Yellow Gold
Also: Yellow Gold, Yellow Gold Alloy
Yellow gold is the classic gold alloy of gold, silver and copper, whose warm yellowish tone comes closest to the pure metal.
Yellow gold is the most original and most widespread form of worked gold in the world. As a gold alloy it combines pure gold with silver and copper, with the proportion of the added metals determining the fineness and the exact colour effect. Anyone who knows the current gold price can determine the material value of a yellow-gold item directly with the Melt Value Calculator.
Composition and Finenesses
The fineness indicates how much pure gold (Au) is contained per 1,000 parts by weight in the alloy. In yellow gold, silver and copper are usually blended in a ratio of about 1:1 to 2:1 (Ag:Cu), which preserves the characteristic warm yellow tone. A higher copper content shifts the colour towards red, a higher silver content makes the piece paler.
| Fineness | Carat | Gold content | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 333 | 8 ct | 33.3% | Fashion jewellery, entry-level jewellery (DE/AT) |
| 585 | 14 ct | 58.5% | Everyday jewellery, USA, Eastern Europe |
| 750 | 18 ct | 75.0% | Fine jewellery, watch cases (CH/UK) |
| 916 | 22 ct | 91.6% | Coins (Krugerrand), traditional jewellery |
| 999 | 24 ct | 99.9% | Investment gold, bars – not jewellery |
In the UK the most popular jewellery grades are 750 (18 carat) and 375 (9 carat) yellow gold: 18 carat combines good workability, high durability and a rich gold tone, while 9 carat is the most widely worn everyday grade. 585 gold (14 carat) is common in international markets. 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 produced in the refinery or foundry by melting the components together. The process follows a simple basic formula:
Fine weight (Au) = gross weight × fineness / 1000
Example 750: 10 g × 0.750 = 7.50 g fine gold
After melting, the alloy is further processed into rolled strip, wire or blank. Yellow gold solders, rolls and draws superbly – properties that have made it the preferred jewellery material for millennia.
Identifying Marks and Hallmarks
In the UK, gold articles carry a legally regulated hallmark applied at an Assay Office, indicating the fineness in per mille (e.g. "585" or "750"). Older pieces from the 19th and early 20th century may bear different markings. Suitable authenticity tests include the acid test, the streak test or – non-destructively – X-ray fluorescence analysis.
Yellow Gold vs. Other Gold Alloys
Alongside yellow gold there are three other main alloy colours:
- White gold: contains palladium or nickel instead of copper; frequently rhodium-plated.
- Red gold: high copper content (>12%) gives a pronounced reddish colour.
- Rose gold: medium copper content; sits colour-wise between yellow and red gold.
Yellow gold requires no surface finishing such as rhodium plating and therefore shows no colour change through wear – a practical advantage over white alloys.
Calculating the Material Value
The material value of a yellow-gold item depends on the current gold price and the fineness. With the Gold Calculator the value can be determined to the second by weight, carat and daily price. For scrap or broken gold, the Purchase Price Calculator provides a realistic guide value less the dealer's margin.
Note: Statements on tax aspects when buying or selling gold jewellery (e.g. VAT, capital gains) are not tax or investment advice – please consult a professional adviser.
In Brief
Yellow gold is the most timeless gold alloy: combining gold with silver and copper produces the classic gold tone while retaining practical hardness. The fineness – recognisable from the hallmark – determines both the material value and the working properties.