Gold in its pure form is mined from rocks of the Earth or panned from rivers and lakes in different parts of the world
. In its pure form, gold is referred to as 24 carat. It is a metal that when used in the pure form is unstable and to provide the necessary strength for use in everyday jewellery, it is mixed with other metals and alloys.
While in its pure state, gold is a bright yellow complexion, mixing it with other metals change the colour of gold jewellery. Mixing reduces the intensity of the the yellow colour or depending on the metals used, can change it to a white or rose colour.
The content of gold within a item is measured by a term known as carat. Carat is the measurement of the amount of gold within the jewellery. Typically one would find gold jewellery rated as 9 carat, 14 carat or 18 carat.
A popular misconception with silver gold or rose gold jewellery is the thought that jewellery of these colours are lacking in the quantity of gold contained. It is important to note the colour of the gold jewellery is not the important factor but the quantity of gold in the form of carats.
The colours achieved depend entirely on the metals the gold is mixed with. Rose gold is made by mixing metals such as copper, white gold is formed by using silver and palladium while yellow gold is created by mixing pure gold with copper and zinc.
Gold has been around ever since civilisation started in Earth. It is wonderful metal that provide the means for people to decorate themselves. Gold jewellery is available in almost all forms of popular jewellery including chains, rings and bracelets.