Although gold is a precious and extremely valuable metal, it also has disadvantages. In its purest state, gold is soft and therefore easily scratched. Therefore, it is mixed with a metal alloy to make it harder, hence the different carat gold. Carats only represent the ratio of gold to other metal alloys. For example, 18K gold has a higher gold content.
So, it is understandable whether it is prone to scratches and becomes a spectacle. To find out, we will discuss the composition and making process of 18K gold. We will also give you tips on how to care for 18k gold.
The Process of Making 18k Gold
18K gold is made from 24K gold, which is considered to be the purest form of gold. To obtain pure gold, it must go through a complex process of purification and refining. After processing,24sections are removed from 24 carats of pure gold.
18 parts of gold are then melted. In the molten state,6 different metal alloys are injected into the gold. In percentage terms, gold makes up 75% of gold alloys, while 25% is made from other metals.
Commonly used metals are palladium, copper, zinc, silver, platinum. Depending on the type of metal used, the resulting gold alloy will end up having a different color. Common 18K gold colors are white, yellow, and rose gold.
In addition, the properties of 18K gold may differ depending on the metal mixed with gold. For example, white 18K gold is stronger than yellow 18K gold. On the other hand, yellow 18K gold is considered less allergenic than white 18K gold.
The choice and percentage of metals used in gold alloys will depend on the color, toughness, and reactivity results you want. Regardless of the combination, the ratio of gold you choose to other metal alloys should be 18:6.
What Is 18k Gold Made Of?
As mentioned earlier, 18K gold is made from a mixture of 18 parts （75%） pure gold and 6 parts （25%） other metals. It varies in color and toughness, as well as skin reactivity.
All of this depends on the material of the gold alloy. This is where other metals are mixed with pure gold. The metal used mainly depends on the type of color you want.
For example, white 18K gold is made from 75% pure gold mixed with 25% white metals such as silver, palladium, or platinum. Sometimes white gold may contain nickel and small amounts of zinc and copper. For 18k gold, it is made from pure gold mixed with silver and copper.
However, some alloys may use zinc and copper. 18K rose gold, on the other hand, is made from a mixture of pure gold with pure copper or extra copper, which accounts for about 22%. There may also be small amounts of silver sometimes in some 18K rose gold.
Is 18k Gold Easy to Scratch?
18k gold is perfect for making watches, engagement rings, necklaces, and other jewelry. Due to its higher gold content, it has a more intense color and attractive luster.
On the other hand, it also costs quite well compared to low-carat gold. So, when considering buying 18k jewelry, you certainly consider whether it scratches easily. This is especially because it contains more gold than any other mixed metal.
As you know, pure gold is soft, so it can be easily scratched. In principle, the higher the content of pure gold in a gold alloy, the more likely it is to scratch.
Considering that the gold content of 18k gold is significantly higher than that of other metal alloys, it stands to reason that it is indeed easily scratched. In addition to being easy to scratch, 18K gold is prone to dents.
Therefore, before buying 18k jewelry, you must consider the type of conditions it is in. This is because the scratched gold loses its appeal and may start to look stale or like tarnished metal because of all the scratches and dents.
How Long Does 18k Gold Last?
The lifespan of 18k gold depends on the degree of care you care for and the thickness of the gold you use. There are also different types of 18K gold pieces, such as thin empty gold pieces, pure gold pieces, pure gold pieces, etc. 18K Gold Sterling Silver consists of a slightly thicker coating of 18K Gold (2.5 microns) around the silver.
Since 18K gold is easy to scratch, the thinner the gold used, the faster it will wear out and even tarnish. This is because scratching takes away some of the gold. Similarly, constantly polishing 18K gold to remove scratches will slowly take away some of the gold.
Still, thin or hollow 18K gold jewelry can take about 2 years to wear out. The 18K gold plating has a slightly thicker gold plating, so it may last a little longer. However, due to silver, it can easily tarnish and may therefore need to be polished more frequently.
Solid 18K gold jewelry, on the other hand, can even take up to 30 years to notice wear. This is because solid 18K gold is thicker, so it takes longer to remove scratches and polish.
Tips to Protect Your 18k Gold Jewelry
As mentioned earlier, the lifespan of 18k gold depends on how well you care for your jewelry. Here are some tips to protect and care for your 18k gold jewelry so you can enjoy it longer:
1. Make sure the jewelry is cleaned properly
The best way is to soak the jewelry for 3 hours before wiping it with a clean polishing cloth. Avoid using paper towels as they will only scratch the gold further. If you use soap, avoid bleach or cleaners. However, you can use rubbing alcohol for cleaning.
2. Arrange professional cleaning at least once a year
While you can take care of your 18K gold jewelry yourself, it’s also important to occasionally give it to a professional. They know how best to clean, polish and repair jewelry without causing further damage.
3. Avoid wearing jewelry frequently
The more jewelry you wear, the more likely you are to get scratches or dents. If possible, you can limit your jewelry to special occasions. For example, if 18k jewelry is your wedding ring, take extra precautions to protect it. You can:
- Wear gloves when cleaning or performing heavy tasks.
- Avoid tapping the surface with your fingers.
- Remove the ring when you take a shower and put it on when you’re ready.
4. Store jewelry properly
When you’re not wearing jewelry, how and where you store it is important. Always wrap your jewelry before storing it and make sure to place it in a jewelry box. This is because the box is lined with soft material, clean and dry, so it is the best storage choice.
5. Choose the strongest and thickest 18K gold jewelry
The stronger the gold, the less likely it is to be scratched. For example, 18K white gold is stronger than 18K gold. The thicker the jewelry, the more durable it will be, and the longer it will last despite scratches.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, the value of 18K gold also makes it vulnerable. Still, it can make beautiful jewelry pieces that you shouldn’t miss because it scratches easily. All you have to do is do proper maintenance and it should last a long time.