Gold is one of the most important precious metals that has and continues to hold a great place in the hearts of people, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition to being a symbol of wealth and beauty, gold is also used in the manufacture of jewelry, and is considered one of the most prominent and safe investment methods. In this article, we will review the types of gold available in the Saudi markets, and provide you with comprehensive information that will help you understand the characteristics and uses of each type.
24 karat gold
Gold is the most valuable metal for making gold jewelry. They are far ahead of platinum. French demand for gold commodities is greater than for platinum. Due to the costs of these precious metals, the level of purity of the gold and alloys used in jewelry making has a significant impact on them. Gold purity is generally expressed in carats.
Make sure not to confuse gold carats with diamonds because the units of measurement are different. One carat of diamond equals 0.2 grams. A jeweler's karat explains the percentage of pure metal in the gold, platinum, or silver alloy used to make jewelry. In practice, making 18-karat gold jewelry involves 18 parts pure gold and six other metals.
What does 24 karat gold mean?
Now, 100% pure gold does not exist. The term pure gold is very ambiguous because it refers to alloys that have a purity of at least 99.5%. You should know that 99.9% pure gold was first introduced in 1979. Today's modern technologies allow the production of 99.9% pure gold, which is 24 carat.
The 24-karat contains no other metal and has a distinctive bright yellow color. Since it is pure gold, it is expensive. However, due to its lower density compared to the extra low carat, it is smooth and dependable. Hence, it is not made for other gold jewelry designs.
Uses of 24 carat gold
- Investment: It is the ideal choice for investors who want to buy gold because of its high purity.
- Manufacture of gold bullion and coins: It is mainly used in the manufacture of gold bullion and coins.
Why is 24 karat gold not suitable for jewelry making?
Gold is a very malleable metal. It is both a pro and a con, and a pro because you can do a lot with it by forming different shapes and shapes and using them to design intricate details. However, the drawback is that in its pure form of 24K, it is so soft that it does not retain any shape.
Therefore, in order for the jewelry to maintain its shape and all its details, it is necessary for the jeweler to mix it with other metals called alloys to give it more strength.
22 carat gold
22 karat gold contains 91.6% pure gold and the rest is other metals such as copper or silver. This caliber is characterized by its hardness compared to 24-karat gold, and is widely used in the jewelry industry.
Uses of 22 carat gold
- Jewelry Making: 22 karat gold is an ideal choice for traditional jewelry making because of its durability and ability to withstand daily use.
- Gold coins: It is used in the manufacture of some gold coins that need more hardness than those made of pure gold.
Why is 22 karat gold preferred over 24 karat gold?
22 karat gold is the preferred choice over 24 karat gold for some reasons because the 22 karat gold version tends to be stronger and less susceptible to damage than 24 karat gold. Pure 24-karat gold means it is 99.9 percent pure gold with small amounts of alloys. Primarily, 24-karat gold is used for investment purposes and is the purest form of gold but it also makes it very soft and prone to cracking and breaking. But 22-karat gold contains 91.7% gold, and the remaining 8.3% consists of other elements such as copper, silver and zinc.
This alloy helps make 22-karat gold strong and suitable for jewelry and other items that require daily use.
21 carat gold
21 karat gold contains 87.5% pure gold. This caliber is considered the most common in the Saudi market, as it is widely used in the jewelry industry.
Uses of 21 karat gold
- Jewelry Industry: It is mainly used in the manufacture of fine and durable jewelry.
- Art gold pieces: This caliber is preferred for making gold art pieces that need a balance between purity and durability.
18 karat gold
18-karat gold contains 75% pure gold. This caliber is less pure than others, but has a high hardness that makes it suitable for multiple uses.
Uses of 18 karat gold
- Fine Jewellery: It is widely used in making fine jewelry that needs complex designs.
- Gold Antiques: It is used in the manufacture of gold antiques because of its ability to withstand shape and design.
14 karat gold
14 karat gold contains 58.5% pure gold. It is considered an economical type and is characterized by its high hardness.
Uses of 14 karat gold
- Everyday Jewellery: It is preferred for making jewelry that is used daily because of its durability and less susceptibility to scratches.
- Gold accessories: It is used in the manufacture of gold accessories that require durability and lower cost.
White gold
What is the white gold?
White gold is an alloy of gold with other metals. Pure gold is characterized by its distinctive golden yellow color. White gold is made by mixing gold with at least one white metal, such as nickel, palladium, or manganese. The properties of white gold depend largely on the type and amount of white metal added. Common white gold alloys often contain 90% gold and 10% nickel.
It should be noted that the term "white gold" refers to a variety of alloys, and the color may vary significantly depending on the composition of the specific alloy, as the color can be slightly pink or brown. It should also be noted that white gold may not always be a bright, attractive white, and may appear gray and dull. For this reason, white gold is usually plated with rhodium to give it a shiny, attractive metallic appearance.
Uses of white gold
- Wedding and Engagement Rings: White gold is a popular choice for wedding and engagement rings because of its elegant appearance.
- Modern Jewelry: It is used in making modern jewelry that needs a modern and glamorous touch.
Rose gold
Rose gold is a mixture of pure gold and copper, giving it a distinctive pink colour. The beauty of this type of gold increases as the percentage of copper added increases.
Uses of rose gold
- Women's Jewelry: It is preferred in women's jewelry because of its unique and attractive color.
- Luxury Watches: It is used in the manufacture of luxury watches that require elegant and luxurious designs.
Conclusion: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the most important global markets for gold, and the types of gold are diverse to meet the needs and tastes of all consumers. Whether you are looking for gold for investment or personal use, to understand the properties of gold and to learn more about gold, you must visit our website , the Ruby Store in Saudi Arabia, and contact us to start investing .