{"id":20166,"date":"2026-09-29T03:06:58","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T03:06:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/?p=20166"},"modified":"2026-09-29T03:06:58","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T03:06:58","slug":"gold-alloys-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/blog\/gold-alloys-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Gold Alloys Explained: Types, Composition &#038; Chart"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"20166\" class=\"elementor elementor-20166\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-492ba51 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"492ba51\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-af1105d elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"af1105d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p><strong><b>A gold alloy is a mixture of pure gold and one or more other metals, usually copper, silver, zinc, nickel or palladium, blended to make gold harder, more durable and available in different colors.<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0Almost all gold jewelry is an alloy, and the karat stamp tells you how much of it is pure gold.<\/p><p>Pure gold is beautiful, but it is very soft. It scratches, dents and bends under everyday wear, which is why a 24K ring would not hold its shape for long. Alloying solves that problem, and it also gives us yellow, white, rose and green gold from the same base metal.<\/p><p>In this guide we explain what gold alloys are, how karat and fineness work, which metals do what, and how to pick the right alloy for the way a piece will be worn. As a solid gold jewelry manufacturer, we also share some of what we see at the bench, because the alloy inside a piece affects far more than its color.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-fb6a9ba e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"fb6a9ba\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ff1601 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7ff1601\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Is a Gold Alloy?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41913d5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"41913d5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>An alloy is a material made by combining two or more metals. In a gold alloy, the gold is mixed through the entire piece, not just applied on the surface. That is the key difference between an alloy and plating, and it is why solid gold jewelry can be polished, resized and repaired for decades.<\/p><p>Mixing other metals into gold changes several properties at once:<\/p><ul><li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><ul><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Hardness and strength:<\/b><\/strong>alloying metals stop the gold from bending, denting and scratching as easily.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Color:<\/b><\/strong>copper pushes gold toward red, silver and palladium toward pale yellow or white, and each metal shifts the tone in its own way.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Casting and working behavior:<\/b><\/strong>melting range, fluidity in the mold, and how well the metal can be rolled, drawn or soldered all depend on the mix.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Costo:<\/b><\/strong>the more gold in the alloy, the higher the material value.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Tarnish and corrosion resistance:<\/b><\/strong>gold itself never tarnishes, but some alloy metals, copper especially, can darken over time. Good alloy design is always a balance.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><p>That balance is why jewelers choose an alloy for a piece rather than simply choosing a karat.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-2f2d449 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2f2d449\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6dfda78 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6dfda78\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Karat, Fineness and Purity Explained<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9368c4c elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"9368c4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Gold purity is measured in <strong><b>carati<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0(written carat in the UK and some other countries) or <strong><b>fineness<\/b><\/strong>. This karat is unrelated to the carat weight of a diamond.<\/p><ul><li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><ul><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Karat<\/b><\/strong>divides the metal into 24 parts. 24K is pure gold, 18K is 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals, and so on.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Fineness<\/b><\/strong>states the gold content in parts per thousand. 750 means 75% gold, which is the same as 18K.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><p>Fine gold bars are typically 999 or 9999 fineness, meaning 99.9% or 99.99% pure. Jewelry alloys sit well below that.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8e289d elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"b8e289d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<table><tbody><tr><td width=\"86\"><p><strong><b>Karat<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"113\"><p><strong><b>Contenuto oro<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"126\"><p><strong><b>Fineness stamp<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"275\"><p><strong><b>Typical character<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"86\"><p>24 carati<\/p><\/td><td width=\"113\"><p>99.9%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"126\"><p>999<\/p><\/td><td width=\"275\"><p>Pure gold, deep yellow, very soft<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"86\"><p>22.000<\/p><\/td><td width=\"113\"><p>91.7%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"126\"><p>916<\/p><\/td><td width=\"275\"><p>Rich color, soft, used in traditional jewelry and some coins<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"86\"><p>20K<\/p><\/td><td width=\"113\"><p>83.3%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"126\"><p>833<\/p><\/td><td width=\"275\"><p>Rich color, softer than 18K<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"86\"><p>18K<\/p><\/td><td width=\"113\"><p>75%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"126\"><p>750<\/p><\/td><td width=\"275\"><p>Premium fine jewelry standard, rich color, good balance<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"86\"><p>14 carati<\/p><\/td><td width=\"113\"><p>58.5%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"126\"><p>585<\/p><\/td><td width=\"275\"><p>Very popular for daily wear, harder, slightly paler<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"86\"><p>10.000<\/p><\/td><td width=\"113\"><p>41.7%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"126\"><p>417<\/p><\/td><td width=\"275\"><p>Hard and affordable, paler color<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"86\"><p>9K<\/p><\/td><td width=\"113\"><p>37.5%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"126\"><p>375<\/p><\/td><td width=\"275\"><p>Hardest of the common gold alloys, lightest gold color<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a420628 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"a420628\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>One important limit: karat and fineness only tell you how much gold is present. Two 18K pieces can contain very different mixes of copper, silver, palladium or nickel, and they will differ in color, hardness and skin comfort as a result.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-6e2590d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6e2590d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-baa0258 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"baa0258\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Metals Are Mixed With Gold?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-71adff6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"71adff6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>The most common alloying metals are copper, silver, zinc, nickel, palladium and platinum, with iron, manganese and a few others used in specialty alloys. Each one has a job.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f35af22 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"f35af22\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<table><tbody><tr><td width=\"100\"><p><strong><b>Metallo<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"153\"><p><strong><b>Effect on color<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"175\"><p><strong><b>Effect on properties<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p><strong><b>Note<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"100\"><p>Rame<\/p><\/td><td width=\"153\"><p>Warms gold toward pink and red<\/p><\/td><td width=\"175\"><p>Adds hardness and strength<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>Can oxidize and darken; high-copper alloys are harder to work<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"100\"><p>Argento<\/p><\/td><td width=\"153\"><p>Lightens gold; a strong dose gives a pale green-yellow<\/p><\/td><td width=\"175\"><p>Softens the mix and improves workability<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>Common in yellow, green and many white alloys<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"100\"><p>Zinco<\/p><\/td><td width=\"153\"><p>Slight lightening<\/p><\/td><td width=\"175\"><p>Helps casting by reducing oxidation in the melt<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>Used in small percentages<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"100\"><p>Nickel<\/p><\/td><td width=\"153\"><p>Strongly whitens gold<\/p><\/td><td width=\"175\"><p>Makes the alloy hard and springy<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>A well-known skin allergen; can cause casting defects if not controlled<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"100\"><p>Palladio<\/p><\/td><td width=\"153\"><p>Whitens gold with a natural grey tone<\/p><\/td><td width=\"175\"><p>Softer and more malleable than nickel white gold<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>Nickel-free option; higher material cost<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"100\"><p>Platino<\/p><\/td><td width=\"153\"><p>Whitens gold<\/p><\/td><td width=\"175\"><p>Adds density and durability<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>Rare in jewelry alloys due to cost<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"100\"><p>Iron, aluminium and others<\/p><\/td><td width=\"153\"><p>Create grey, blue or purple golds<\/p><\/td><td width=\"175\"><p>Often brittle<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>Mostly used for specialty or decorative pieces<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b44b437 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"b44b437\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Cadmium was once used to create green gold, but it is toxic and modern manufacturers avoid it.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-db927da e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"db927da\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-874b807 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"874b807\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Types of Gold Alloys by Color<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-85eada5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"85eada5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Most gold jewelry falls into four color families: yellow, white, rose and green. Each is created by changing which metals sit alongside the gold.<\/p><h3><strong><b>Oro giallo<\/b><\/strong><\/h3><p>Yellow gold is the traditional look. It is an alloy of gold with silver and copper, often with a little zinc. The silver keeps the tone bright, while the copper adds strength. Higher karat yellow gold (22K and 18K) shows a deeper, richer yellow, while 14K and 10K look paler because there is less gold in the mix.<\/p><p>Yellow gold is the most forgiving alloy to make and to wear. It has been researched and refined for longer than any other color, which is why it tends to have the best working properties.<\/p><h3><strong><b>Oro bianco<\/b><\/strong><\/h3><p>White gold is made by alloying gold with white metals such as nickel, palladium, platinum or silver. Because gold is naturally yellow, white gold alloys usually keep a faint warm tint, so most pieces are finished with <strong><b>rhodium plating<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0for a bright, silvery-white surface. Rhodium wears over time, and pieces are usually re-plated every few years depending on how they are worn.<\/p><p>There are two main routes:<\/p><ul><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Nickel white gold<\/b><\/strong>is hard, stiff and bright, but nickel is a common allergen and the alloy needs careful control to avoid brittleness and porosity.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Palladium white gold<\/b><\/strong>is softer and more malleable, has a natural grey-white tone, and is nickel-free, which makes it a good choice for sensitive skin.<\/li><\/ul><h3><strong><b>Rose and red gold<\/b><\/strong><\/h3><p>Rose gold gets its warm color from copper. The more copper in the alloy, the deeper the red, and red gold uses even more. Copper also adds strength, and rose gold does not need plating, so its color lasts. The trade-off is in production: high-copper alloys can be more brittle, and they oxidize easily when overheated, so they take more skill to cast, solder and finish.<\/p><h3><strong><b>Green gold<\/b><\/strong><\/h3><p>Green gold is gold alloyed mainly with silver. The result is a subtle pale yellow-green tone. It occurs naturally as an alloy called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/electrum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">electrum<\/a>, which was used by ancient civilizations, and today it is mostly used as an accent metal by designers.<\/p><h3><strong><b>Rare and specialty colors<\/b><\/strong><\/h3><ul><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Purple gold:<\/b><\/strong>about 80% gold and 20% aluminium. Striking but brittle.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Blue gold:<\/b><\/strong>gold with iron or similar metals for a steely blue tone. Fragile and rarely used.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Grey gold:<\/b><\/strong>gold with palladium, a white gold alternative that does not need rhodium.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Black gold:<\/b><\/strong>usually created with surface treatments, black plating or controlled oxidation rather than a natural alloy color.<\/li><\/ul><p>These alloys are interesting for one-off designs, but for everyday jewelry, the four main families are far more practical.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-3d77506 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3d77506\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d5bd95 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9d5bd95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Gold Alloy Composition Chart<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec58db5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"ec58db5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>The table below shows commonly cited compositions. Exact formulas vary between refiners and manufacturers, and each one tunes its alloys for color, hardness and casting behavior, so treat these as typical examples rather than a fixed standard.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9482489 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"9482489\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<table><tbody><tr><td width=\"126\"><p><strong><b>Alloy<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p><strong><b>Karat \/ fineness<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p><strong><b>Oro<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p><strong><b>Argento<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p><strong><b>Rame<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p><strong><b>Other metals<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"126\"><p>Oro giallo<\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p>22K \/ 916<\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p>91.7%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>5%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>2%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p>Zinc 1.3%<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"126\"><p>Oro giallo<\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p>18K \/ 750<\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p>75%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>10-15%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>10-15%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"126\"><p>Oro giallo<\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p>14K \/ 585<\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p>58.3%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>30%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>11.7%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"126\"><p>oro rosa<\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p>18K \/ 750<\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p>75%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>2.75%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>22.25%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"126\"><p>Red gold<\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p>18K \/ 750<\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p>75%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>25%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"126\"><p>White gold (nickel)<\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p>18K \/ 750<\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p>75%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p>Nickel 10%, palladium 10%, zinc 5%<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"126\"><p>White gold (palladium)<\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p>18K \/ 750<\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p>75%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p>Palladium 25%<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"126\"><p>Oro bianco<\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p>14K \/ 585<\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p>58.3%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>32.2%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p>Palladium 9.5%<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"126\"><p>Green gold<\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p>18K \/ 750<\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p>75%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>20-25%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>0-5%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"126\"><p>Purple gold<\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p>19K \/ 800<\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p>80%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p>Aluminium 20%<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"126\"><p>Blue gold<\/p><\/td><td width=\"100\"><p>18K \/ 750<\/p><\/td><td width=\"60\"><p>75%<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><td width=\"73\"><p>-<\/p><\/td><td width=\"168\"><p>Iron 25%<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01bb71a elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"01bb71a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Notice how every 18K row contains exactly 75% gold, yet the color runs from white to red to green. All of that difference comes from the remaining 25%.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-4f41007 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4f41007\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-22ac637 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"22ac637\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Casting vs. Rolling (Wrought) Gold Alloys<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ffe0ea elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"0ffe0ea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Jewelers and manufacturers do not use one universal alloy for every job. Gold alloys are usually developed for one of two production routes.<\/p><ul><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Casting alloys<\/b><\/strong>are designed to melt, flow into a mold and solidify cleanly. They are engineered to fill fine detail evenly and finish smoothly, which cuts down on defects such as porosity and rough surfaces.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Rolling (wrought) alloys<\/b><\/strong>are designed to be rolled, drawn and hammered into sheet, wire and tube without cracking. Their strength comes largely from the mechanical working, which compresses and densifies the metal.<\/li><\/ul><p>Many workshops buy <strong><b>pre-alloyed casting grain<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0or start from pure gold and add a <strong><b>master alloy<\/b><\/strong>, a concentrated blend of the other metals, to reach the target karat and color. Good master alloys often include a <strong><b>grain refiner<\/b><\/strong>, which controls how the crystals form as the metal cools. This matters most in copper-rich alloys, where poor crystal structure can cause cracking, pitting or a burnt surface.<\/p><p>Recycled gold is another factor. Scrap gold can be reused, but it has to be cleaned of solder and contaminants and topped up with fresh gold and alloy so that karat and quality stay predictable. Mixed or unknown scrap is difficult to control, which is why quality-focused producers manage their metal carefully.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-52beea8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"52beea8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0bbc87f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0bbc87f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How Karat and Alloy Affect Durability, Tarnish and Skin Comfort<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7945c4a elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"7945c4a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h3><strong><b>Durata<\/b><\/strong><\/h3><p>As a general rule, lower karat gold is harder because it contains more strengthening metals, while higher karat gold is softer but has a richer color. The exact result still depends on the specific alloy and on how the piece was made. A well-made 18K ring in a good alloy can outperform a poorly made 14K one. Design matters too: thin prongs, fine settings and delicate chains are more vulnerable than heavy, solid shapes at any karat.<\/p><h3><strong><b>Tarnish and color change<\/b><\/strong><\/h3><p>Gold itself does not tarnish, but the metals mixed into it can. Higher karat alloys are the most resistant. Lower karat alloys with a lot of copper or silver may darken slowly, especially with exposure to sweat, chlorine and some cosmetics. On white gold, the main long-term change is rhodium wearing away and revealing the slightly warm alloy underneath.<\/p><h3><strong><b>Skin sensitivity<\/b><\/strong><\/h3><p>Reactions to gold jewelry are rarely caused by the gold itself. They are usually caused by one of the alloy metals, most often nickel. If you have sensitive skin, look for nickel-free alloys such as palladium white gold, or yellow and rose gold that do not contain nickel, and ask the seller for the alloy composition. Some regions also regulate nickel release from jewelry that touches the skin, so responsible manufacturers control it deliberately.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-3c1da0b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3c1da0b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25dc05c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"25dc05c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">14K vs 18K vs 9K: Which Gold Alloy Should You Choose?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8af13f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"8af13f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>There is no single best karat. The right choice depends on what the piece needs to do.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e05aa83 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"e05aa83\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<table><tbody><tr><td width=\"186\"><p><strong><b>If you want...<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p><strong><b>Consider<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><td width=\"241\"><p><strong><b>Perch\u00e9<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"186\"><p>A ring or bracelet worn every day<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>14K (10K for maximum toughness)<\/p><\/td><td width=\"241\"><p>Harder alloy resists scratches and bending better; good balance of color and price<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"186\"><p>The richest, warmest gold color<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>18K or 22K<\/p><\/td><td width=\"241\"><p>Higher gold content gives deeper color, but the metal is softer and needs gentler wear<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"186\"><p>Delicate pendants and earrings<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>18K<\/p><\/td><td width=\"241\"><p>Low-impact pieces suit softer, richer gold and feel more premium<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"186\"><p>A lower price point<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>9K or 10K<\/p><\/td><td width=\"241\"><p>Less gold content means lower material cost and a very hard alloy<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"186\"><p>pelle sensibile<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>Nickel-free 14K or 18K, palladium white gold<\/p><\/td><td width=\"241\"><p>Avoids the most common allergen<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td width=\"186\"><p>A long-term keepsake or gift<\/p><\/td><td width=\"173\"><p>18K<\/p><\/td><td width=\"241\"><p>Widely regarded as the premium fine jewelry standard<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-2cea4cf e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2cea4cf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32deb9b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"32deb9b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Gold Alloy vs. Gold-Plated, Gold-Filled and Vermeil<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e8f225b elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"e8f225b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>A gold alloy is gold all the way through. <strong><b>Gold plating<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0is a thin gold layer over a different base metal, <strong><b>gold filled<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0bonds a thicker gold layer to a base metal, and <strong><b>vermeil<\/b><\/strong> is gold over sterling silver. These are legitimate product categories, but they are not solid gold, and the gold layer can wear through. For a detailed comparison, read <a href=\"\/it\/blog\/gold-filled-vs-gold-plated-jewelry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gold filled vs gold plated<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-8cc30e1 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8cc30e1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7c0ec8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f7c0ec8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How to Check What Your Gold Is Made Of<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7164408 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"7164408\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Hallmark or stamp:<\/b><\/strong>look for a fineness or karat stamp such as 750, 18K, 585 or 14K. A stamp is a claim by the maker, so it is a starting point rather than proof.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Acid or scratch test:<\/b><\/strong>a testing kit gives an approximate karat reading. It is inexpensive but slightly destructive and only tests the spot you touch.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>XRF analysis:<\/b><\/strong>an X-ray fluorescence analyzer reads the metal composition without damaging the piece. It measures the surface, so plating can fool it.<\/li><li><b><\/b><strong><b>Fire assay:<\/b><\/strong>the most accurate method, used by refiners and assay offices. It is destructive, so it is used on samples or scrap rather than finished jewelry.<\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-d9a781e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d9a781e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5567b90 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5567b90\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Gold Alloys in Coins and Bullion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-881535c elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_text_block\" data-id=\"881535c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_text_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-text-block reset-last-child text-left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Gold alloys are not only used for jewelry. Before the 1930s, gold was common in circulating coins, and those coins were alloyed so they could survive daily handling. Today some investment coins are 24K, such as the Canadian Maple Leaf and the British Britannia, while others, such as the Krugerrand and the American Gold Eagle, are 22K alloys with copper (and silver in the Eagle). These alloyed coins still hold exactly one troy ounce of gold, but they weigh slightly more because of the added metals. Their value comes from the gold content, not from the alloy.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-negative-gap elementor-element elementor-element-24ab1dc e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"24ab1dc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20de2ce elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"20de2ce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Gold Alloy FAQ<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-677b13f elementor-widget elementor-widget-wd_accordion\" data-id=\"677b13f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wd_accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion wd-style-default wd-border-off wd-titles-left wd-opener-pos-left wd-opener-style-arrow\" data-state=\"first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn wd-active\" data-accordion-index=\"0\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ1. What is a gold alloy?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content wd-active\" data-accordion-index=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A gold alloy is a mixture of pure gold and one or more other metals, such as copper, silver, zinc, nickel or palladium. The added metals increase strength and durability and create different colors.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ2. Why isn&#039;t pure gold used for jewelry?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Pure 24K gold is very soft and scratches, bends and dents easily. Alloying it makes jewelry strong enough for everyday wear while keeping the look of gold.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ3. What metals are mixed with gold?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The most common are copper, silver, zinc, nickel and palladium. Platinum, iron, aluminium and others are used in specialty alloys.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ4. Which gold alloy is best for everyday wear?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For daily-wear rings and bracelets, 14K is a popular choice because it balances durability, color and price. 18K offers richer color but is slightly softer.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ5. Is rose gold or white gold stronger?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Both are usually harder than yellow gold of the same karat. Rose gold gets strength from copper, and nickel white gold is very hard, while palladium white gold is softer. The exact alloy and the piece's design matter as much as the color.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"5\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ6. Can a gold alloy cause an allergic reaction?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes, though the reaction is usually to an alloy metal, most commonly nickel, not to the gold. Nickel-free alloys, including palladium white gold, are the safest choice for sensitive skin.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title wd-role-btn\" data-accordion-index=\"6\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ7. What is the difference between gold alloy and gold plated?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wd-accordion-opener\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wd-accordion-content wd-entry-content\" data-accordion-index=\"6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In a gold alloy, gold is mixed through the whole piece. In gold-plated jewelry, only a thin surface layer is gold over a different base metal, and it can wear away.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A gold alloy is a mixture of pure gold and one or more other metals, usually copper, silver, zinc, nickel<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7500,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-metal-guides"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20166"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20166\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20177,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20166\/revisions\/20177"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7500"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.provencejewellery.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}