The Story of Gold 2
What are the Differences Between Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Champagne Gold, and White Gold?
- Yellow Gold = Pure gold + Silver + Copper
- Rose Gold (Pink Gold) = Pure gold + Silver + Copper
- White Gold = Pure gold + Palladium/Copper/Zinc/Rhodium, etc.
The color of gold varies based on the ratio of pure gold and alloy metals such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh). Yellow gold and rose gold will have a higher silver content, making them appear yellow, whereas a higher copper content will give the gold a pink hue. If the alloy contains 75% pure gold, it will be 18K, while 58.5% pure gold will result in 14K. For white gold, rhodium plating is applied to achieve a bright white color, or it can be left unplated to create champagne gold.
Platinum vs. White Gold
Some people mistakenly believe platinum is a type of white gold. However, platinum is an entirely different metal, often referred to as Platinum (Pt). It is known for its much higher strength compared to gold or silver, with less susceptibility to scratches or tarnishing, making it highly preferred. However, its hardness makes it difficult to shape and craft, which is why platinum jewelry tends to be more expensive. Platinum is also categorized by its purity, such as PT900 or PT950.
Other Types of Gold
There are various other gold alloys, including Green Gold, Black Gold, Blue Gold, and Purple Gold. However, these are not widely available in the market.
Why Are Gold Jewelry Products from Korea Much Cheaper Than Those in Canada?
You are probably aware that Korean gold jewelry is often much more affordable than Canadian gold jewelry. The pricing differences between the two countries are influenced by several factors.
- Production and Design:
In Korea, jewelry is often produced in large quantities with detailed craftsmanship, while minimizing the weight of gold used. In contrast, Canadian gold jewelry tends to be heavier, which can result in higher prices despite possibly having fewer details. - Use of Stones:
Korean gold jewelry often uses cubic zirconia (CZ) stones to keep costs down, whereas in Canada, jewelry made with diamonds is more common, which naturally drives up the price. - Gold Prices and Manufacturing Costs:
In terms of international gold prices, the cost of gold in both Korea and Canada is generally determined by the global market. However, given that Korean products tend to be lighter, their resale value (liquidity) may be lower. Therefore, the assumption that Korean jewelry is always cheaper than Canadian jewelry is not entirely accurate.
In conclusion, while the price of gold jewelry in Korea may seem cheaper, the manufacturing techniques, materials, and overall weight of the jewelry can affect the overall cost.
