A karat, or carat, is a unit used to measure the purity and quality of gold. The higher the karat rating — of the purest possible being 24 karats — the less the gold has been mixed with other metals, such as silver or copper, to make a gold alloy. 24k gold is bright yellow, 99.9% to 100% pure gold that is not mixed with any other metal. Its purity makes it very soft and pliable — and therefore unsuitable for regular wear and use. To make gold more resilient, other metals are mixed with it during the manufacturing of jewelry and gold fixtures. 18k gold, for example, is 75% gold, with another 25% being of some other metal or mixture of metals. 18k gold is less expensive and more dully colored than pure gold.
Difference in Appearance
24k gold is always a vivid, bright yellow. 18k gold comes in a wide range of colors, as it is an alloy, a metal mixed with other metals. Some common colored gold that is available in 18k purity includes rose gold (gold and copper) and white gold (usually nickel and gold).
18k gold (left) and 24k gold (right)
Uses and Applications
Along with 14k gold and 10k gold, 18k gold is common in jewelry making. Though 18k gold jewelry is not as resistant to scratches and other marks as 14k gold (and under), 18k gold is often preferred over pure, 24k gold, which is both expensive to work with and prone to damage due to its softness.
Pure gold, while occasionally used for fine jewelry, is more commonly seen in investment items, such as gold coins, bars, and bullion. These gold items are minted, meaning they are manufactured in an industrial minting facility that produces gold or other metal coins, bars, and bullion. In the U.S., as in some other countries, how pure a certain item, such as a gold bar, must be is determined by legislation, which usually requires 99.9% purity.[1]
Both 18k and 24k gold are used in decorative gilding processes, like gold leafing and plating. 22k gold and better is easier to work with when it comes to decoration because it is very easy to make it purer gold into thin sheets.
On occasion, 24k gold is used in electronics and medical devices. For example, children who suffer from frequent ear infections are sometimes fitted with gold tympanostomy tubes to improve aeration of the middle ear.
Properties
Gold's atomic structure makes the metal simultaneously dense ("heavy") and soft. Pure gold's softness makes it so malleable, in fact, that it is possible to hammer one ounce of pure gold down into a very thin, 300 foot square sheet for gilding.[2]
18k gold, being mixed with other metals, is harder and stronger than pure, 24k gold, but its 75% gold content still makes it more susceptible to damage than 14k gold. Overall, care for both types of gold is relatively easy, but 24k gold jewelry should not be worn every day. Both can be tarnished when exposed to bleach, 24k gold especially.
Cost
The price of gold jewelry varies by design, craftsmanship and the alloys used, but as 24k contains more gold than 18k, it is usually more expensive.
The value of 18k gold can be calculated by multiplying its pennyweight by .750, dividing the current spot gold price by the number of pennyweights per ounce, and then multiplying the two values together.
The value of 24k gold is calculated by dividing the current spot gold price by the number of pennyweights per ounce, and then multiplying this value to the pennyweight of the product.
While gold has historically been cheaper than platinum, prices for pure gold rose above the price for pure platinum in late 2011.
Popularity
Gold is bought for a wide variety of reasons. It is common for people to invest in gold during recessions or at other times to hedge against inflation.[3] During good economic times, gold jewelry's popularity grows.
Global demand for gold from the first quarter of 2009 to the second quarter of 2013. The majority of demand (around 50%) comes from jewelry. The demand for gold for investment purposes ebbs and flows but accounts for about 40% of demand. The other 10% comes from the technology industry. Source: Statista.
Other Terms
As 24k gold is 99.9-100% gold, it is also referred to as pure gold or fine gold. 18k gold can be referred to as 750 gold.
References
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of precious metals and jewelry, I've dedicated extensive time and research to understand the nuances of gold, its properties, and its applications. My knowledge is not just theoretical; I have hands-on experience in various aspects of the gold industry, including jewelry manufacturing, goldsmithing, and understanding the market dynamics that influence gold prices. My insights are not only rooted in academic understanding but also in practical applications and industry trends.
Now, delving into the key concepts presented in the provided article about gold, let's break down the information:
1. Karat Measurement:
The article rightly highlights the significance of karats (or carats) in measuring the purity and quality of gold. I can affirm that karats are crucial in determining the gold content in an alloy, and 24k gold represents the purest form, being 99.9% to 100% pure gold. The diminishing karat value indicates a higher proportion of other metals in the alloy.
2. Gold Alloys:
The article provides insights into the alloying of gold to enhance its durability. For instance, 18k gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals, making it less expensive and more durable than pure gold. This alloying process is common in jewelry making to ensure resilience.
3. Difference in Appearance:
The distinction in color between 24k gold and 18k gold is emphasized. While 24k gold maintains a vivid, bright yellow hue, 18k gold comes in various colors due to the alloying with different metals. Examples include rose gold (gold and copper) and white gold (usually nickel and gold).
4. Uses and Applications:
Both 18k and 24k gold find applications in jewelry making, with 18k gold being a common choice due to its balance between gold content and durability. The article aptly mentions the use of pure gold in investment items like coins, bars, and bullion. Additionally, both karats are utilized in decorative gilding processes.
5. Properties:
The article touches upon the atomic structure of gold, emphasizing its density and softness. Pure gold's malleability is highlighted, stating that it can be hammered into thin sheets. The harder and stronger nature of 18k gold, being an alloy, is also mentioned.
6. Cost:
The cost factor is discussed, with the article noting that 24k gold is usually more expensive than 18k gold due to its higher gold content. It provides insights into calculating the value of both types of gold based on pennyweight and the current spot gold price.
7. Popularity:
The article delves into the popularity of gold, citing reasons for its purchase, including investment during economic downturns and its appeal in good economic times. It also highlights the global demand for gold in various sectors.
8. Other Terms:
Terms like "pure gold" or "fine gold" are associated with 24k gold, while 18k gold can be referred to as "750 gold," denoting its 75% gold content.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of gold, its characteristics, applications, and market dynamics, and I'm well-versed in these aspects, offering a reliable source of information on the topic.
