Types of Gold

Pure gold (24 karat) is a soft, warm yellow metal that is too malleable for most jewellery applications. To create durable jewellery, gold is alloyed with other metals, and both the purity (karat) and the type of alloy metals determine the colour and properties of the final material. The three main gold colours are yellow, white, and rose, each created by different alloy combinations. Gold purity is measured in karats: 24k is pure gold, 18k is 75% gold, 14k is 58.3% gold, and 10k is 41.7% gold.

24k gold: Pure, intensely yellow, very soft. Used in some cultural jewellery but too soft for most Western designs. 22k gold: 91.6% pure, rich yellow, slightly harder. Used in traditional Indian and Middle Eastern jewellery. 18k gold: 75% pure, excellent balance of colour richness and durability. The standard for fine jewellery. 14k gold: 58.3% pure, harder and more durable than 18k, slightly lighter colour. The most popular karat in Australia and the US. 10k gold: 41.7% pure, the hardest and most affordable, palest colour. The minimum karat that can legally be called "gold" in many countries.

14k and 18k are the most popular karats for engagement rings. 14k offers the best durability for active lifestyles and is more affordable. 18k offers a richer colour and higher prestige. Yellow gold suits vintage styles and warm gemstones. White gold is the most popular for diamond solitaires and halos. Rose gold is the romantic, contemporary choice. Some rings combine metals — white gold prongs with a yellow or rose gold band — for the best of both worlds.

All gold jewellery should be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid chlorine and harsh chemicals. Remove rings before manual work. White gold needs rhodium replating every 1-3 years. Yellow and rose gold are maintenance-free in terms of colour. Store gold pieces separately to prevent scratching — higher karat gold is softer. Professional cleaning and inspection once a year is recommended for engagement rings.

Gold price is determined primarily by karat weight (purity) and the weight of metal used. 18k is more expensive than 14k, which is more expensive than 10k. Within the same karat, yellow, white, and rose gold are similarly priced, though white gold may cost slightly more due to palladium alloy and rhodium plating. Gold prices fluctuate with the global gold market. Recycled gold, used by ethical jewellers like Lily Dia, costs the same as newly mined gold and has identical properties.