Gold – the enduring precious metal
Over two thousand years ago, the Greek poet Pindar wrote that gold was “the child of Zeus – neither moth nor rust can devour it.” Few materials have carried the same emotional, cultural, and historical weight as gold.
Wars have been fought over it, love has been declared with it, and across centuries gold has retained its position as a store of value. Today, nearly 80% of all newly mined gold is used in fine jewellery.
Natural gold and gold alloys
Native gold is usually found as small grains in rock formations or riverbeds. In nature, it is rarely pure and typically contains traces of silver.
Pure gold (24K) is too soft for most jewellery applications. It bends easily and cannot hold diamonds or gemstones securely. For this reason, gold is alloyed with metals such as silver and copper to produce workable jewellery alloys.
Common gold purities
- 18K gold: 75% pure gold (hallmarked 750)
- 14K gold: 58.5% pure gold (hallmarked 585)
- 9K gold: 37.5% pure gold (hallmarked 375)
The higher the copper content, the warmer and redder the alloy appears, resulting in pink or rose gold. Lower-carat gold wears faster, which is why many antique pieces survive today only because they were crafted in 18K gold or platinum.
White gold explained
White gold rose to popularity in the late 20th century as an alternative to platinum. It is created by alloying gold with white metals such as silver, nickel, or palladium.
Nickel vs palladium white gold
Nickel-based white gold is commonly used in mass-produced jewellery. It can tarnish, may cause allergic reactions, and usually requires rhodium plating to achieve a bright white appearance. This plating wears over time and must be reapplied.
Palladium-based white gold alloys are more stable, naturally white, and do not require rhodium plating. Palladium belongs to the platinum group metals and produces an alloy that is durable, corrosion-resistant, and visually refined.
Is 18K gold worth it?
18K gold has a higher density and specific gravity than lower-carat alloys, meaning a comparable piece contains more gold and has greater intrinsic value. If budget allows, 18K gold offers superior longevity and heirloom potential.
Note: precious metal prices are volatile and may change at any time.
Black gold – fact vs finish
Black gold is not a naturally occurring metal. Instead, it refers to surface treatments that alter the appearance of gold.
Common black gold techniques
- Electroplating with black rhodium or ruthenium
- Chemical patination using sulphur compounds
- Laser surface modification creating nano-structures that absorb light
- Advanced coatings such as amorphous carbon layers
These finishes are aesthetic rather than structural and should be assessed for wear resistance depending on the intended use of the jewellery.
Platinum – the ultimate precious metal
Most of the world’s platinum originates from the Merensky Reef within South Africa’s Bushveld Igneous Complex, formed over two billion years ago. These deposits account for more than 80% of global platinum reserves.
Why platinum jewellery costs more
- Platinum jewellery is typically 95% pure (Pt950)
- Platinum melts at 1769°C, significantly higher than gold
- Refining and labour costs are higher than for gold
- Platinum is denser and heavier than gold
A platinum ring weighs approximately 30% more than a similar ring in 18K gold. Although raw platinum prices may fluctuate below gold, the finished item often costs the same due to labour intensity.
Palladium – the modern precious metal
Palladium is a member of the platinum group metals and has been used in jewellery since the 20th century. It is lightweight, naturally white, and resistant to tarnish.
Palladium plays an important role in modern white gold alloys and is valued for its technical properties, though its market price can exceed that of platinum.
Gold beyond jewellery
Gold’s unique properties extend far beyond adornment. It has been used in dentistry for centuries, in aerospace to protect astronauts from solar radiation, and in modern technology.
Approximately 85% of all gold ever mined is still in circulation today, making it one of the most recyclable and enduring materials known to mankind.