What Are The Different Forms of Gold Available For Purchase In India?

Apart from the investment value, and undeniable cultural significance of gold in India, the craftsmanship associated with gold jewellery is known across the globe. Intricate designs with deep detailing have been forwarded through generations and preserved as cultural heritage. With traditional designs and modern looks, gold can be moulded to meet the diverse needs and preferences of all gold buyers. It is available in a variety of forms for purchase in India. These include different purity, colours, and built options.

1. Carat

Carat is a measure of gold purity. A gold carat is 1/24 part (4.1667%) of the whole. Most used carats are as follows:

– 24-Carat Gold: The Ultimate Standard of Purity

24-carat gold is the highest quality, with 99.9% fineness. It is the most valuable gold available, and also the most malleable. On its own, it is too soft to make jewellery and prone to bend easily, getting scratched and dented. Therefore, it is mixed with various metals, decreasing its purity.

– 22-Carat Gold: The Ideal Balance of Purity and Durability

22-carat gold contains 91.67% pure gold and 8.33% other metals, typically silver or copper. It is used widely to increase the durability of gold and jewellery making. 

– 18-Carat Gold: The Combination of Beauty and Strength

This alloy contains 18 parts of gold and 6 parts of other metals, such as silver, zinc, nickel, or other metals (75% pure gold and 25% other metals). This form of gold is highly suitable for studded and diamond jewellery. It is also preferred for regularly wearable jewellery like rings, watches, etc.

– 14-Carat Gold: The Affordable Option

This alloy contains 14 parts of gold out of 24 (58.3% pure gold and 41.7% mixture of other metals). It is usually less expensive as the alloy has more metals, making it ideal for daily-wear jewellery with enhanced sturdiness. 

Gold is perceived as a symbol of wealth and power but amongst the various reasons ‘why gold is valuable’, the key reason is its finite supply. With renowned gold buying platforms, customers can get the best value for their old gold. Some platforms also offer free gold purity checks.

2. Colour

– Yellow Gold: The Timeless Classic

Usually, most gold jewellery is made of yellow gold. Generally, 22-carat yellow gold contains around 91.7% pure gold, 5% silver, 2% copper, and 1.3% zinc. Similarly, 18-carat yellow gold includes an estimated 75% gold, 15% copper, and 10% silver.

– White Gold: The Modern Elegance

18-carat white gold contains 75% gold and 25% platinum or palladium. With its shiny-white hue, it compliments diamonds very well. It is well known for wedding rings and bracelets or hand bands.

– Rose Gold: The Trendy Option with Romantic Rosy Hue

Rose gold or pink gold is an ally of pure gold and copper that gives it a pink shade. The pink hue varies for different percentages of gold and copper in the blend. The greater the content of copper, the rosier the final colouring. The alloy contains an estimated 75% gold, 2.5% silver, and 22.5% copper.

3. Built

– Solid Gold: The Sturdy and Durable Gold

Solid gold jewellery is solely made of gold in different carats. The higher the carat, the higher the purity. Since solid gold jewellery is not supplemented with any other metal for the base, it makes the gold item expensive. This jewellery is incredibly durable and generally used for formal wearables. 

– Gold Plated: The Luxury with Affordable 

Gold-plated jewellery is made of brass or copper and plated with a thin layer of gold (0.05% or less gold). It is a lower-priced gold jewellery. Customers need to re-plate it over time. It is a practical method for achieving a gold finish at an affordable cost.

– Gold Filled: Durable with Long-Lasting Benefits

The jewellery base is brass or copper, which is made differently from gold-plated jewellery. A layer of solid gold is bonded with brass or copper through heat and pressure to make gold-filled jewellery. 

– Hollow Gold Jewellery 

Unlike solid gold, hollow gold jewellery is lightweight and less expensive as it has space inside its design. It is also less durable as compared to solid gold jewellery. Due to scratches, the resale value of hollow gold can decrease over time. Its lightweight and low price makes it ideal for everyday jewellery. 

Conclusion

Thus, considering these aspects, customers can make informed buying or selling decisions for gold jewellery. With renowned gold buyers, individuals can get the best value for their old gold.