me
      • Find a Watch For Me
      • Find a Diamond
    • Jewelry Rental
    • Insurance Replacement
    • Private Collection Management
    • Layaway
    • Consignment
    • Wish List
    • Wholesale Inquiries >
      • Host a Trunk Show
  • The Brand
    • Our History
    • Our Experts
    • Our Values >
      • Corporate Responsibility
      • Sustainability
      • Military and First Responder Discounts
      • Kimberly Process
    • Jewelry School >
      • Makers Biographies
      • Educational Session
      • Eras of Style >
        • Ancient
        • Medieval & Renaissance
        • Baroque & Rococo
        • Georgian
        • Victorian
        • Edwardian
        • Art Nouveau
        • Arts & Crafts
        • Art Deco
        • Retro
        • Hollywood Glam
        • Mid-Century Modern
        • Brutalist
        • Art Organique
        • 1980's Jewelry
        • 1990's Jewelry
        • Contemporary
        • Simplistic
      • Diamonds & Gems >
        • Gemstone Education >
          • Gemstone Knowledge >
            • Approximate Gemstone weights
            • Carat to MM Conversion
            • Equivalents Chart
            • Gemstone Colors
            • Created, Synthetic & Simulated Gemstones
          • Gemstone Laboratories
          • All About Gemstones
        • Diamond Education >
          • Diamonds
          • Lab Grown Diamonds
          • Diamond Cutting and Gemstone Repair
          • Comparative Round Size Info
          • Diamond Carat Weight by MM
      • Counterfeit Jewelry & Watch Identification
      • Engagement Rings
      • Diamond Earrings
      • Timepieces >
        • Watch Anatomy
        • Vintage Rolex
        • Watch Terms
      • Sizing Help >
        • Ring Width
        • Ring Size
        • Wrist Size
        • Necklace Length
        • Ankle Size
        • Earring Size Guide
        • Watch Size Guide
      • Styles, Finishes, & Fit >
        • Ring Designs & Fit
        • Men's Wedding Band Finishes
        • Band Width
      • Custom Jewelry
      • Metals
      • Engraving
      • Birthstones
      • Jewelry Care
      • Jewelry Terms
    • Press
    • Be Social
    • Gems by VBS The BLOG
    • Reviews
    • Advice >
      • The Courtship
      • The Engagement
      • The Wedding
      • After The Wedding
    • Events
    • Careers
    • Affiliate Program
    • The Archives: A Collection of Sold Items
  • Contact

What is gold? Why is gold used in jewelry? What is pure gold? What is a gold alloy?

12/15/2020

0 Comments

 
Gold, in its most pure form, is 24 karat, meaning 24 parts out of 24 are gold or 1000 parts our of 1000 as many Europeans tend to calculate it.  In its purest form, gold is quite soft, so it is often mixed with other metals in order to make it stronger.  In order to make durable and long lasting gold, jewelers combine gold with other alloys that strengthen the metal and change its color.   To achieve a balance between the strength of each alloy and the value of gold, jewelers have standardized several different karat gold combinations.  All karats are available in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and green gold with the exception of 22k and 24k which are only available in yellow.  
  • 24k Gold: 99%-100% pure gold. Gold in its purest form.  This is, quite literally, pure gold, and is only available in a very rich yellow color.  Often times found in jewelry made in Asia and the Middle East.
​
  • 22k Gold: 90% pure gold. Gold slightly diluted.  Often used in gold coins for stability also very rich in a yellow gold and only available in that color.  Often times found in jewelry made in Asia and the Middle East.
​
  • 20k Gold: 83% pure gold. Used previously in historic times, sometimes made in a white form or rose form.  In modern times 20k is not used as there is not an advantage to working in a metal this pure, in time this purity often become brittle and 18k is preferred.  Historically used in items found made in New England and Europe circa 1880-1940
​
  • 18k Gold: 75% gold and 25% alloy. 18k gold is one of the most expensive types used in jewelry today because of its high gold content. Typically used in higher-end jewelry like diamond rings or platinum. Although 18k gold  will show wear sooner, it is still the preferred quality of gold in most of the world.  It can be mixed into any color gold!
​
  • 14k Gold: 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy. Considered the standard for pieces made in the United States.  It still has a good mix of safety, beauty, and durability and can be mixed into any color gold!
​​
  • 10k gold: 41.7% gold and 58.3% alloy. As the only karat gold that contains more alloy than gold, 10k gold  is the least pure and therefore the most affordable of the karat grades. Typically the preferred metal for lower cost pieces.   Good for lower cost and durability and can be mixed into any color gold!

  • Other purties seen: 12 karat, 9 karat or 33.3% pure, 8 karat, 16 karat (usually used in gold teeth!  And other purities used from five 9's (99999 to 01) gold can be mixed many different ways to create different things!
​
Gold Colors
Yellow:
Yellow gold can be mixed with alloys to bring the purity down.  This is generally done for strength reasons.
White:
White gold is generally yellow gold mixed with nickel.  The use of nickel does two things:
​​Makes the color white and makes the gold harder and more durable.
​​​​​​​​After alloying gold with nickel in any purity, it is still not completely white and will have a slight yellow color to it as gold comes out of the ground yellow!  Often times a metal called rhodium is plated over the gold alloy to make the final product look super bright white. White gold gives off a similar shine as platinum for a fraction of the cost.  However for a stronger, whiter, hypoallergenic metal, try platinum or palladium.
Rose:
Rose Gold is generally yellow gold mixed with copper.  The use of copper does make the color a pinkish to reddish color.  
​
​​After alloying gold with copper in any purity, it is still not complete red or pink and will still have a yellow color to it.
Green: 
Green gold is achieved by mixing gold and silver together.  Although silver does not have a green color by itself, when mixed with gold it creates a greenish color.  It is actually more of a greenish-yellow color.
Cadmium in small amounts can also be added to gold to make gold have a greenish color.  Green gold does exist naturally and its use in jewelry has been around for almost 3,000 years.

There are also specialty formulas such as black gold, blue gold, red gold, and gold that has been coated with other metals!
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

ALL JEWELRY

LATEST FINDS ​🔥

​SHOP BY ERA

​COCKTAIL RINGS
​
​
BRACELETS & BANGLES
​

EARRINGS

​
NECKLACES & PENDANTS

​
CHARMS & PENDANTS

​CHAINS

​DIAMONDS & GEMS
​

​TIMEPIECES

SIGNED JEWELRY

FROM THE VAULT

FINAL SALE 
​
​

FIND JEWELRY FOR ME


FIND A WATCH FOR ME

ALL BRIDAL

ALL ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Picture
ANTIQUE
Picture
COLORED STONE
Picture
CUSTOM

​WEDDING & STACKABLE  BANDS

Picture
LADIES
Picture
GENTLEMAN'S
Picture
MEN'S ENGAGEMENT
Picture
NEW & BESPOKE

 

GIFTS

GIFT CARDS

BIRTHSTONE  JEWELRY

​GIFT IDEAS
​

GENTLEMAN'S 

GENTLEMAN'S RINGS

​
GENTLEMAN'S ACCESSORIES

​
TIMEPIECES

COMPLIMENTARY SHIPPING.
NO HASSLE RETURNS


​CREATING CUSTOM
​

CUSTOM ENGAGEMENT RINGS



​
CUSTOM JEWELRY




​
RECREATE AN HEIRLOOM


​

​
DESIGN PROCESS


​SCHEDULE CONSULTATION

Picture
DESIGN YOUR OWN
Picture

FOR THE TRADE
​


MORE FOR THE TRADE


​SELL TO US


​WHAT WE BUY


​
WAYS TO SELL
​

​
EXPERT QUALIFICATIONS
​

CONTACT US 

Picture
SCHEDULE CONSULTATION

OUR SERVICES


APPRAISAL SERVICES




SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING SPECIFIC?
​


​JEWELRY RENTAL



​INSURANCE REPLACEMENT



​
PRIVATE COLLECTION MANAGEMENT



​
LAYAWAY PLAN



​
CONSIGNMENT



​
WISH LIST
​
​


WHOLESALE INQUIRIES

OUR WORK IN JEWELRY

CUSTOM JEWELRY DESIGN

RECREATING AN HEIRLOOM

JEWELRY REPAIR

​JEWELRY RESTORATION

DIAMOND CUTTING & GEMSTONE REPAIR

​​TIMEPIECE REPAIR

Picture

ABOUT VBS

LEARN WITH US

OUR HISTORY

​
OUR EXPERTS

​OUR VALUES
​
​
PRESS

BE SOCIAL
​

GEMS BY VBS BLOG

​
REVIEWS

EVENTS

​
CAREERS

AFFILIATE PROGRAM

​

JEWELRY SCHOOL

​
ADVICE

​
HOLIDAY SHIPPING

THE ARCHIVES: A COLLECTION OF SOLD ITEMS

Get the latest news and info
  Thank you for Signing Up
Please correct the marked field(s) below.
1,true,6,Contact Email,2
FREE EXPEDITED SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS

ABOUT

Contact Us
Our Brand
Our History
Press
​Policies
​
Refer A Friend
Military, Police, & First Responders
​
Sustainability

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Contact Us
Sell To Us 
​Product Care & Repair
​
Ring Size Chart
Call Now: 215-479-5913
Make an Appointment
Holiday Shipping
GIFTCARDS

SOCIAL

Picture
Get the latest news and info
  Thank you for Signing Up
Please correct the marked field(s) below.
1,true,6,Contact Email,2
leave us a review
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

WE ALSO ACCEPT CRYPTO CURRENCY

© COPYRIGHT 2017-2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All trademarked names, brands, models, logos, images, and graphics are the sole property of their respective trademark owners and copyright and credit to their respective owners. Timberbrook Capital, Velvet Box Society, including this website, its owners, employees, operators, and developers, are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized retailers of any watch or jewelry brand manufacturer or any of their subsidiaries. By browsing, purchasing, or referencing our site for any reason, the user agrees to release and hold harmless Timberbrook Capital, Velvet Box Society, its affiliates, owners, operators, developers, and employees from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses, including but not limited to, any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential losses arising from or in connection with the use of this site or any products or services purchased through this site.
  • Shop
    • Latest Finds
    • Shop By Era
    • Engagement Rings
    • Stackable Bands
    • Cocktail Rings
    • Timepieces
    • Gentlemans Accessories >
      • Gentleman's Rings
    • Bracelets
    • Earrings
    • Necklaces & Pendants >
      • Charms & Pendants
      • Chains
    • Diamonds & Gems
    • Signed Jewelry
    • From The Vault
    • Gift Ideas >
      • Wedding Day Gifts
      • Wedding Party Gifts
      • Push Presents Gifts
      • Anniversary Gifts
      • Graduation Gifts
      • Birthday Gifts
      • Religious Gift Ideas
      • Sweet Sixteen Gift Ideas
      • Quinceañera Gifts
    • Birthstone Jewelry
    • Final Sale Items
    • Gift Cards
  • Custom
    • Custom Engagement Rings
    • Custom Jewelry
    • Recreating an Heirloom
    • Family Crest Jewelry
    • Design Process
    • Schedule Consultation
    • For The Trade
    • More For The Trade
  • Sell To Us
    • What We Buy
    • Ways To Sell
    • Expert Qualifications
  • Services
    • Appraisal Services >
      • Jewelry Insurance
      • SELL TO US
      • Appraisal Fee Schedule
      • Exchange
      • Gem Identification
      • Metal Analysis
      • Estate Appraisals
      • Authentication Services
      • Expert Witness & Court Related Matters
      • Museum Collection Services
    • Schedule Consultation
    • Custom Jewelry Design
    • Recreating an Heirloom
    • Jewelry Repair >
      • Costume Jewelry Repair
    • Jewelry Restoration
    • Timepiece Repair
    • Diamond Cutting and Gemstone Repair
    • Searching for Something? >
      • Find Jewelry For Me
      • Find a Watch For Me
      • Find a Diamond
    • Jewelry Rental
    • Insurance Replacement
    • Private Collection Management
    • Layaway
    • Consignment
    • Wish List
    • Wholesale Inquiries >
      • Host a Trunk Show
  • The Brand
    • Our History
    • Our Experts
    • Our Values >
      • Corporate Responsibility
      • Sustainability
      • Military and First Responder Discounts
      • Kimberly Process
    • Jewelry School >
      • Makers Biographies
      • Educational Session
      • Eras of Style >
        • Ancient
        • Medieval & Renaissance
        • Baroque & Rococo
        • Georgian
        • Victorian
        • Edwardian
        • Art Nouveau
        • Arts & Crafts
        • Art Deco
        • Retro
        • Hollywood Glam
        • Mid-Century Modern
        • Brutalist
        • Art Organique
        • 1980's Jewelry
        • 1990's Jewelry
        • Contemporary
        • Simplistic
      • Diamonds & Gems >
        • Gemstone Education >
          • Gemstone Knowledge >
            • Approximate Gemstone weights
            • Carat to MM Conversion
            • Equivalents Chart
            • Gemstone Colors
            • Created, Synthetic & Simulated Gemstones
          • Gemstone Laboratories
          • All About Gemstones
        • Diamond Education >
          • Diamonds
          • Lab Grown Diamonds
          • Diamond Cutting and Gemstone Repair
          • Comparative Round Size Info
          • Diamond Carat Weight by MM
      • Counterfeit Jewelry & Watch Identification
      • Engagement Rings
      • Diamond Earrings
      • Timepieces >
        • Watch Anatomy
        • Vintage Rolex
        • Watch Terms
      • Sizing Help >
        • Ring Width
        • Ring Size
        • Wrist Size
        • Necklace Length
        • Ankle Size
        • Earring Size Guide
        • Watch Size Guide
      • Styles, Finishes, & Fit >
        • Ring Designs & Fit
        • Men's Wedding Band Finishes
        • Band Width
      • Custom Jewelry
      • Metals
      • Engraving
      • Birthstones
      • Jewelry Care
      • Jewelry Terms
    • Press
    • Be Social
    • Gems by VBS The BLOG
    • Reviews
    • Advice >
      • The Courtship
      • The Engagement
      • The Wedding
      • After The Wedding
    • Events
    • Careers
    • Affiliate Program
    • The Archives: A Collection of Sold Items
  • Contact