When buying gold jewelry, few think about what is red and yellow gold, as well as how these varieties differ. And yet, this is far from an idle question - after all, the color of the metal from which this or that jewelry is made is directly related to its service life. This article will help you understand the difference between yellow and red gold, as well as tell you how to choose the right gold jewelry so that they retain their original luster for a long time and delight owners with their sophistication and nobleness.
Features
This metal in its pure form is never used by craftsmen to make jewelry, since it too soft, it is very easy to scratch. Therefore, the surfaces of such jewelry very quickly lose their luster and fade. In addition, they are very fragile - they can be easily bent and even broken off any particularly “airy” design element.
In jewelry for a long time use special additives - alloys of two or more metals, which are called ligatures - they add to the gold jewelry the necessary strength and other useful properties. Jewelers have learned how to select the composition of such ligatures in different ways in order to obtain the greatest possible variety of grades of gold that differ from each other in their characteristics.
In the manufacture of gold jewelry, such properties of this metal as color, strength, ductility and the ability to melt are very important, therefore masters pay increased attention to improving these parameters.
The composition of ligatures as the main components usually includes silver and copper in different quantitative proportions. Alloying such ligatures with pure gold, they achieve the desired color of the product and improve its technical characteristics.In addition to copper and silver, gold alloys may include platinum, zinc, palladium and nickel, which also add certain useful properties to gold products.
Currently, master jewelers are able to make gold jewelry of almost any color: from traditional yellow to green, purple and even black, however, the “classics of the genre” to this day are gold jewelry made of metal in a rich yellow hue.
The quantitative content of this precious metal in the gold alloy is reflected in its sample - that is, in the percentage of gold as the main component. The most common is 585 test - this indicator means that this sample contains 58.5% of this precious metal and 41.5% of other metals. In other words, 585 parts of gold are produced per 1000 parts of the alloy. In Russia, they use just such a probing system. The sample is applied in the form of a stamp or print on the inner surface of the decoration. Foreign jewelers can use the carat system.
The cost of a gold product depends on the height of the sampleas well as from qualities of the alloying substances present. For example, a gold jewelry made of white gold, which includes platinum, has a rather considerable cost. In addition to the widespread 585 samples (such products are characterized by great ductility and good strength, which is why they are very versatile), there is still 750 test. Products from such a gold alloy are more expensive due to the high content of precious metal in its composition. Such jewelry has much greater strength and durability.
Gold below sample 585 is not used in jewelry, because the content of the noble metal in such alloys is too low, and the products from it are obtained of too low quality: they very quickly lose their original decorative properties.
Yellow gold, from which expensive jewelry is made, can be either 585 or 750. The composition of such an alloy includes silver and copper, and silver should be from 17 to 28 percent, depending on the sample.
The amount of silver affects the color of the metal: this decoration can be in different shades, from light and lemon yellow to rich yellow. Silver gives the product great hardness. Red color gold jewelry due to copper, which is part of the alloy, the amount of which prevails over silver. The more copper present in the product, the more intense its red tint.
What is the difference?
Thus, despite the same sample of gold, products made of it differ both in color and in their characteristics. What is the difference between yellow and red grades of this noble metal? Let's compare these two most popular species.
Yellow gold obtained by adding a ligature of silver and copper, which may be present in equal amounts. Jewelry made of yellow gold has excellent quality and a noble "sunny" color. By reducing the amount of copper and adding silver, products of lighter shades are obtained. Such jewelry is usually not inlaid with precious stones, with the exception of diamonds. They are worn only in the most solemn occasions, such products have a high price.
Red gold jewelry receive by adding a fairly large amount of copper to the alloy. These products have great strength and ductility, it is convenient to make various jewelry from them, including those with precious stones. This particular grade 585 was the only one from which jewelry was made in the Soviet Union.
Earrings and rings made of red gold can be worn without removing: they are less susceptible to oxidation and mechanical damage compared to jewelry made of yellow gold, remaining in excellent condition for a long time. In addition, such products are cheaper than their counterparts in yellow precious metal.
Which one to choose?
In order to solve the question for yourself, what color jewelry - yellow or red should you choose, you need to understand for what purposes is it purchased. You can buy a product that will become your constant companion - you will carry it both at home, at work, at school and institute, on weekdays and on holidays. Or you are going to amaze your friends or chosen one, appearing in a stunning expensive jewelry at a gala evening or at the theater. For each of the described cases, the choice will be different.
Due to its durability and relatively low price, for everyday wear it is better to choose a red gold jewelry: it is much stronger, there are no scratches on it, in earrings from this type of precious metal you can even wash in the shower. Jewelry made of yellow gold is often inlaid with various precious stones. You can choose earrings with inserts of topaz or cubic zirconia for a ring or necklace, decorated with the same minerals - such a set will look perfect even in a festive atmosphere.
Due to its plasticity, this variety is perfect for the manufacture of products of the most refined form, with complex ornaments and patterns.
If you buy a watch, it is best to opt for a red gold product. - it will last for many years without losing its pristine gloss.
Currently golden yellow jewelry is at the peak of popularity. Traditionally, it is customary to give wedding rings made of this noble metal - the yellow color symbolizes love, loyalty and prosperity. Jewelry made of yellow gold has a minimalistic design, such jewelry is usually deprived of inlays in the form of precious or semiprecious stones or cost a minimum amount. Transparent or translucent minerals of warm hues, such as chrysolite, yellow sapphire or spinel, are perfect for this type of gold jewelry.
You should not buy products with inserts of pomegranate and red jasper - such stones do not combine with the noble yellow color of this precious metal.
This view is perfect suitable for any skin color, jewelry made of it is distinguished by elegance and sophistication, such exquisite expensive gizmos are able to emphasize the individual beauty of their owner.
It should be remembered that with the help of gold jewelry you can not only draw attention to yourself, create your own individual style, but also correct some of the face flaws. It is only necessary to choose the right design of gold jewelry, as well as the color of the precious metal from which it is made.
For more information on red and yellow gold, see the next video.
