Yellow Gold

Gold is a naturally occurring element which is found in a distinct yellow colour. It does not rust, corrode or tarnish and thereby making it ideal for use in jewellery. Gold is very strong and the most malleable of the precious metals. Resistance to deterioration and its warm yellow colour make gold a popular and enduring choice for jewellery.

History

Few metals have held such fascination for humans throughout history like yellow gold. We can't be certain when the first humans discovered this precious metal, but particles of gold have been discovered in Paleolithic caves dating back as far as 40,000 BC.

Since ancient times yellow gold has been valued highly across cultures, revered for its unique qualities and natural beauty. Early civilisations equated gold with gods and rulers, and today we still associate gold with wealth and opulence.

The most traditional of the precious metals, yellow gold is making a triumphant return amongst contemporary jewellery and wedding sets today. An enduring symbol of power, strength, beauty and eternal love, yellow gold's timeless charm appeals to many.

Properties

Gold is one of the most malleable of all the metals, making it very easy to work. It can be beaten and stretched, even when cold. Extremely unreactive, gold won't tarnish, corrode or fade over time like many other metals. Consequently, gold jewellery can survive unchanged for thousands of years. 

Purity

Pure gold is not only very expensive, but it is also too soft for everyday wear and so it is alloyed with other metals to make it harder, giving it strength and durability. Gold purity is graded in Karats (K). A fractional measure, Karatage is expressed in 24ths making 24 Karat Gold 100% pure. 

Gold Standards in UK:

22K = 91.7% Gold
18K = 75.0% Gold
14K = 58.3% Gold
9K = 37.5% Gold

Here at Facets we work exclusively with 18K yellow gold (75% gold and 25% metal alloys), which provides a good balance of stability and purity, making it a good choice for everyday jewellery pieces. With this high purity, 18K yellow gold is more hypoallergenic than lower karats, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Colour

The colour of gold is determined by two factors, the types of metals it is alloyed with and the percentage of each metal alloyed. 

The 18K yellow gold we use in our workshop has a rich, yellow appearance that works in both contemporary and vintage settings, and is a beautiful colour contrast for coloured stones. A traditional, bright and warm metal choice. 

Care

Gold is affected by harsh chemicals such as chlorine and other cleaning products. We recommend you remove gold jewellery when using such chemicals, to reduce abrasion and loss of lustre. To clean gold jewellery use a solution of warm water and detergent free soap, and clean with a soft bristle brush. When not worn, store your gold jewellery in a soft cloth bag, in a sealed box.