Why is gold often alloyed for use in jewelry?

Gold is often alloyed for use in jewellery to increase its durability and alter its colour.

Pure gold, also known as 24 karat gold, is relatively soft and can easily get scratched or dented. This makes it unsuitable for everyday wear, especially for items like rings and bracelets that are prone to knocks and scrapes. By alloying gold with other metals, its hardness and durability can be significantly increased. This makes the gold more resistant to damage and ensures that the jewellery piece will last longer.

The most common metals used to alloy gold are copper, silver, nickel, and palladium. The choice of alloying metal can also influence the colour of the gold. For instance, alloying gold with copper produces a reddish colour, often referred to as rose gold. Silver or palladium can be used to create white gold. This allows jewellers to offer a wider range of colours and styles to their customers.

The proportion of gold in the alloy is measured in karats (K). The higher the karat number, the higher the gold content. For example, 18K gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals. This is a common choice for jewellery as it offers a good balance between gold content, durability, and affordability.

In addition to improving the physical properties of gold, alloying can also have an impact on the cost. Gold is a precious metal and its price can be quite high. By alloying it with less expensive metals, the cost of the jewellery piece can be reduced, making it more affordable for a wider range of customers.

In conclusion, alloying gold for use in jewellery is a common practice that enhances the durability and versatility of the metal, while also potentially reducing the cost.