Prized for its beauty and versatility, gold is the classic setting for most jewelry. Unlike some metals, gold retains a beautiful luster.
The standard measurement of gold is the karat, which is divided into 24 parts. Pure gold is 24 karats, meaning 24 out of 24 parts are gold. Because pure gold is too soft to be used for jewelry, it is combined with other metal alloys to increase its strength. For instance, 14K gold is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other alloys, while 18K gold is 18 parts gold and 6 parts other alloys. 10K gold is more durable, with 10 parts gold to 14 parts other alloys.
Alloys used with yellow gold include copper and silver. Pink gold is created by combining gold with large amounts of copper, while green gold results from mixing gold with copper, silver and zinc. When creating white gold, pure gold is combined with copper, zinc and nickel (or palladium).
There are distinct advantages to both yellow and white gold. Since antiquity, yellow has been the color most associated with gold. White gold is a beautiful complement to exceptionally white and brilliant diamonds. Also, white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium, a shiny metal that increases the whiteness and strength of gold. Sometimes, white gold is confused with platinum, though they are entirely different metals. White gold and platinum vary in strength, resistance to scratches and shades of white.
In some jewelry pieces, white and yellow gold are paired together, producing a beautiful two-tone look.
