When it comes to precious materials in jewelry, gold, silver, and diamonds are among the most popular choices. Each has unique characteristics that make them valuable and desirable in different ways. Let’s explore the key differences between these three jewelry staples.
Gold: A Timeless Classic
Purity
Gold purity is measured in karats, with 24K being 100% pure gold. However, pure gold is too soft for everyday wear, so it’s often alloyed with other metals
| Karat Gold | Parts Gold | % of Gold |
| 24kt | 24 in 24 | 99.9% or higher |
| 22kt | 22 in 24 | 91.6% |
| 18kt | 18 in 24 | 75% |
| 14kt | 14 in 24 | 58.3% |
| 12kt | 12 in 24 | 50% |
| 10kt | 10 in 24 | 41.6% |
| 9kt | 9 in 24 | 37.5% |
Color variations
Gold comes in yellow, white, and rose varieties, offering versatility in design.
Durability
Gold has a higher tensile strength than silver, making it more resistant to scratches and bending. Gold is a durable metal due to its resistance to corrosion, tarnishing, and discoloration. However, its durability depends on its purity. Lower karat gold, like 10K, is more resistant to scratches and dents due to more alloy metals, while higher karat gold, like 18K, is softer and more malleable.
Cost
Gold is generally more expensive than silver due to its scarcity. Inflation, interest rates, market sentiment, and the supply-demand balance all have an impact on gold prices. Supply and demand are critical factors, with mine production accounting for the vast majority of overall gold supply. In addition, inflation, the strength of the US currency, economic data, and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies all have an impact on gold prices.
Luxe Jewels 
Leave a comment