We all know that besides being a perfect addition to any outfit and for any occasion, gold and gemstones are also one of the best investments you can make. To help you make an informed decision when choosing jewelry in the future, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions in a series of articles. Today we will tell you about gold and its characteristics.
Gold – what is this unique metal?
Gold – this noble and malleable metal that has attracted the attention of people since ancient times. But why is it so fascinating?
Gold is a symbol of wealth, power and strength. It has been used in various spheres of human life – from the jewelry to investments, from medicine to space exploration.
History of Gold
The history of gold is rich and eventful. From ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to the medieval European empires, gold has been a symbol of wealth, power and prestige. In various cultures, gold has played a role in religious rites, such as Egyptian burial customs, as well as in the making of sacred objects and idols.
During the early Middle Ages Gold remains an important factor for stability and trade in Europe and Asia.
During the Renaissance period Gold enjoyed a resurgence as a symbol of culture, art, and wealth. Gold coins, inspired by the ancient Romans and Greeks, became an important means of trade and exchange.
In modern times, gold retains its value and importance, especially during periods of economic instability and wars. And in the 19th and 20th centuries Gold plays an important role in international financial systems, such as the gold standard and the Breton state system.
Properties of gold
Gold is characterized by its unique properties that make it an extremely valuable material:
- Nobility Gold is one of the six noble metals, which also include platinum, palladium, silver, rhodium, and iridium. This means that it is resistant to oxidation and corrosion.
- Shiny appearance – Gold has its characteristic yellow luster, which makes it an extremely attractive metal for use in jewelry and decorative objects.
Проводимост за електричество – Златото е отличен проводник на електричество, което го прави необходим в електрониката и технологиите. - Inertness - Gold is a chemically inert metal, which makes it resistant to environmental influences and makes it suitable for use in medicine and other sensitive applications.
Gold in jewelry
As we have shared with you, gold is an extremely popular and preferred material for making jewelry. Its noble and shiny appearance adds sophistication and class to any piece of jewelry.
Gold jewelry is a symbol of opulence and prestige and is often associated with special events and emotions, such as weddings, anniversaries or special gifts. In addition, gold jewelry is preferred because it is extremely resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, which automatically makes it the ideal accessory for everyday life. In addition, another plus is that gold can be combined with various precious and semi-precious stones to create a unique and sophisticated piece of jewelry that stands up to temporary fashions over the years.
If you are looking for the perfect gold jewelry For every occasion, you can browse our selection of beautiful models and unique combinations!
What does carat mean?
The karat for gold is a unit of purity – 24-karat gold is pure gold, without impurities. Gold is usually mixed with metals such as copper or silver to give it the necessary density and to be able to make jewelry from it (because pure gold is too soft). Each karat denotes 1/24 of the whole. So, for example, if a piece of jewelry is made of 18 parts gold and 6 parts copper, it is 18-karat gold. In Bulgaria, 14-karat gold is most often used, as it is easy to process and affordable in terms of price per gram.
Why does the price per gram of gold vary from different karats?
The price of gold is based on the percentage of gold in the alloy. For example, the price of one gram of 14-karat gold is lower than that of 18-karat. This is because in 14-karat gold, gold constitutes 58.33% of the alloy, and in 18-karat gold, it constitutes 75.00%. The higher the gold content in the alloy, the higher the price.
How is white and rose gold made?
Gold, in its natural form, is yellow. The white and rose colors are obtained when certain alloys are added to gold.
To obtain certain carats, yellow gold is mixed with equal parts silver and copper, with a little zinc added.
Rose gold, like yellow gold, is a mixture of yellow gold with silver, copper, and zinc. However, the ratio is changed - there is more copper and less silver in the composition, resulting in a warmer hue.
White gold is an alloy of yellow gold and some white metals such as silver, nickel or palladium. The white color is achieved by careful selection of metals in the alloy that lighten the deep yellow of pure gold.
Is there a difference in the price of white and rose gold compared to yellow gold?
No! The price per gram of yellow, white, and rose gold is the same.
There is a difference in the buying and selling price of gold. It changes every day, almost every hour. Here You can check the price per gram of gold and silver.
The selling price per gram of gold for a finished piece of jewelry is higher because the goldsmiths' labor is also charged. The purchase price per gram for a finished piece of jewelry remains the same as the stock exchange price because the purchased jewelry is not resold, but is melted down to create new ones.
We hope that this article has given you a little more information about gold, its properties and price. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to write to us in our Facebook page, ask our consultants in the store or goldsmiths in the workshop. We will be happy to help you!