At Yukimoto, there are several types of materials that we often use in the making of gold jewelries. Among the categories, the most common gold purity level would be 9k and 18k gold, 14k gold-filled, and gold vermeil.

WHAT IS ‘KARATS’?

‘Karats’ is the term used to measure the purity of gold. Karats are universally used in the measurement of the ratio of pure gold to other alloys (bronze, in that particular gold jewelry). The higher the karats of gold in the piece of jewelry, the purer the gold is. 

You must have heard about 24k gold, which is also known as pure gold. If a jewelry item is 22 karats, it simply means that 22 parts out of the jewelry are gold, while the other 2 parts are alloy such as copper, zinc, etc. 22k gold is also known to contained 91.67% of gold.

 The purity of gold content varies, depending on karats. Here is a simple guide for you to distinguish 24k, 18k and 9k gold.

24K GOLD, 18K GOLD, 14K GOLD, 9K GOLD

24k gold is also known as pure gold. It means 24 parts in the gold are all pure gold without the presence of other metals. Although it is named as pure gold, it is practically only 99.95% gold. At Yukimoto, we rarely use 24k gold in the making of jewelry due to several reasons: 

• Difficulties in color matching: 24k gold comes with a distinctive bright golden yellow color which is difficult in color matching, it is soft and pliable as well. 
• Softness: 24k is said to have a very low hardness because it is the purest and does not react with other metals. Pure gold can be scratched and bend easily which makes it an unattractive metal for the manufacturing of gold jewelries such as rings, bangles, etc. 
• High cost: 24k gold is costly due to its indestructible and portable properties which means gold can last for eternity. Due to its unique physical properties, gold has its intrinsic value when selling in the future. 

Although in the western country people rarely use 24k gold in the manufacturing of jewelry or even engagement ring, pure gold seems more common to be used as jewelry in Asia countries. Peoples tensed to buy 24k gold in jewelry form such as bangles, gold rings and etc. for some wedding purposes. Of course, there are still some historical reasons which caused the peoples to love it so much.

18k gold, known as 750 gold, consists of 18 parts of gold, and another 6 parts of metals such as bronze, copper, silver, and other alloys. 18k gold is often a popular choice for brides and grooms in choosing engagement rings for many reasons: 

• Beautiful appearance: 18k gold has been commonly used in the manufacturing of gold jewelry because of its attractive rich, yellow color and it is usually the most suitable form for other wearable jewelry. 
• longer durability: 18k gold is durable and it won’t get scratch easily. If you are aware, you will notice many of the international branded jewelry companies would use 18k gold in their design such as rings and etc. because of its durability and alluring color. 
• Hypoallergenic properties: 18k gold is determined to be said as hypoallergenic to all skin types due to its purity, so there is nothing to be worried about it.

14k gold, also known as 583 gold, consists of 58.3% of gold while the rest is alloy. In western country, 14k gold is the most popular option when it comes to the making of engagement rings and other daily wear jewelries due to its hardness and durability. It is durable and does not tarnished easily. Besides, 14k gold is fairly affordable in price as compared to 18k gold.

9k gold is also called 375 gold that contains 9 parts of gold while the other 15 parts are alloys. Gold is theoretically alloyed with other metals due to its softness, that’s why a low-karats gold piece is usually more solid and durable than pure gold. Since 9k is low purity gold, it can be worn longer due to greater hardness, (depending on its alloy composition, in some cases, 9k gold has greater hardness as compared to 18k gold). 9k gold is less likely to cause triggered skin irritation.

THE COLOR OF GOLD

In jewelry industries, colored gold plays an important role. We can often see different colored gold in the market, but does that mean pure gold comes with various color tones? The answer is no. When pure gold is alloyed with other metals in different ratios and composition, it will eventually produce distinct 0colored gold.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ‘KARATS’ AND ‘CARATS’?

Although it sounds familiar, ‘Karats’ is totally different from the concept of ‘Carats’. ‘Carats’ is a unit of weight used to measure the size of a gemstone.

ARE SOLID GOLD, 14K GOLD-FILLED AND GOLD VERMEIL THE SAME THING?

The answer is no.

WHAT IS 14K GOLD-FILLED?

All 14k gold-filled used by Yukimoto are imported from USA. 14k gold filled is a technique from USA which uses 5% of pure gold, heat it under high pressure to bond it to the surface of the jewelry piece that is made of high-quality brass. 14k gold filled is durable, long-lasting and hypoallergenic to all skin types. Besides its advantages, there is more limitations for gold-filled in making designs and shapes.

WHAT IS GOLD VERMEIL?

Gold vermeil is always the best option for those who loved shinny, glittery jewelry at an affordable price. Gold vermeil jewelry is produced by using a method known as electrolysis to poss a film of 18k gold (approximately 2.5µm) on the surface of the 925 silver piece. Because of its flexibility, there is no limitation in using gold vermeil for various designs and shapes. Our gold vermeil is hypoallergenic to all skin types due to its 925 silver core instead of the copper core base.