Pure Gold Controversy — Can jewellery be made with 24kt gold?
Ever heard a jeweller claim, "It's pure gold," while selling 22kt or 18kt gold jewellery? And when you ask about 24kt jewellery, they dismiss it as ‘too soft for jewellery making’? Well, guess what? That's not entirely accurate! You can absolutely buy 24kt gold jewellery.
And there's more to it. Let's bust these myths once and for all.
So, What is Pure Gold Jewellery?
Pure gold, known as 24 carat gold, is soft on its own. To make it more resilient and durable for jewellery making, it's often mixed with an alloying metal like silver, copper or zinc. This creates different gold karats, such as 24K, 22K, and 18K. The higher the karatage number, the purer the gold is.
With all that said, jewellery can still be made with 24-carat gold. However, due to its malleability, it's not as commonly seen in the jewellery market.
Why Is 24kt Jewellery Scarce in the Market?
In simple terms, we often refer to 24 karat gold (pure gold) as soft, but the more accurate descriptions are malleable (can be hammered or shaped without breaking) and ductile (can be drawn into thin wires). While these qualities make it perfect for jewellery making, 24 karat jewellery isn't commonly seen for a few reasons:
- Gold is expensive, so using lower karat gold makes jewellery more affordable.
- Gold is denser than silver and copper (metals used in gold alloys), so jewellery made with lower karat gold weighs less.
- Creating intricate designs in pure gold is challenging, so jewellery isn't typically made in 24 karat.
- To add durability, we either use lower karat gold or create heavier jewellery pieces.
- 24kt gold has a dark hue and can't hold polish making it less appealing for the jewellery demand.
Is Pure Gold Too Soft?
Well, 24Kt gold isn't soft like a playdough! It's actually more flexible and easier to shape than 22 or 18 karat gold, due to its lower melting point. However, creating intricate designs is challenging. Also, it's prone to surface scratches and deformations, and mounted stones may not be held reliably as the mounts can distort. Sure, you can make a ring with 24 karat gold, but it'll show wear and tear pretty quickly from life's little bumps and knocks. Plus, it tends to have a darker hue and doesn't hold a polish as well, which is why it's often considered less attractive than lower karat alloys.
Considering these factors, it's best to opt for either gold coins and gold bars or 24kt jewellery in pieces like bangles, bracelets, chains, mangtikas, etc.—items that aren't subjected to rough or regular wear.
So, whether you're eyeing those shiny gold coins or some fine jewellery to jazz up your look, Angara's got you covered! Angara gold coins are authentic and ready for your investment portfolio, while our designer jewellery can be customised from metal type and carat to the gemstone's quality to fit your style and budget.
With so many options to choose from, why wait? — it's time to treat yourself to a little bit of luxury!
FAQ
1. What is the significance of alloying gold for jewellery making?
Gold's softness necessitates alloying with metals like silver, copper, and zinc to create durable alloys, offering a range of colours like yellow, white, and rose gold. These blends maintain jewellery's shape, withstand daily wear, and enhance design options.
2. Is 24kt gold used in any other forms besides jewellery?
24kt gold is widely used in jewellery. But it's also found in investment bars, coins, and ingots. Pure gold is valued for its purity. Gold bars and coins made of 24kt gold are not mixed with other metals maintaining high purity and value for investment purposes.