CHARACTERISTICS OF GOLD
Pure gold is naturally soft, highly malleable, and ductile, making it unsuitable for jewellery when used on its own. To enhance its strength and durability, gold is alloyed with other metals, creating a more resilient material ideal for everyday wear. Common metals used in gold alloys include copper, silver, zinc, and nickel.
UNDERSTANDING KARATS
Karat (k) measures how much pure gold an alloy contains, out of 24 parts:
| Karat | Gold content | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 24k | 99.9% | Pure gold, rich color, too soft for set jewellery; used for bullion and traditional pieces |
| 22k | 91.6% | Deep color, still soft. Traditional bridal and ceremonial jewellery |
| 21k | 87.5% | The regional favourite across Jordan and the Gulf, warm color with everyday durability |
| 18k | 75.0% | The fine-jewellery standard, the ideal balance of purity, strength, and color; what Izmirian pieces are crafted in |
| 14k | 58.3% | Harder-wearing and more affordable, with a lighter color |
GOLD COLORS
Yellow gold is alloyed with silver and copper, keeping gold's natural warmth. White gold adds palladium or nickel for a silvery tone, usually finished with rhodium plating for brightness. Rose gold takes its blush from a higher copper content. The karat, and the value, is the same across all three colors at the same purity.
HALLMARKS
Fine jewellery is stamped with its purity, look for marks such as 750 (18k), 875 (21k), or 916 (22k) inside a band or on a clasp. Every Izmirian piece carries its hallmark and is backed by our certificate of authenticity.
Keep your gold beautiful with our jewellery care guide, or visit the atelier for complimentary professional cleaning.
GOLD KARAT
The purity of gold in jewellery is measured in karats (K). 24K gold represents pure gold at 100% purity. Most of our jewellery is crafted in 18K gold, which consists of 75% pure gold and 25% metal alloys, offering an ideal balance of beauty and durability.
Depending on the design and purpose, 14K and 21K gold are also used in jewellery production.
GOLD COLOR
Pure gold naturally has a rich yellow color; however, different gold tones, such as white and rose, are achieved by combining gold with varying types and proportions of metal alloys. The final hue depends on both the alloy composition and its percentage within the metal.
White gold is created by adding higher proportions of white metal alloys, such as silver, while rose gold is achieved through increased copper content. The intensity of yellow gold also varies by karat, with 21K and 18K gold displaying a deeper yellow tone compared to 14K gold, which appears slightly softer in color.
PURCHASING GOLD
GOLD JEWELLERY vs. GOLD BULLIONS
Gold prices vary according to the purity and gold content of each piece. Purchasing gold jewellery differs from investing in gold bullion in both purpose and value. Gold bullion is primarily acquired as a financial investment, valued mainly for its weight and purity. Gold jewellery, on the other hand, combines intrinsic gold value with craftsmanship, design, and emotional significance. While jewellery includes additional costs related to artistry and workmanship, it offers the unique advantage of being both a wearable asset and a timeless expression of personal style, making it an investment that holds cultural, aesthetic, and sentimental value beyond its gold content alone.
