The different types of gold: Gold in many colors
The different types of gold. Gold comes in different varieties with distinct properties. Frompure 24-carat gold to colored alloys such asyellow gold,white gold orrose gold, gold's composition and carat content determine its characteristics, price and uses.
The different types of gold: Fine or pure gold
Fine gold, also known as pure gold or 24-carat gold, represents the noblest form of this precious metal, with a purity of 99.9%. Its value and unique properties make it a preferred choice forinvestment in exchangeable gold.
Physical characteristics of pure gold
Pure gold is distinguished by its characteristic intense yellow color and high density of 19.3 g/cm³. Its exceptional malleability enables it to be transformed into extremely thin sheets; one gram of gold can be stretched over several kilometers. It melts at 1064°C and naturally resists oxidation. These remarkable properties make pure gold a highly sought-after metal for ingots and bullion coins.
Applications and uses
In jewelry,24-carat gold is rarely used because it is too soft. However, pure gold's main use is in the manufacture of bullion and investment coins, where its maximum purity guarantees its high value.
Price and quotation in 2024
On December 04, 2024, the gold bar is listed at €81,170. For thepurchase of exchangeable gold bars and coinsour experts offer competitive rates all year round. Every pure gold bar and coin we sell comes with a certificate of authenticity detailing its exact weight and purity.
The different types of gold: The carat classification of gold
The different types of gold. The caratage system is used to evaluate the proportion of pure gold in alloys used in jewelry. This standardized measurement helps our experts to accurately determine the value of coins in gold buying and gold redemption transactions.
The different caratages and their composition
Gold comes in several levels of purity, expressed in carats. Each carat represents 1/24th of pure gold, or approximately 4.17%. Our experts distinguish between :
- 18-carat gold (750/1000): 75% pure gold + 25% alloy
- 14-carat gold (585/1000): 58.3% pure gold + 41.7% alloy
- 9-carat gold (375/1000): 37.5% pure gold + 62.5% alloy
Hallmarks and guarantees
The hallmarks affixed to jewelry guarantee its gold content. In France, each type of gold has its own distinctive hallmark:
- 18-carat gold: eagle head
- 14-carat gold: horse's head
- 9-carat gold: three-leaf clover
Yellow gold: a warm, timeless hue
The different types of gold.Yellow gold is the most traditional and natural form of this precious metal, recognizable by its characteristic hue that evokes prestige.
Composition and production of yellow gold
The manufacture of yellow gold is based on a careful balance between pure gold and other metals. To obtain 18-carat yellow gold, our craftsmen use 75% pure gold, combined with 12.5% copper and 12.5% silver. This composition produces the characteristic golden hue while enhancing the metal's mechanical strength. The manufacturing process involves melting the metals at high temperature, followed by controlled cooling to ensure the homogeneity of the alloy.
Physical properties and strength
18-carat yellow gold has excellent resistance to oxidation thanks to its high pure gold content. Its hardness, enhanced by the addition of copper, enables it to resist everyday scratches and deformations.
Care and preservation
To preserve the brilliance of your yellow gold jewelry, our experts recommend regular cleaning with warm, soapy water. Annual professional polishing can revive the natural brilliance of your pieces. Yellow gold requires no special surface treatment, unlike white gold, which requires periodic replating with rhodium.
Market trends 2024
In 2024, the yellow gold market remains dynamic, with prices rising sharply. In fact, the price of gold will rise spectacularly, by almost +30% in 2024. At Abacor, we currently buy back 18-carat yellow gold jewelry from €80/g for pre-owned pieces, while gold destined for smelting is bought back at up to €55/g. These rates reflect the strength of the physical gold market and the continuing appeal of this precious metal to investors.
White gold and white gold: luminous, long-lasting brilliance
The different types of gold. White gold and white gold are two distinct variants of gold alloys, each with characteristics that make them suitable for different uses in jewelry.
Composition and manufacture
18-carat white gold contains 75% pure gold combined with 25% white metals such as palladium or silver. Its characteristic hue requires rhodium plating to give it its luminous lustre. White gold, on the other hand, incorporates a higher proportion of nickel or palladium in its composition, naturally giving it a grayish color without the need for plating.
Technical and aesthetic differences
Rhodium plating is the main distinction between these two types of gold. This protective layer applied to white gold must be renewed periodically, every 12 to 24 months depending on use. White gold does not require this treatment, as its hue comes directly from its composition.
Care and preservation
To preserve the brilliance of your white or white gold jewelry, our experts recommend regular cleaning with a soft cloth and lukewarm soapy water. Store in separate compartments to avoid scratches. For white gold, plan a rhodium replating as soon as the hue begins to yellow.
Rose gold: a modern, romantic shade
The different types of gold.Rose gold is winning over more and more buyers with its delicate, coppery hue, giving it a highly sought-after, romantic appearance. This variant of gold is enjoying growing success on the jewelry market, particularly for wedding rings and engagement jewelry.
Composition and production of rose gold
Rose gold is the result of a meticulous alloy of pure gold and copper, sometimes supplemented by a small amount of silver. To obtain 18-carat rose gold, our experts use 75% fine gold, combined with 22.25% copper and 2.75% silver. The proportion of copper determines the intensity of the pink hue: the higher the concentration, the more reddish the shade.
The different types of rose gold
The percentage of copper makes it possible to obtain several color variations:
- Pale pink gold: 14.5% copper
- Rose gold: 22.25% copper
- Red gold: up to 35% copper
Resistance and durability
The addition of copper considerably enhances thealloy's hardness. As a result,rose gold offers excellent resistance to scratches and daily wear and tear. Unlike white gold, which requires regular replating with rhodium, rose gold naturally retains its color over time.
The different types of gold: Forms of investment in physical gold
Gold coins
At Abacor, our experts particularly recommend thepurchase of gold coins for their high liquidity and historical appeal. Gold coins combine the intrinsic value of the precious metal with potential numismatic interest.
Our advisors will guide you in choosing the coins best suited to your investment strategy, whether Napoleons, British Sovereigns or South African Krugerrands. Abacor's expertise allows you to acquire these coins with complete confidence, with the guarantee of verified authenticity and a price updated in real time.
Gold bullion
Comment acheter de l’or ? Pour ceux qui souhaitent investir dans l’or des sommes plus conséquentes, les lingots d’or sont la solution idéale. Chez Abacor, nous proposons une gamme complète de lingots, de 5 grammes à 1 kilogramme, pour répondre à tous les objectifs d’investissement.
We emphasize the advantages of large ingots, especially those weighing one kilogram. They offer excellent value for money, with proportionately lower manufacturing costs than lighter ingots. Whether you choose a 20g or 1kg ingot, you'll benefit from our secure delivery service, or the option of picking up your order at a branch.
Gold redemption
Le rachat d’or doit aussi être considéré dans votre stratégie patrimoniale. Nos experts Abacor vous proposent des conditions de rachat particulièrement avantageuses, que ce soit pour vos pièces, vos lingots ou vos bijoux en or de tout alliage.
Our buy-back rates are among the most competitive on the market, with brokerage fees reduced to 1% for coins and bars. For your 18-carat gold jewelry, we offer up to €80/g for pre-owned jewelry and up to €55/g for gold destined for melting. Take advantage of our 30 years of expertise for a free estimate and instant payment.
Gold prices and market trends
The value ofphysical gold fluctuates daily on international markets, directly influencing the prices charged for buying and selling gold. Understanding how prices are set enables investors to make the best possible decisions.
Gold price variations according to purity
The price of gold varies according to its purity, measured in carats. 24-carat gold, with a purity of 99.9%, is considered the market benchmark. Other types of gold, such as 18-carat gold (75% purity) or 14-carat gold (58.3% purity), trade at lower prices due to their reduced pure gold content. This difference in purity influences the price per gram, as well as demand and use in jewelry, investment and industrial applications.
Market trends in 2024
Thephysical gold market has been on an upward trend since the beginning of 2024, reflecting growing interest in yellow gold bars and coins. As tangible assets, these forms of gold are particularly popular with investors seeking to secure their wealth. This popularity is due to gold's ability to act as a safe haven in the face of economic and geopolitical uncertainties, attracting a diverse clientele ranging from individual investors to major financial institutions.
Gold market transactions are constantly adjusting to daily fluctuations in the price of the precious metal. At Abacor, the gold redemption process is the most competitive, with reduced brokerage fees of 1% for the sale of exchangeable gold coins and bars.
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