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The different types of gold: characteristics and uses

Pure gold: its characteristics and limitsAt Mazarin, gold is not just a simple precious metal; it embodies the very essence of elegance and durability. It is at the heart of each of our creations, allowing us to desig...

What is gold and why is it used as an alloy?

Pure gold: its characteristics and limits

At Mazarin, gold is not just a simple precious metal; it embodies the very essence of elegance and durability. It is at the heart of each of our creations, allowing us to design pieces that are both timeless and refined, designed to cross generations. Whether for a wedding ring or a solitaire, each piece of jewelry reflects exceptional French jewelry know-how.

Pure gold (24 carats), composed of 99.9% gold, is highly prized for its intense yellow color and exceptional shine. However, its tenderness makes it susceptible to scratches and deformation. This is why, like many jewelers, we work exclusively with 18 carat gold. An alloy combining remarkable strength and durability ideal for daily use.

The difference between pure gold and alloy gold

The difference between pure gold and alloyed gold lies mainly in their composition and properties. Pure gold, or 24-karat gold, is extremely malleable, making it less suitable for creating long-lasting jewelry. On the other hand, 18-karat gold, an alloy that combines gold with other metals such as copper, palladium or silver, gains strength while preserving its precious shine.

These alloys reinforce the resistance of gold, while offering a diversity of shades. For example, rose gold, combined with copper, gives off a warm and romantic hue, while white gold, combined with palladium or silver, offers a modern and sophisticated shine. 18-carat gold allows us to create solid jewelry, perfect for everyday use, while offering you a variety of elegant and timeless shades.
What is gold and why is it used as an alloy?

The different types of gold

Yellow gold: traditional and timeless

Yellow gold is valued for its classic color and natural luster, providing long-lasting shine and excellent corrosion resistance. However, due to its relative softness, it may be susceptible to scratching and warping. To reinforce its solidity without altering its aesthetics, yellow gold is often combined with other metals such as copper and silver. These elements give it its distinctive color while improving its resistance. The pure gold content of the alloy varies by carat, with 18k gold commonly used to combine strength, luster and authentic richness of color. At Mazarin, you will find a wide choice 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 jewelry for everyday wear. It is obtained by alloying pure gold with metals such as palladium or silver, thus reinforcing its solidity while retaining its unique shine. However, it may require rhodium plating, a rhodium coating, to preserve its shine and vibrant color over time. Creations like the Duchesse ring and the Eboris ring perfectly embody the beauty and elegance of white gold, combining modern design and robustness, perfect for everyday wear.

Rose gold: romantic and trendy

Rose gold seduces with its warmth and unique shine, making it a favorite choice for wedding rings and alliances. At Mazarin, we carefully choose a gold and copper alloy, guaranteeing both robustness and refinement. Thanks to the properties of copper, rose gold offers great strength and excellent durability, while being less susceptible to scratches. Discover our Amoretto collection, which offers a range of solitaires for women and wedding rings in rose gold, designed to accompany the significant moments of your life with elegance.
The different types of gold

Understanding Carats: Purity of Gold

24 carat gold: the purest

24-karat gold is the purest gold, consisting of 99.9% gold, offering an intense yellow color and brilliant shine. However, its high malleability makes it susceptible to scratches and deformation, which makes it unsuitable for everyday use. It is ideal for luxury or investment pieces, but is often alloyed with other metals to improve its resistance

18 carat gold: the perfect balance

18 carat gold is the ideal alloy for quality jewelry. It combines the purity of gold with the strength needed to create wedding rings or solitaires for women that stand the test of time. Mazarin chooses this carat to guarantee its customers jewelry that is both refined and durable.

14-carat and 9-carat gold: robustness and accessibility

14k and 9k gold are strong alloys, but their lower purity can make them less valuable compared to 18k gold. However, these options remain accessible and durable, ideal for those looking for practical and affordable jewelry for everyday use.

Comparison between carats and percentage of pure gold

Karats and percentage of pure gold both measure the purity of gold, but in different ways. Karats indicate the proportion of pure gold in an alloy on a scale of 24 parts. For example, 18k gold contains 75% pure gold (18/24), while 9k gold contains only 37.5% (9/24). On the other hand, the percentage of pure gold directly gives the quantity of gold in the alloy: thus, 18 carat gold represents 75% pure gold. In summary, karats express the relative purity out of 24, while percentage provides a simpler and more precise measure of the amount of gold in the metal.
Understanding Carats: Purity of Gold

Choosing the type of gold that suits you

According to your tastes and style

At Mazarin, we understand that everyone has their preferences when it comes to jewelry. You can opt for 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 atmosphere, allowing your jewelry to reflect your personality and tastes.

Depending on use: jewelry, investment or decoration

The choice of gold also depends on what you will use it for. For jewelry worn every day, such as wedding rings, 18-carat gold is an excellent compromise between beauty and resistance. Pure 24-carat gold, for its part, is ideal for investment pieces or fine jewelry creations. For elegant but more accessible jewelry, 14-karat gold is a perfect choice, while guaranteeing great longevity.

According to your budget

At Mazarin, we offer a wide range of 18-carat gold jewelry, combining quality and durability. Whether for a special occasion or for everyday wear, our creations are designed to enhance your style and tell your story.
Choosing the type of gold that suits you

The impact of alloys on jewelry manufacturing

Strength and durability of jewelry

Gold alloys have a direct impact on the strength and durability of jewelry. Since pure gold is too soft to withstand daily wear and tear, it is often mixed with other metals such as copper, palladium or silver. These alloys add strength to jewelry, making it less susceptible to scratches and deformation, while maintaining its shine. Thus, jewelry made from these alloys is designed to last over time, while offering a refined aesthetic.

At Mazarin, we work exclusively with 18-carat gold, an alloy that guarantees both durability and elegance, to offer you resistant creations, combining aesthetics and quality, designed to accompany you every day.

What are hypoallergenic metals?

Hypoallergenic metals are those that have a low risk of causing allergic reactions when in contact with the skin. Among the most common metals used in jewelry, 18k 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 with these metals helps minimize the risk of irritation while guaranteeing exceptional durability and aesthetics.

Care of gold jewelry

To preserve the shine of your gold jewelry, regular maintenance is crucial. Avoid contact with chemicals, perfumes or lotions that could alter the metal surface.

To clean them, use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. If necessary, you can use lukewarm water with a mild soap. It is also recommended to remove your jewelry before swimming or practicing manual activities, in order to preserve their beauty and prolong their lifespan. These simple steps will help keep your jewelry in optimal condition, retaining its color and shine.
The impact of alloys on jewelry manufacturing

FAQs on different types of gold

What is the difference between solid gold and gold plated?

Solid gold is made entirely of gold, which makes it more durable, strong and expensive. Gold plated, on the other hand, is a metal covered with a thin layer of gold. Less expensive, it is also less durable, because the gold layer can wear away over time.

Can you transform yellow gold jewelry into white gold?

Yes, it is possible to transform yellow gold jewelry into white gold by melting and alloying it with metals like palladium or nickel, then coating it with rhodium to give it a silvery shine. However, this transformation can affect the structure of the jewelry and require regular maintenance of the rhodium plating.

What type of gold is best for investment?

For an investment, 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 offers financial stability and strong market demand, making it a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty.

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