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E-mailThe different types of gold: features and uses
What is gold and why is it used as an alloy?
Pure gold: its characteristics and limitations
At Mazarin, gold is more than just a precious metal; it embodies elegance and durability. It is at the heart of each of our creations, allowing us to design pieces that are both timeless and refined, intended to last for generations. Whether for a wedding ring or a solitaire, every piece reflects exceptional French jewelry craftsmanship.
Pure gold (24 carats), composed of 99.9% gold, is highly valued for its intense yellow color and exceptional brilliance. However, its softness makes it prone to scratches and deformation. That is why, like many jewelers, we work exclusively with 18-carat gold—an alloy that combines remarkable strength with ideal durability for daily wear.
the difference between pure gold and gold alloys
The difference between pure gold and gold alloys mainly lies in their composition and properties. Pure gold, or 24-carat gold, is extremely malleable, making it less suitable for creating durable jewelry. In contrast, 18-carat gold, an alloy combining gold with other metals such as copper, palladium, or silver, gains strength while maintaining its precious shine.
These alloys enhance the durability of gold while offering a variety of colors. For example, rose gold, alloyed with copper, gives a warm and romantic hue, while white gold, combined with palladium or silver, provides a modern and sophisticated shine. Using 18-carat gold allows us to create strong, everyday jewelry while offering a range of elegant and timeless shades.
The different types of gold
Yellow gold: traditional and timeless
Yellow gold is valued for its classic color and natural shine, offering lasting brilliance and excellent corrosion resistance. However, due to its relative softness, it can be prone to scratches and deformation. To enhance its strength without affecting its appearance, yellow gold is often alloyed with other metals such as copper and silver. These elements give it its distinctive color while improving its durability. The pure gold content of the alloy varies depending on the carat, with 18-carat gold commonly used to combine strength, shine, and authentic color richness. At Mazarin, you will find a wide selection of 18-carat yellow gold jewelry, including the Link ring, a true emblem of the house.
White gold: modern and elegant
White gold, with its silvery hue, is prized for its durability, making it ideal for everyday jewelry. It is created by alloying pure gold with metals such as palladium or silver, enhancing its strength while preserving its unique shine. However, it may require rhodium plating to maintain its brilliance and bright color over time. Creations like the Duchesse ring and the Eboris ring perfectly embody the beauty and elegance of white gold, combining modern design with durability, making them perfect for daily wear.
Rose gold: romantic and trendy
Rose gold captivates with its warmth and unique glow, making it a popular choice for wedding rings and bands. At Mazarin, we carefully select a gold and copper alloy, ensuring both strength and refinement. Thanks to the properties of copper, rose gold offers excellent durability and resistance, while being less prone to scratches. Discover our Amoretto collection, featuring a range of women’s solitaires and rose gold wedding bands, designed to accompany the most meaningful moments of your life with elegance.
Understanding Carats: Gold Purity
24-carat gold: the purest
24-carat gold is the purest form of gold, composed of 99.9% gold, offering an intense yellow color and brilliant shine. However, its high malleability makes it prone to scratches and deformation, making it less suitable for everyday wear. It is ideal for luxury or investment pieces, but is often alloyed with other metals to improve its durability.
18-carat gold: the perfect balance
18-carat gold is the ideal alloy for high-quality jewelry. It combines the purity of gold with the strength needed to create wedding rings or women’s solitaires that stand the test of time. Mazarin chooses this carat to ensure clients receive pieces that are both refined and durable.
14-carat and 9-carat gold: durability and accessibility
14-carat and 9-carat gold are strong alloys, but their lower purity makes them less valuable compared to 18-carat gold. These options remain accessible and durable, ideal for those seeking practical and affordable jewelry for everyday wear.
Comparison between carats and percentage of pure gold
Carats and the percentage of pure gold both measure gold purity, but in different ways. Carats indicate the proportion of pure gold in an alloy on a 24-part scale. For example, 18-carat gold contains 75% pure gold (18/24), while 9-carat gold contains only 37.5% (9/24). In contrast, the percentage of pure gold directly shows the amount of gold in the alloy: thus, 18-carat gold represents 75% pure gold. In summary, carats express relative purity on a 24-part scale, while the percentage provides a simpler and more precise measure of the actual gold content in the metal.
Choosing the type of gold that suits you
Based on your tastes and style
At Mazarin, we understand that everyone has their own jewelry preferences. You can choose yellow gold, which offers a classic and warm look; white gold, ideal for a modern and refined style; or rose gold, which adds a romantic and elegant touch. Each type of gold brings a unique character, allowing your jewelry to reflect your personality and taste.
Based on usage: jewelry, investment, or decoration
The choice of gold also depends on its intended use. For everyday jewelry, such as wedding rings, 18-carat gold is an excellent compromise between beauty and durability. Pure 24-carat gold, on the other hand, is ideal for investment pieces or high-jewelry creations. For elegant yet more accessible jewelry, 14-carat gold is a perfect choice while still ensuring long-lasting durability.
Based on your budget
At Mazarin, we offer a wide range of 18-carat gold jewelry, combining quality and durability. Whether for a special occasion or everyday wear, our creations are designed to enhance your style and tell your story.
The impact of alloys on jewelry making
Strength and durability of jewelry
Gold alloys have a direct impact on the strength and durability of jewelry. Pure gold is too soft to withstand everyday wear, so it is often mixed with other metals such as copper, palladium, or silver. These alloys enhance the jewelry’s sturdiness, making it less prone to scratches and deformation while maintaining its shine. Jewelry made from these alloys is designed to last over time while offering refined aesthetics.
At Mazarin, we work exclusively with 18-carat gold, an alloy that ensures both durability and elegance, providing creations that combine quality and aesthetics, crafted to accompany you in daily life.
Which metals are hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic metals are those with a low risk of causing allergic reactions when in contact with the skin. Among the metals most commonly used in jewelry, 18-carat gold, platinum, stainless steel, and titanium are considered hypoallergenic. These metals do not contain nickel, a common allergen, making them particularly suitable for people with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Choosing jewelry made from these metals helps minimize the risk of irritation while ensuring exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal.
Jewelry care for gold pieces
To preserve the shine of your gold jewelry, regular care is essential. Avoid contact with chemicals, perfumes, or lotions that could damage the surface of the metal.
For cleaning, use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. If needed, you can use lukewarm water with mild soap. It is also recommended to remove your jewelry before swimming or engaging in manual activities to maintain its beauty and prolong its lifespan. These simple practices help keep your jewelry in optimal condition, preserving its color and brilliance.
FAQ on the different types of gold
What is the difference between solid gold and gold-plated?
Solid gold is made entirely of gold, making it more durable, resistant, and expensive. Gold-plated jewelry, on the other hand, is made of a base metal coated with a thin layer of gold. It is less expensive but also less durable, as the gold layer can wear off over time.
Can a yellow gold piece be transformed into white gold?
Yes, it is possible to transform a yellow gold piece into white gold by melting it and alloying it with metals such as palladium or nickel, then plating it with rhodium to give it a silvery shine. However, this process can affect the structure of the jewelry and may require regular maintenance of the rhodium plating.
Which type of gold is best for investment?
For investment purposes, pure gold (24 carats) is the best choice. It retains its value over the long term and is generally used in the form of bars or coins. Pure gold provides financial stability and is in high demand on the markets, making it a safe haven during periods of economic uncertainty.