Gold chains are an essential piece in a jewelry collection. They're simple, yet they can completely transform an outfit. However, we often call a chain a "gold chain" when it isn't really one... How can we really know if the chain we wear every day is made of gold? Gold is denser than other metals, so to test your chain, submerge it in water and see if it sinks or floats. If your chain is made of solid gold, it will always sink due to its density. The truth is that there are several types of gold, which vary in purity, color, and presentation. Here we'll tell you what they are so you can identify them and know what your chain is really made of. Types of gold according to its color: When we think of a gold chain, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is a yellow gold chain, the most traditional and purest color; therefore, the most expensive. Yellow gold is obtained by mixing pure gold with metals like copper and zinc. However, other colors also exist, which are obtained by mixing pure gold with different metals. We're talking about: - White gold , obtained by mixing pure gold with white metals such as palladium, silver, or nickel, is therefore more silvery in color. It's not common to find a white gold chain, as it's predominantly used in engagement rings and other accessories. It has a color very similar to silver, but you can differentiate them by their color and weight. White gold has a silvery-white hue, sometimes a slight yellow tint, while silver has a more grayish color. However, remember that silver can oxidize over time and take on a darker hue if not properly cared for and cleaned (see our jewelry care guide). In terms of weight, white gold is denser and heavier than silver. - Rose Gold : This type of gold has a pinkish or reddish hue, as its name suggests, and is the result of mixing gold with copper. The more copper the mixture contains, the more intense the pink color. There is also green gold and black gold, which are less used in jewelry and less relevant. Types of gold according to their purity: Gold purity refers to the amount of pure gold present in a metal mixture. Because pure gold is very soft and malleable, it is often mixed with other metals such as copper, silver, zinc, nickel, or palladium to increase its strength and durability. The purity of the gold present in your jewelry is measured in karats (K). A karat is a measure of gold purity, where each unit represents one part pure gold out of 24 parts. Consequently, pure gold is 24K. The lower the karat, the more foreign metals are present in the mix. The most popular gold types according to purity are: 24K , 22K (91% Pure Gold), 18K (75% Pure Gold), and 14K (59% Pure Gold) . The purer the gold, the more expensive it is. However, more expensive gold does not necessarily mean it is better for jewelry. Since pure gold is significantly softer, 14 or 18 karat gold will be more durable and suitable for a chain. To differentiate the different types of gold according to their purity for your chain, you must take into account the metals they have been mixed with, which give rise to the color variations present in the gold. If gold is such an expensive metal, why are there such cheap gold chains? Is it really gold? How can I tell? A gram of 24K gold is now at €72.50, so if you have bought a gold chain at a low price, you are most likely looking at a gold-plated chain . Gold-plated chains are pieces of jewelry made from a base metal such as copper, brass, or stainless steel, which have been coated with a thin layer of gold. Visually, they may look the same as a solid gold chain, however, the chain's weight will betray it. A gold chain will be much heavier than a gold-plated chain because gold is much denser than commonly used base metals. That said, if you're looking for a reasonably priced chain that still performs the function of a gold chain, we highly recommend this option. Where can I find high-quality gold-plated chains? If you're looking for an affordable gold chain to enhance your style or give as a gift, we recommend visiting Linkd Barcelona. In our store, we offer a wide variety of 18K gold-plated stainless steel jewelry that you'll love.
Gold chains are an essential piece in a jewelry collection. They're simple, yet they can completely transform an outfit. However, we often call a chain a "gold chain" when it isn't really one... How can we really know if the chain we wear every day is made of gold? Gold is denser than other metals, so to test your chain, submerge it in water and see if it sinks or floats. If your chain is made of solid gold, it will always sink due to its density. The truth is that there are several types of gold, which vary in purity, color, and presentation. Here we'll tell you what they are so you can identify them and know what your chain is really made of. Types of gold according to its color: When we think of a gold chain, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is a yellow gold chain, the most traditional and purest color; therefore, the most expensive. Yellow gold is obtained by mixing pure gold with metals like copper and zinc. However, other colors also exist, which are obtained by mixing pure gold with different metals. We're talking about: - White gold , obtained by mixing pure gold with white metals such as palladium, silver, or nickel, is therefore more silvery in color. It's not common to find a white gold chain, as it's predominantly used in engagement rings and other accessories. It has a color very similar to silver, but you can differentiate them by their color and weight. White gold has a silvery-white hue, sometimes a slight yellow tint, while silver has a more grayish color. However, remember that silver can oxidize over time and take on a darker hue if not properly cared for and cleaned (see our jewelry care guide). In terms of weight, white gold is denser and heavier than silver. - Rose Gold : This type of gold has a pinkish or reddish hue, as its name suggests, and is the result of mixing gold with copper. The more copper the mixture contains, the more intense the pink color. There is also green gold and black gold, which are less used in jewelry and less relevant. Types of gold according to their purity: Gold purity refers to the amount of pure gold present in a metal mixture. Because pure gold is very soft and malleable, it is often mixed with other metals such as copper, silver, zinc, nickel, or palladium to increase its strength and durability. The purity of the gold present in your jewelry is measured in karats (K). A karat is a measure of gold purity, where each unit represents one part pure gold out of 24 parts. Consequently, pure gold is 24K. The lower the karat, the more foreign metals are present in the mix. The most popular gold types according to purity are: 24K , 22K (91% Pure Gold), 18K (75% Pure Gold), and 14K (59% Pure Gold) . The purer the gold, the more expensive it is. However, more expensive gold does not necessarily mean it is better for jewelry. Since pure gold is significantly softer, 14 or 18 karat gold will be more durable and suitable for a chain. To differentiate the different types of gold according to their purity for your chain, you must take into account the metals they have been mixed with, which give rise to the color variations present in the gold. If gold is such an expensive metal, why are there such cheap gold chains? Is it really gold? How can I tell? A gram of 24K gold is now at €72.50, so if you have bought a gold chain at a low price, you are most likely looking at a gold-plated chain . Gold-plated chains are pieces of jewelry made from a base metal such as copper, brass, or stainless steel, which have been coated with a thin layer of gold. Visually, they may look the same as a solid gold chain, however, the chain's weight will betray it. A gold chain will be much heavier than a gold-plated chain because gold is much denser than commonly used base metals. That said, if you're looking for a reasonably priced chain that still performs the function of a gold chain, we highly recommend this option. Where can I find high-quality gold-plated chains? If you're looking for an affordable gold chain to enhance your style or give as a gift, we recommend visiting Linkd Barcelona. In our store, we offer a wide variety of 18K gold-plated stainless steel jewelry that you'll love.
