Gold Knowledge
Everything You Need to Know About Solid Gold
Understanding gold purity, karats, hallmarks, and care helps you make informed decisions about fine jewelry. Here's your complete guide to solid gold — the material that makes Deeve jewelry timeless.
What is Solid Gold?
Solid gold means the entire piece is made from a gold alloy — not just a thin layer plated over base metal. Unlike gold-plated, gold-filled, or vermeil jewelry, solid gold jewelry is gold all the way through. It won't flake, peel, or wear off over time.
Pure gold (24k) is too soft for everyday jewelry, so it's alloyed with other metals like silver, copper, or palladium to increase durability while maintaining beauty. The karat number tells you how much pure gold is in the alloy.
Understanding Gold Karats
24K Gold (99.9% Pure Gold)
- Purity: 99.9% pure gold
- Color: Rich, deep yellow
- Durability: Very soft, bends easily
- Best for: Investment bars, coins, ceremonial jewelry
- Not recommended for: Everyday wear (too soft)
22K Gold (91.7% Pure Gold)
- Purity: 91.7% pure gold
- Color: Deep, warm yellow
- Durability: Soft, scratches easily
- Best for: Traditional jewelry, special occasions
- Popular in: Middle Eastern and South Asian jewelry
18K Gold (75% Pure Gold)
- Purity: 75% pure gold
- Color: Rich, luxurious yellow (or white/rose depending on alloy)
- Durability: Softer than 14k, but still suitable for daily wear
- Best for: Fine jewelry, engagement rings, luxury pieces
- Why choose 18k: Higher gold content, warmer color, premium feel
14K Gold (58.3% Pure Gold)
- Purity: 58.3% pure gold
- Color: Beautiful yellow (or white/rose depending on alloy)
- Durability: More durable than 18k, ideal for everyday wear
- Best for: Everyday jewelry, active lifestyles, maximum durability
- Why choose 14k: Perfect balance of purity, durability, and value
10K Gold (41.7% Pure Gold)
- Purity: 41.7% pure gold
- Color: Lighter yellow
- Durability: Very durable, scratch-resistant
- Best for: Budget-friendly pieces, high-wear items
- Note: Less gold content means lighter color and lower value
14K vs. 18K: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | 14K Gold | 18K Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Content | 58.3% pure gold | 75% pure gold |
| Durability | More durable, scratch-resistant | Softer, more prone to scratches |
| Color | Slightly lighter yellow | Richer, warmer yellow |
| Best For | Everyday wear, active lifestyles | Special occasions, luxury pieces |
| Price | More affordable | Higher price (more gold) |
| Hypoallergenic | Good (some may react to alloys) | Better (higher gold, fewer alloys) |
Deeve's Recommendation: Choose 14k for pieces you'll wear daily (rings, bracelets). Choose 18k for special occasion pieces or if you prefer a richer gold color.
Gold Colors Explained
Yellow Gold
Classic gold color achieved by alloying pure gold with silver and copper. Timeless, warm, and universally flattering.
White Gold
Created by alloying gold with white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver. Often rhodium-plated for extra shine and durability. Modern, sleek, and pairs beautifully with diamonds.
Rose Gold
Achieved by adding more copper to the gold alloy. Romantic, warm, and increasingly popular for its unique blush tone.
Note: All gold colors have the same purity at the same karat level. The color difference comes from the alloy metals, not the gold content.
Gold Hallmarks & Certification
What is a Hallmark?
A hallmark is a stamp on gold jewelry that certifies its purity. It's your guarantee that the piece contains the stated amount of gold.
Common Hallmark Stamps
- 24K or 999: 99.9% pure gold
- 22K or 916: 91.6% pure gold
- 18K or 750: 75% pure gold
- 14K or 585: 58.5% pure gold
- 10K or 417: 41.7% pure gold
Every Deeve piece is hallmarked with its gold purity for your peace of mind and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Does Gold Tarnish?
No. Pure gold does not tarnish, rust, or corrode. Solid gold jewelry (14k, 18k, 22k, 24k) will maintain its luster indefinitely with minimal care.
What you might see over time:
- Patina: A soft, warm glow that develops naturally (many collectors love this)
- Dirt buildup: Oils, lotions, and everyday wear can dull the shine (easily cleaned)
- Light scratches: Normal wear creates a beautiful, lived-in look
Unlike gold-plated jewelry, there's no coating to wear off. Your solid gold jewelry is gold all the way through and will last for generations.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: The Ethical Choice
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond formation process. They have the same chemical composition (pure carbon), crystal structure, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds
| Feature | Lab-Grown Diamonds | Mined Diamonds |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Pure carbon (C) | Pure carbon (C) |
| Hardness | 10 on Mohs scale | 10 on Mohs scale |
| Brilliance | Identical | Identical |
| Grading | Same 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) | Same 4Cs |
| Origin | Lab-created | Earth-mined |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal | Significant (mining, land disruption) |
| Conflict-Free | 100% guaranteed | Depends on sourcing |
| Price | More accessible | Higher cost |
Why Deeve Chooses Lab-Grown Diamonds
- Ethical: 100% conflict-free, no connection to unethical mining
- Sustainable: Minimal environmental impact compared to mining
- Identical Quality: Same beauty, brilliance, and durability as mined diamonds
- Certified: Graded by the same gemological institutes (GIA, IGI)
- Transparent: Full traceability from creation to your jewelry
Lab-grown diamonds allow us to offer exceptional quality at more accessible prices while maintaining our commitment to ethical luxury.
Caring for Your Gold Jewelry
Solid gold is incredibly low-maintenance. For detailed care instructions, visit our Jewelry Care Guide.
Quick Care Tips:
- Clean with warm water and mild soap
- Store separately to prevent scratches
- Remove during intense activities
- Professional cleaning every 6-12 months (complimentary with our Lifetime Care program)
Questions About Gold?
Our team is here to help you understand gold purity, karats, and which option is best for your lifestyle. Contact us with any questions.
