Jeweller - May 2024

FABERGÉ
A N A RR AY OF COLOURS
How is coloured gold created?
Pure gold is too soft to be used in jewellery, so it is mixed with different
alloys to enhance strength. These alloys add an array of eye-catching hues.
Coloured gold has been popular for hundreds of years; however, it rose
to prominence in the early 19th century due to the work of Peter Carl
Fabergé and his legendary Imperial Easter Eggs.
Explore how coloured gold gets its hue:
Yellow
Yellow gold combines pure gold with metals such as copper
and silver. The ratio of these alloys determines the golden hue.
Additionally, 22-carat yellow gold also includes traces of zinc.
White
White gold is a mixture of pure gold with white metals
such as nickel, palladium, and silver. White gold is trendy in
contemporary jewellery design.
Rose
Rose gold shares similar alloys with yellow gold; however, in
different quantities. More copper than silver leaves rose gold with a
beautiful colour. Rose gold was once known as ‘Russian gold’.
Green
Green gold is a composition of pure gold, copper, silver, and
zinc. The alloys used determine the varying shades of green.
Purple
Purple gold is created using a blend of pure gold and
aluminium. It’s a rare and bold choice, and many often shy
away from using it due to brittleness.
Blue
Blue gold is a mixture of pure gold with gallium, indium, or
iron. It’s one of the rarest varieties of coloured gold.
Grey
Grey gold is a fusion of pure gold with copper, iron, manganese,
or silver, creating a versatile and sophisticated look.
Black
Black gold embodies mystery. Achieved through a range of
methods, including the addition of cobalt or by electroplating
with black rhodium or ruthenium, black gold is a dramatic choice.
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