Why gold is the metal of forever
Soft and strong
Gold is a superhero of metals – it’s highly malleable, but also strong, making it a favourite for jewellers. These might seem like an antithetical qualities, but there’s an important distinction: gold is soft enough to work with, but highly resistant to breaking. It’s dense and heavy, but not brittle.
Pure gold in its unalloyed form is also valued for its durability. 24ct gold is non-reactive to liquids and gases, and won’t tarnish, rust or fade, meaning it can retain its basic form indefinitely.
However, pure gold is generally too soft for jewellery, which is why it’s usually alloyed with other metals to give it extra strength (more on that later). For pieces you’ll be wearing everyday, such as an engagement ring or wedding band, we recommend 18ct gold. This alloy provides the ideal sweet spot where softness meets strength.
Precious tender
As one of the rarest and most precious metals, gold has been a perennial symbol of wealth and status throughout history. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, gold is a tangible asset with intrinsic worth. It has been used as currency, and traded on the stock market. Highly reactive to world events, gold acts as a barometer of global economic tides. It often increases in value during times of crisis or uncertainty, as investors are drawn to gold as an enduring and dependable commodity.
Stealing beauty
With its warmth and wonderful lustre, gold is a truly beautiful metal. As you wear your gold jewellery, it will gather a unique patina as it ages. The softness of the metal means that it will become imbued with the marks of time, adding to its diffused beauty.
In its purest form (24ct), gold is rich and luminous, with a strong yellow colour. However, depending on which metals it is alloyed with, gold can take on a rich spectrum of hues, from steely grey to rich pink tones.
‘Caratage’ refers to the proportion of pure gold versus other metals in an alloy. The alloys most commonly found in Australia are 18ct and 9ct. This differs slightly around the world, where you might find (in the US for example) 10ct and 14ct also commonly on offer.
Yellow gold has a warm hue with slight reddish undertones. It is usually alloyed with silver and copper. The higher the gold content, the richer the colour: so 18ct gold has a brighter yellow appearance, whilst 9ct has a softer, more muted tone.
Rose gold is also alloyed with copper and silver, but the proportion of copper is much higher, giving metal its pink appearance. Once again, 18ct gold has a more saturated orange-pink tone, while 9ct rose gold has a toned-down pink flush.
White gold is mixed with palladium and/or silver to give it its ‘white’ appearance. 18ct yellow gold can appear quite grey, where 9ct white gold is generally lighter, but with a subtle warm yellow undertone. Some jewellers choose to rhodium plate white gold in order to give it a ‘brighter’ appearance. However, at e.g.etal our artists prefer to embrace the natural and authentic tones of the metals they use. (If you’re looking for a very bright white metal, platinum is a great alternative).
Spirits and symbols
Wearing gold jewellery can have deep spiritual significance for many people, and some cultures even credit gold with providing health and sacred spiritual benefits. The ancient Greeks believed gold could act as a protective shield against evil, and it in ancient Egypt, it’s rumoured that Cleopatra slept in a pure gold mask every night as a beauty treatment.
Whether cherished for its aesthetic appeal, exchanged as a symbol of affection, or revered as a conduit to the divine, gold resonates with multifaceted significance that transcends time.
Pictured at top: rings by Jeanette Dyke.
