Gold

Gold is the softest and most malleable of the precious metal family.

As a pure metal, it is too soft for most jewellery applications and must be alloyed with other metals to give it strength and durability.

Fine gold is also a very rich yellow, therefore to colour the gold, it has to become an alloy. That is the 24 carat, 100% gold, has other metals added to make it 18 carat or 9 carat coloured gold.

18 carat yellow gold can be made from 75% pure gold with 12.5% silver and 12.5% copper. 9 carat yellow gold may have 37.5% gold, 15% silver and 47.5% copper.

To produce white gold, a combination from either silver, platinum, palladium, nickel or zinc will be added.

For pink gold, copper is added to the mix of gold and white metals.

The team at Ashley Douglas are able to answer all of your questions regarding the use of this material, prices and availability. Contact us today by phone, email or visit our workshop.