Real gold jewelry looks elegant, high quality and exudes unique shine and glamour. So it's no wonder that it is so popular with young and old. At first glance, however, it is often a little more expensive than, for example, gold-plated jewelry. However, we are of the opinion: an investment is worth it!
Not sure which material is right for you? Are you wondering what “real” gold actually is and what you should pay attention to when buying it?
In this article we will explain the differences between real gold jewelry and gold-plated silver jewelry. We'll show you which terms you should know and how you can be sure to make the right decision on your next purchase. Let's dive in!
What is the difference between real gold and gold-plated jewelry?
It is usually simple, but still an eye-catcher: real gold is a piece of jewelry - as the name suggests - made of real gold. There are also gold alloys within the real gold group.
The gold is mixed with at least one metal - for example copper, palladium or iron. Depending on the additional metal, the appearance of the gold also changes.
The most famous alloy is white gold. White gold consists of 75% pure real gold and 25% additional metals such as palladium, silver, zinc and nickel. However, nickel is rarely used these days - our jewelry is completely nickel-free. In addition, the piece of jewelry is surrounded with a layer of rhodium. This is how the “white” of white gold is created.
Gold-plated jewelry is pretty close, but uses a raw material as a basis that is chemically coated with a layer of gold.
This gold layer can be applied in different thicknesses. The gold plating process - also called electroplating - can be carried out in different intensities. A rule of thumb is: the thicker the gold layer, the longer the piece of jewelry stays gold. The unit of measurement here is called a micron - the millionth of a meter.
The oxidation process (when the piece of jewelry tarnishes) is a natural process and occurs over time in virtually all silver jewelry. You can counteract this wonderfully with a microfiber or polishing cloth. The longer and more intensively you wear your gold-plated piece of jewelry, the thinner the gold layer gradually becomes. That's why we recommend, among other things, not to bring silver jewelry into permanent contact with water and to keep it away from substances such as deodorant, perfume, etc. This way you can keep it looking good for a long time! You can find all of our care instructions for gold-plated silver jewelry here. (provide link)
Gold jewelry, on the other hand, does not discolor or tarnish because it is made of pure gold. Real jewelry is therefore the gold jewelry with the highest value. Because real gold lasts a lifetime. Nothing can discolor or peel off here. This is often the problem with gold-plated jewelry: If the gold layer is too thin or poorly processed, the piece of jewelry will change color after one or two years.
What is real gold?
Real gold is 100% real gold. When it comes to jewelry, an additional distinction is made as to whether it is hollow inside or solidly filled with gold. If the piece of jewelry is made entirely of gold, the correct term is solid gold.
Gold is still largely extracted in mines - often under very poor conditions for people and the environment. If you are even more interested in the topic and the background to it, please read our blog article about urban mining.
There is also recycled gold. Raw materials in which gold has already been processed are recycled here. For example, computer accessories or smartphones. The advantage is that no new raw materials have to be mined here. You can find details on this page about recycled silver and gold .
8 advantages of real gold jewelry
Real gold is always the perfect choice. An investment is always worth it for these 8 reasons:
1. Real gold does not discolor.
Real gold jewelry is a forever companion because, in contrast to gold-plated jewelry, there is no discoloration of the material. You can also wear it for showering, swimming or overnight. However, we recommend a gentle microfiber or polishing cloth to give your treasure a new shine. If your gold jewelry shows signs of wear over time, such as small scratches, you can usually have them polished up by a local goldsmith.
2. Real gold can be inherited.
Perhaps you have already inherited a piece of jewelry from your grandparents or parents? No matter how old - with a little polishing, old rings or chains shine with a fresh shine. If you no longer like an old piece of jewelry, you can have it melted down or reworked into something new with virtually no loss of material.
3. Real gold jewelry is timeless and you can wear it every day.
Many pieces of jewelry made from real gold are real classics that are not only beautiful now, but will still be stylish and modern in 10 years. Gold plated jewelry is often chosen for seasonal designs.
4. Real gold retains its value.
a gold is a limited natural resource, it will most likely always retain a high value. Real gold jewelry is a sensible investment in the future.
5. Real gold is always trendy.
More and more people are expanding their personal jewelry collection with individual pieces made of pure gold, because in terms of durability and wearing comfort, it is simply perfect.
6. Real gold is the perfect gift.
Sometimes it has to be something very special, for someone very special. Not only engagement rings and wedding rings are often made of real gold, but also engraved necklaces or christening bracelets, as these should ideally last a lifetime.
7. Real gold tells a story.
A necklace can be a lifelong companion. A beautiful memory of a love or friendship that you carry with you every day and reminds you of a wonderful story.
8. Real gold can be melted down an infinite number of times.
Real gold is such a strong material that there is no loss when melted. This means you can also have a second piece of jewelry melted down a third and fourth time.
What does 14k real gold mean?
The 14k stands for 14 carats and shows the gold alloy, i.e. how strongly it is mixed with other materials. Pure gold would be too soft to be processed further. There are three common mixed thicknesses for jewelry: 8k, 14k and 18k gold.
24k is pure gold that is not processed because it is far too soft. Therefore, it is mixed with other materials such as silver and iron to get perfect stability.
How fine real gold is is measured in per mille, i.e. one thousandth. At 1 carat there is the equivalent of 1/24 of pure gold in the piece of jewelry. For a 14k gold piece, 14/24 parts - more than half.
What is 585 real gold?
585 gold is exactly identical to 14k gold - the same gold value, just a different name. Because the gold content of 14k is 58.5%.
These are the values for comparison: 8k = 333 gold 14k = 585 gold 18k = 750 gold 24k = 999 gold
Real gold at a fair price: Dear Darling Berlin
Would you like to buy a high-quality piece of jewelry made of real gold?
At Dear Darling Berlin we have the right accessory for every style. Our jewelry is produced responsibly in Germany, Italy and Spain, with recycled silver and recycled gold. You can always find out exactly where each piece of jewelry comes from in the product description.
What makes us so special? We attach great importance to sustainability and transparency when producing our masterpieces. To achieve this, we work with small businesses and local family businesses. In our behind-the-scenes blog article you can find out more about our partners and accompany us on a tour of the Italian production.
Discover our new real gold collection The Signature Edit here with minimalist pieces of jewelry made from precious 14k yellow and white gold.
Sources:
https://worldgoldday.com/did-you-know/
https://www.stollberg-edelmetalle.de/585-Goldteil.html
https://www.gold.de/artikel/welcher-gold-karat-wert-entehrung-333-585-oder-750er-gold/
