What to take into consideration when buying Gold Jewellery
Gold has been cherished for centuries, symbolising wealth, beauty, and timeless elegance. Due to its rarity (All the gold ever mined in human history is estimated to fit within an Olympic-sized swimming pool) durability, malleability, chemical stability and timeless beauty, it has historic significance as a symbol of elegance, prosperity and power.
Have you wondered why gold comes in different colours? Or why some gold jewellery is labeled 9k, 18k, or even 22k? And further more what is ethical or sustainable gold? This article explores the main differences in gold karats and the distinctions between colours. Understanding these differences and the environmental impact of its extraction can help you make an informed decision when choosing your next gold jewel.
9K, 18K, 22K, 24K Gold: Composition and Characteristics
Gold’s purity is measured in karats (K), with 24K representing pure gold. However, 100% gold is too soft for most jewellery, so it is alloyed with other metals for durability and practicality. The two most common options are 9K and 18K gold.
Composition
- 24K Gold: It is considered pure gold, some impurity can be naturally found in it, and 100% is difficult to reach; so when the amount of gold reaches 99,7% its classified as pure.
- 22K Gold: Contains 91,6% pure gold, with the remaining 8,4% composed of copper and silver. It’s mainly used in India and its colour is very intense.
- 18K Gold: Contains 75% pure gold, with the remaining 25% composed of copper and silver. In Italy its known and stamped with the AU750 hallmark
- 9K Gold: Contains 37.5% pure gold, with the remaining 62.5% made up of other metals such as copper and silver. In Italy it’s known and stamped with the AU375 hallmark. It has a lighter, slightly duller tone compared to higher-purity gold. Its colour can vary based on the alloy metals used.

Durability
- 24K Gold: softness makes it impractical for most wearables.
- 22K Gold: is the softest and more delicate alloy used in jewellery, therefore prone to scratches.
- 18K Gold: harder than 22k but still durable enough for most jewellery. Its softness allows for more intricate designs such as the elaborate lacy designs of filigree.
- 9K Gold is the hardest and more resistant to scratching due to the higher proportion of alloy metals, on the other hand such metals are not as resistant to oxidation as gold, as a result small changes in the overall colour of the surface can be noticed, but its easy to remove cleaning the piece with anti-tarnish polishing cloths or liquids. 9K gold is ideal for everyday wear and robust jewellery.
Hypoallergenic Properties
As you go down in karats, the percentage of gold decreases, while pure gold, 22K and 18K Gold are gentle on sensitive skin because of its higher gold content 9K Gold may cause skin irritation for some people due to the higher percentage of alloy metals.
Value and Cost
- 24K Gold: It is one of the safest investments in humankind history, in fact gold ingots have been treasured by countries and banks all over the planet. Some people buy small ingots ( 1, 5 or 10 grams) to give as a present, however, the value of these ingots relays just on the material, and they are not considered a piece of jewellery.
- 18K Gold contains twice as much pure gold as 9K, which is the most affordable commercial gold due to its lower content of pure metal which makes it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
The higher the amount of pure gold composing the alloy the more valuable the jewellery piece should be, but the price of jewellery doesn’t only depend on the metal or gems its made from, other aspects such as the design, provenience, production process (being artisanal or industrial) sometimes constitute the higher cost component.
Yellow, rose, red, white Gold: Which One to Choose?
The vibrant yellow of traditional gold isn’t the only option. White gold, with its sleek and modern appearance, gets its silvery tone from being mixed with metals like palladium or nickel, often finished with a rhodium plating for a dazzling shine. Then there’s the warm, blush-like hue of rose gold, achieved by blending gold with a higher proportion of copper. Each colour has its own charm, but they all start with pure gold – it’s the choice of alloy that transforms its tone.
Composition and Colour
- Yellow Gold: Achieves its warm, classic tone by mixing pure gold with copper and silver. The higher the karat, the richer the yellow hue.
- Rose gold: Owes its warm, romantic hue to a higher proportion of copper in the alloy, balanced with silver to maintain malleability.
- Red gold: Takes this concept even further, using an even greater amount of copper to intensify its reddish undertone. Meanwhile, pink gold sits between rose and red, with a slightly softer copper content that gives it a delicate blush-like quality.
- White Gold: Is a silvery-white alloy achieved by adding palladium or platinum to the alloy. It is also often plated with rhodium for extra brightness and resistance to scratches and tarnishing. If your white gold jewellery appears pink, it’s likely due to the alloy composition or the fading of rhodium plating, that can wear away especially with rings or necklaces that are worn together with other metal pieces.
Maintenance
Gold in general requires occasional polishing to maintain its shine but doesn’t need extra treatments. White Gold, on the other hand, requires re-plating every few years as the rhodium coating wears off over time.
Style and Popularity
- Yellow Gold and other warm tones are timeless and traditional, often associated with vintage and classic designs. It complements warm skin tones, pairs well with emeralds, rubies and natural pearls.
- White Gold is sleek and modern, ideal for contemporary designs due to its minimalist aesthetic. It pairs well with diamonds and sapphires and other gems that have cold natural colours.
The Importance of Sustainable Gold Mining
As the demand for gold continues to grow, so does the need to address the environmental and ethical challenges associated with its extraction. Sustainable gold mining practices are essential for reducing the industry’s ecological footprint and ensuring fair treatment of workers.

- Environmental Impact
Traditional gold mining can cause significant environmental damage, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and water pollution from toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide. Sustainable mining practices aim to minimise these effects through stricter regulations and innovative technologies.
- Fair Treatment of Workers
Ethical gold mining ensures that workers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. This is particularly important in artisanal mining, where exploitation is prevalent.
- Certification Programs
Certification programs like Fairmined and Fairtrade Gold promote responsible gold mining practices. These certifications guarantee that gold is sourced ethically and sustainably, giving consumers confidence in their purchases.
- Consumer Responsibility
By choosing jewellery made from sustainably sourced gold, consumers can:
- Support environmentally friendly practices.
- Encourage fair labor conditions.
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Contribute to reducing the demand for conflict gold.
Why Sustainable Gold Matters for Your Jewellery
Jewellery made from sustainably sourced gold combines luxury with a conscience. Here’s why it’s a smart and meaningful choice:
- Preservation of Natural Resources: Sustainable practices protect ecosystems and reduce the industry’s reliance on harmful mining methods.
- Ethical Assurance: You can wear your jewellery with pride, knowing it was made under ethical conditions.
- Timeless Appeal: Sustainable gold doesn’t compromise on quality or beauty, offering pieces that are both elegant and responsible.
Making the Right Choice
When choosing gold jewellery, consider the following:
- Opt for 9K gold for affordability and daily use, or 18K gold for luxury and special occasions.
- Choos yellow gold for a classic, warm look, or white gold for modern elegance to hod gems such as diamonds or sapphires.
- Prioritise jewellery made from sustainably sourced gold to align and support human and environmental friendly practices.
By understanding the nuances of gold types and colours and embracing sustainability, you can make an informed decision that reflects your style and principles. Whether it’s for a special occasion or everyday wear, your gold jewellery can be a symbol of beauty, craftsmanship, and responsibility.
At Minrl, we strive to create informed and sustainable jewellery. Discover our Fairmined Jewellery Collection and shine naturally with purpose.