Gold has been a symbol of elegance, beauty and enduring value for centuries. It has an undeniable appeal and is offered in different colors (yellow gold, white gold, rose gold) and purity levels for jewelry. If you are currently looking for a high-quality piece of jewelry and want to learn more about the differences between gold alloys, this short blog article is for you!
Gold alloy instead of pure gold
Pure gold (24k) is particularly soft and therefore susceptible to scratches and deformation. Because of this softness, it is not ideal for making items that are subject to constant wear and tear or heavy use, such as jewelry that is worn every day.
Instead, alloys are used to increase the hardness and strength of gold and make it better for jewelry making. Gold alloys are made by mixing pure gold with other metals, such as silver, copper or palladium. These can then increase the hardness of the gold without affecting its characteristic golden color.
There are countless gold alloys, including 375 (9k), 585 (14k), 750 (18k) or even 916 (22k) gold. Particularly popular in the world of jewelry, for example for engagement and wedding rings, are the two alloys 585 and 750, which we will take a closer look at below.
585 Gold: What does that mean?
585 gold is also known as 14 karat gold. The number 585 refers to the gold content in the alloy, expressed in parts per 1000. In other words, 585 gold is made up of 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% other metals. These other metals are typically copper, silver or palladium. The addition of these metals gives the gold greater hardness and durability, making it ideal for jewelry that is worn daily.
750 Gold: A look at the purity
In contrast, there is 750 gold, also known as 18 karat gold. The number 750 means that the gold is 75% pure and the remaining 25% is made up of other metals. This alloy is slightly purer than 585 gold and therefore usually has a more intense golden color. Due to its higher gold content, 750 gold is generally slightly more expensive than 585 gold. It is often used in high-quality jewelry intended for special occasions.
What is the difference between 585 and 750 gold?
In brief, the two alloys differ as follows:
- Gold content : 585 gold consists of 58.5% pure gold, while 750 gold has a gold content of 75%. The remaining components are metals such as copper, silver, palladium.
- Color : Due to the higher gold content, 750 gold often has a more intense golden color compared to 585 gold.
- Price : Due to its higher gold content, 750 gold is generally slightly more expensive than 585 gold.
What should I choose?
The choice between 585 and 750 gold depends on your personal preferences and budget. 585 gold is currently particularly popular for necklaces, earrings and bracelets because it is a little more cost-effective and has a beautiful, lighter gold tone that suits many skin tones. But 14k gold is also a great choice for rings because the material is particularly stable and durable.
For particularly high-quality, luxurious pieces of jewelry intended for a special occasion and if you like strong, rich gold tones, 750 gold is a fabulous choice.
You can put together our customizable rings according to your wishes: from choosing a fair, sparkling gemstone to the alloy and a personal engraving.
No matter which gold you choose, one thing is certain: it will always be a timeless symbol of luxury and style.
Is recycled gold just as good as 'new' gold?
Yes, recycled gold is just as good as "new" gold, provided it has been properly cleaned and refined. This valuable work is carried out by refineries, which are recycling companies for precious metals.
Recycled gold is obtained from used jewelry, industrial electronic waste or other gold objects and can be used to make new jewelry as well as for other applications.
Recycled gold also offers a major ecological advantage, as a valuable, existing resource remains in the recycling cycle and no gold from primary extraction (mine) is required. This process of recycling is also called urban mining .
Gold is an extremely durable metal and can be melted down and recycled over and over again without losing its quality or purity.
This is how we work at DEAR DARLING BERLIN
Our jewelry is responsibly manufactured in Germany, Italy and Spain. We work with a handful of production companies that can draw on many years of expertise spanning several generations, some of which are family-run, and are committed to sustainability in the jewelry industry.
For our jewelry we use recycled 925 sterling silver and recycled 14k or 18k gold. The gold comes from local refineries in Germany, Italy and Spain.
Discover our elegant collection THE SIGNATURE EDIT here - timeless, minimalist and affordable jewelry made from recycled 14k gold.
Do you have any questions or would you like help finding the perfect piece of jewelry? Then please contact us directly by email or using our contact form . We look forward to hearing from you!
