Measure of Purity
Karat is the measure of gold purity. Pure gold, or 24-karat gold, is soft and malleable so it’s mixed with other metals — copper, silver, palladium, or manganese — to make it strong enough to be worn. When another metal is added to 24-karat gold it changes the purity. An 18-karat gold piece, means it is 18 out of 24 parts gold and 6 parts alloy, 14-karat means 14 out of 24 parts are gold and 10 parts are alloy. The amount of gold versus alloy also changes the color.
Yellow, White or Pink
Gold, in its natural state is yellow, but a little alchemy changes the color. By adding in palladium, silver or manganese, the gold turns a creamy white. To get the brightness that we associate with white gold, the finished piece is sometimes dipped into a container of liquid rhodium for a few seconds which gives it a shiny whiteness. Rose, or pink, gold gets its color when copper is added to the gold, sometimes a little silver is added for a lighter tone.
What’s Your Gold Color?
You may be drawn to the richness of yellow gold, the sleekness of white gold, or the warmth of rose gold, which is flattering to all skin tones. Select the color that you prefer, or that looks best on you. Combine white with yellow or rose gold for a contemporary feel, or mix yellow and rose gold for a vintage vibe. Collect pieces in all three gold colors that you can wear separately or together. The choice is yours.
