Permanent Jewelry - Gold-Filled - Bracelet

Although gold is not nearly as rare as platinum, it is equally as desirable. Gold is naturally yellow and can be found in a number of different purities. The purest form of gold is 24-karat, but this is seldom seen in rings because it is too soft for setting a diamond. Most commonly, 14-karat and 18-karat gold are used.

When we talk about the different "karats" of gold we are referring to the degree to which the gold is mixed with other metals. For example, an alloy (a mix of metals) of 14 parts gold and ten parts other metal would be 14-karat gold. The more "other metal" used in the process, the stronger the gold. The varied "colors" of gold are the result of specific alloys that have been developed to change gold from its natural color. Different colors are achieved by adding different alloys. For example, white gold is made by adding nickel and zinc and rose gold is made by adding copper.