Gold as a Store of Value
Equally fascinating to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt and the modern governments of today, humans have been obsessed with gold since the start of recorded history. Globally regarded as a universal store of value, most countries in the world maintain large gold reserves to defend themselves against economic fluctuations.
Gold – More valuable than money?
Traditionally given as an Asian bride’s wedding trousseau, gold is highly regarded in Asia as more valuable than paper money. Hence the Chinese phrase 金钱 Jin Qian where 金 Jin Gold comes before 钱 Qian Money .
Karat vs Carat
Don’t confuse them. Karat is a measure of a precious metal’s purity and used to state gold’s fineness; while Carat is used to measure a gem’s weight. If you see ‘K’ on your gold item, that is an abbreviation for Karat.
Gold Fineness
Pure Gold is of 999 Purity or 999 parts per thousand Pure. 916 Gold is of 916 Purity or 916 parts per thousand gold and the remainder metal alloys. 18 Karat gold is of 750 Purity or 18 parts gold, 6 parts alloys; 14 Karat gold is 14 parts gold, 10 parts alloys; and so forth. Hard to imagine, but Pure Gold itself is relatively soft. Gold is thus often mixed with other metals to increase its tensile strength and hardness making it easier for jewellers to work with. In Asia Pure Gold, 916 Gold and 750 Gold are more prevalent and considered acceptable.
Colours of gold jewellery
Pure Gold is traditionally a rich yellow colour. Increasing the percentages of other metals in gold alloys can result in different colours. Your beautiful Rose Gold necklace is formed by mixing copper with gold giving it a beautiful rose sheen that complements tanned complexions. White Gold is formed by increasing nickel or palladium alloys.
Does my gold jewellery have value?
While gold on its own has value, whether a gold jewellery item has resale value is dependent on its purity level. Traditional Asian Chinese goldsmiths buy and sell gold to and from our customers at the store’s prevailing gold rate and store policy. Often, only Pure Gold and 916 Gold being the purest forms of gold are actively bought and sold. All other types of gold – for example, 750 Gold White and Rose gold – are typically not bought back.
Always buy from a honest and reputable jeweller who listens to your needs and provides you with sound advice. We at Orient Jewellers are 100% committed to our trade and our customers.
Please contact us for the full Orient experience. We are happy to answer any questions you have.
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