THE GOOD GOLD GUIDE

GOLD ALLOYS: EVERYTHING ABOUT 8K, 9K, 14K, 18K, 333, 585, 750 AND MORE

Gold has been one of humanity's most coveted materials for thousands of years and plays a central role in jewelry, coins and works of art. When choosing gold jewelry, you often come across abbreviations such as 8K, 14K or 750. But what do these numbers mean? In this article, we clarify the meaning of the different karat variants, their purity and their historical background.

WHAT IS KARAT?

The term “carat” (KT) is a unit of measurement used to indicate the fineness of gold. It describes the proportion of pure gold in an alloy. The higher the karat number, the purer the gold.

Here are some common carat variations:

• 8K (333 gold) : Contains 33.3% pure gold. This type of gold is less common in Europe and is often mixed with a high amount of copper, which can result in a reddish hue.
• 9K (375 gold) : Has a fine gold content of 37.5%. In the UK, 9K gold is very popular and is often used in jewelry.
• 14K (585 gold) : Consists of 58.5% pure gold. It is widely used and offers a good compromise between durability and value.
• 18K (750 gold) : Contains 75% pure gold. This alloy has an intense gold tone and is a preferred choice for high-quality jewelry.
• 22K (916 gold) : Contains 91.6% gold. This variant is very popular in many cultures, especially in Asia, but is less used for everyday jewelry due to its softness.
• 24K (999 gold) : Is pure gold, usually offered in the form of bars or coins. It is very soft and therefore not ideal for jewelry that is worn every day.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Gold jewelry has a long history dating back to ancient times. In ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia, gold was considered a symbol of wealth and power. The purity of gold was crucial and various methods were developed to ensure the quality of gold. The karat measurement was introduced to standardize the gold content and increase transparency in trade.

GOLD ALLOYS AND THEIR BENEFITS

The main difference between the different gold alloys is the purity of the gold. 333 gold has a fine gold content of 33.3% and is often mixed with a high percentage of copper, giving it a reddish hue. 585 gold contains 58.5% fine gold and is a popular choice for high-quality jewelry that is still robust enough for everyday wear. 750 gold has a fine gold content of 75% and is known for its beautiful golden color.

SUSTAINABILITY AND RECYCLED GOLD

Since we not only create new jewelry in our factory but also recycle old gold, we can ensure that no allergenic substances are added to our jewelry. In our factory, we only work with 750 gold, which we obtain from 100% recycled gold. Gold is a very sustainable material because it can be melted down and processed again and again. We are proud to have only been working with 100% recycled gold since 2021. Old pieces of jewelry, but also electronic waste that contains real gold, are processed in a refinery. The material is melted down and then broken down into its individual components.

CONCLUSION

Choosing the right gold depends on several factors, including personal preference, budget and the intended use of the jewelry. Whether you choose 333, 585 or 750 gold, it is important that you make informed decisions and appreciate the beauty and value of your jewelry.

If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about our gold alloys, we look forward to hearing from you!

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