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Trending Gold: What You Should Know Before Shopping

  • Gold Plated
    Gold Plated jewelry refers to a process where a thin layer of 14K, 18K, or 24K gold is applied to the surface of a non-metal material through electroplating or chemical reactions. Due to its thin coating, gold plating is susceptible to fading, peeling, and discoloration after 1-2 years of wear, requiring re-plating. Those with sensitive skin might experience irritation. Gold Plated jewelry is typically marked with 10K GP, 14K GP, 18K GP, or 24K GP.
  • Gold Vermeil
    Gold Vermeil, also known as Silver-Gilt, involves applying gold (10K or higher) onto sterling silver (92.5% silver) through the same plating process. This method is the preferred alternative to solid gold in Europe for over a century, being used for both jewelry and decorations. It’s a great option for those with metal allergies or those needing durable, everyday wear jewelry, as it will still last even after the gold plating wears off, leaving a solid silver base.
  • Gold Filled
    Gold Filled jewelry involves applying a thick layer of gold (14K or 18K) through a specialized process that requires heat and pressure. This results in gold-filled jewelry being more durable than gold-plated pieces—approximately 28.5 times more durable than gold-plated and 10 times more than gold vermeil. It’s hypoallergenic, resists tarnishing, and offers the same high-quality appearance as solid gold. Gold Filled is commonly marked with 10K GF, 14K GF, 18K GF, or 24K GF.
  • Solid Gold
    Solid Gold is the highest-value form of jewelry available. The purity of gold is expressed in Karat (K). As mentioned in “Gold, 금 바로알기 #1,” pure gold is 24K, but other metals are mixed in to improve its hardness and make it more suitable for creating durable, fine designs. The lower the Karat number, the less pure gold content it has—18K, 14K, and 10K all contain varying amounts of other metals, enhancing durability and design options.

Which Product Should You Choose?

With the high cost of pure gold, many consumers look for more affordable alternatives, such as gold-plated, gold vermeil, and gold-filled jewelry. Each gold type has its advantages and disadvantages, but Solid Gold tends to be less irritating to the skin, has higher durability, and retains more value. However, due to its price, Gold Plated, Gold Vermeil, and Gold Filled options offer more affordable alternatives. For trendy, larger, or thicker jewelry, gold-plated or gold vermeil might be suitable, whereas solid gold could be a good choice for small, timeless pieces.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on factors like wear and tear, allergy potential, and the presence of pure gold in the piece. It’s important to select a product that fits your style and budget while considering the long-term durability and value of the jewelry.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Recently, due to unprecedented quantitative easing, many people have become more interested in gold. A common question people ask is how to buy and sell gold and how its value is determined. Let’s explore the different types of gold currently in circulation and how their value is set.

What Does Karat Mean When Talking About Gold?

The unit “Karat” is used to represent the purity of gold, rather than a percentage (%) like we use in everyday measurements. Therefore, we use KT (Karat) when referring to gold purity. Pure gold is marked as 24K, while gold mixed with other metals is marked as 10K, 14K, or 18K.

Why Is Pure Gold 24K?

The term “Karat” is derived from the Carob tree, a plant that grows in the Middle East. The seeds of the Carob tree (1.25g) were historically used to measure the weight of gemstones before the invention of the scale. The people in the region used to exchange items such as gold or salt based on a standard measure, which was 24 seeds that fit comfortably in the palm of a hand. This system led to the term “24K” for pure gold, representing its highest purity of 99.99%.

What Is the Difference Between 10K, 14K, 18K, and 24K?

The number in Karat indicates the gold content. 24K represents pure gold, and the numbers decrease as the gold content decreases. For example, 18K, 14K, and 10K contain lower amounts of gold. The numbers 999, 750, 585, and 416 marked inside the jewelry indicate the percentage of gold content.

  • 24K is 99.99% pure gold and is sometimes referred to as “four-nine gold.”
  • If jewelry is made from 24K gold, it is generally too soft, and its durability is low. Therefore, other metals are mixed in to increase hardness and make it more suitable for detailed and sturdy designs.

Sometimes, people inquire about setting diamonds or other gemstones in pure gold. While it is not impossible, it is difficult to work with and restricts the design options.

24K – 99.9% pure gold  /  18K – 75.0% pure gold / 14K – 58.5% pure gold / 10K – 41.6% pure gold

Which Gold Is Commonly Used in Different Countries?

In Korea, 14K and 18K are the most commonly used, while in Canada, 10K and 14K are more popular. Gold with a purity below 14K may lead to discoloration or allergic reactions because it has a lower gold content, so it is advisable to avoid it for those with sensitive skin.

Due to the high gold prices recently, alternatives like Gold Vermeil (a layer of gold over silver), Gold-filled, or Gold-plated products are more common. However, since these have a lower gold content, their value is much lower compared to pure gold.

How to Choose the Right Gold?

When choosing which type of gold to invest in, it’s important to consider liquidity. The general perception is that 18K gold, with its higher gold content, is a good choice due to its value and ease of resale. When selling gold, the price is determined by the current market value and the weight of the gold, considering its purity. While the gold content is what matters for resale, the outer appearance might not reflect this, so it is wise to select the gold type that fits your needs and budget.

In contrast to the extravagant fashion of the 1980s, the 1990s saw the emergence of more subdued fashion trends. With the global recession and economic downturn, consumer spending patterns shifted. Instead of flashy and luxurious jewelry, designs that emphasized minimalist aesthetics began to appear, marking the beginning of the New Age era that emphasized refined style.


Shaun Leane <Coil Corset> - “The Overlook” Alexander McQueen, 1999 F/W fashion show

As the 2000s arrived, New Age jewelry evolved back into something more extravagant, luxurious, and indulgent, ushering in the era of maximalism. Fashion influencers, showcasing bold and original styles, captured public attention and created new trends in the fashion industry, which, in turn, had a significant impact on the jewelry industry. Additionally, the rise of cubic zirconia, a diamond alternative, allowed for the affordable expression of luxury and glamour, further driving the maximalist trend. As a result, diamonds, colored gemstones, and intricate designs became increasingly popular, while advancements in jewelry manufacturing techniques enabled the creation of more complex designs.

Among the designers who embraced maximalism in jewelry design during this time, Shaun Leane, Frank Gehry, Kazumi Nagano, and Solange Azagury-Partridge gained significant recognition. Shaun Leane led the way with his unique style, while Frank Gehry, renowned for his bold and progressive designs, became a globally recognized figure in both architecture and jewelry. Kazumi Nagano presented stunning jewelry pieces that harmoniously blended Eastern sensibilities with modern aesthetics, and Solange Azagury-Partridge created distinct yet refined designs, perfectly balancing color and form to give new meaning to jewelry. These designers moved away from traditional jewelry design and presented innovative and original works, creating a new wave in the jewelry design field.


<Frank Gehry Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Torque Ring>


<Frank Gehry Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Torque Ring>


<Brooch in horse hair, 18k gold thread, platinum thread (PT900), stainless steel, nylon thread>


<Solange Azagury-Partridge-Poptails space station ring, Emeralds, diamonds, ceramic plate and lacquer ring set in 18 karat white gold. Central Emerald weighs approximately 14.80 carats>

*Maximalism: A cultural and artistic movement characterized by exaggerated designs, colors, patterns, and excess, emphasizing abundance and complexity.

*Minimalism: A cultural and artistic movement that focuses on stripping away the unnecessary, expressing only what is essential in the simplest form or structure.

*New Age: A spiritual movement and cultural trend that emerged in the late 20th century, seeking new values and focusing on spiritual, social, and cultural activities, often associated with New Age music and philosophies.