Gold
Yellow gold is one of the oldest and most commonly used alloys in jewellery making, as it is characterised by its beautiful shine and distinctive yellow colour. Gold jewellery has therefore been a true classic in the jewellery sector for thousands of years, as it is timeless, elegant and durable. Find out more »
Fine gold is required to make jewellery from gold. This is pure gold, which gives it its beautiful rich colour. However, as fine gold is a relatively soft metal, it would be unsuitable for jewellery making in its pure form. To make it wearable, it must be combined with other metals to form an alloy.
Yellow gold alloys therefore usually consist of a mixture of fine gold, copper and silver. The most common alloys on the German jewellery market are 8 carat (333), 14 carat (585) and 18 carat (750).
A brief history of gold
The processing of gold into jewellery dates back to ancient times, when the metal was already valued for its rarity, beauty and corrosion resistance. In Egypt, for example, gold was not only used as a material for jewellery, including large and lavishly decorated gold bracelets, but also for the production of religious artefacts and grave goods.
Over the centuries, the technique of gold alloying also developed. In ancient Rome, this created a cheaper alternative to fine gold, but one that offered similar aesthetic appeal. The Romans also experimented with different alloys to achieve different colours and properties.
Goldsmiths in the Middle Ages developed new techniques and created intricate jewellery such as gold chains and earrings. However, these treasures were reserved exclusively for the nobility and clergy and were by no means intended for the general public. They were status symbols and signs of one's rank within society.
Timeless, high-quality, versatile
Today, yellow gold remains a true classic on the jewellery market and forms the basis for timeless pieces as well as modern jewellery. As a higher-quality alternative to silver jewellery, gold pendants are highly prized because they do not lose their surface shine through oxidation.
Gold jewellery also stands for permanence. Wedding and engagement rings made of gold are often chosen because the material itself has a certain symbolism of eternity and fidelity.
Whether it's a modern gold bracelet or a unique piece of antique jewellery, when you buy gold jewellery, you are investing in an object that will retain its value, bring joy for generations to come and remain versatile without the risk of tarnishing or corrosion.