Yellow Gold
Also: Yellow Gold, Yellow gold alloy
Yellow gold is the classic gold alloy of gold, silver and copper, whose warm yellowish hue comes closest to the pure metal.
Yellow gold is the most original and most widespread form of processed gold worldwide. As a gold alloy it combines pure gold with silver and copper, whereby the ratio of the added metals determines the fineness and the exact colour effect. Anyone who knows the current gold price can determine the material value of a yellow gold piece directly via the melt value calculator.
Composition and finenesses
The fineness states how much pure gold (Au) is contained per 1,000 parts by weight in the alloy. In yellow gold, silver and copper are usually added in a ratio of about 1:1 to 2:1 (Ag:Cu), which retains the characteristic warm yellow tone. A higher copper proportion shifts the colour towards reddish, a higher silver proportion makes the piece paler.
| Fineness | Carat | Gold proportion | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 333 | 8 ct | 33.3% | Fashion jewellery, entry-level jewellery |
| 585 | 14 ct | 58.5% | Everyday jewellery, USA, Eastern Europe |
| 750 | 18 ct | 75.0% | Fine jewellery, watch cases |
| 916 | 22 ct | 91.6% | Coins (Krugerrand), traditional jewellery |
| 999 | 24 ct | 99.9% | Investment gold, bars - not jewellery |
A very popular jewellery gold is 750 yellow gold (18 carat): it combines good workability, high durability and a rich gold tone. The 585 gold (14 carat) is cheaper and widespread in the international mass market. Coins such as the Krugerrand traditionally use 916 yellow gold to achieve a harder, more scratch-resistant surface.
Manufacture and processing
Yellow gold alloys are created in the refinery or foundry by melting the components together. The process follows a simple basic formula:
Fine weight (Au) = gross weight x fineness / 1000
Example 750: 10 g x 0.750 = 7.50 g fine gold
After melting, the alloy is further processed into rolled strip, wire or blank. Yellow gold can be soldered, rolled and drawn excellently - properties that have made it the preferred jewellery material for millennia.
Identifying features and hallmarks
Yellow gold pieces bear a legally regulated hallmark that indicates the fineness in per mille (e.g. "585" or "750") or as a carat figure. Older pieces from the 19th and early 20th century may bear differing stamps. For authenticity testing, the acid test, streak test or - non-destructively - X-ray fluorescence analysis are suitable.
Yellow gold vs. other gold alloys
Besides yellow gold, three other main alloy colours exist:
- White gold: contains palladium or nickel instead of copper; is often rhodium-plated.
- Red gold: a high copper proportion (>12%) gives a pronounced reddish colour.
- Rose gold: a medium copper proportion; lies colour-wise between yellow and red gold.
Yellow gold requires no surface finishing such as rhodium plating and therefore shows no colour change through abrasion - a practical advantage over white alloys.
Calculating the material value
The material value of a yellow gold piece depends on the current gold price and the fineness. With the gold calculator the value can be determined to the second by gram, carat and daily price. For scrap gold or broken gold, the purchase price calculator provides a realistic guide value less the dealer margin.
Note: information on tax aspects when buying or selling gold jewellery (e.g. VAT, capital gains) is not tax or investment advice - please consult a specialist advisor.
In brief
Yellow gold is the most timeless gold alloy: by combining gold with silver and copper, the classic gold tone is created with a practical hardness at the same time. The fineness - recognisable by the hallmark - determines both the material value and the processing properties.