Gold, Carat, and Karat: Understanding Precious Metals in Jewelry

Discover the timeless beauty of gold, a precious metal that has captivated hearts for centuries. With its symbol **Au** and Latin name **Aurum**, gold stands as a shining example of nature's finest creations. Soft, malleable, and ductile, pure gold exhibits a brilliant red-yellow hue and has been used in jewelry, currency, and various arts throughout history.

In the world of awards, gold symbolizes excellence. From the Nobel Prize to the Academy Awards, gold medals and trophies represent the pinnacle of achievement. In jewelry-making, gold is often combined with other metals like silver, copper, and palladium to create alloys that enhance durability while preserving gold’s intrinsic beauty. The higher the percentage of pure gold in the alloy, the more precious and valuable the jewelry.

At Via Orefici Jewelry, our 18-karat gold pieces are crafted from 750/1000 pure gold, with a small percentage of silver and copper. Each item is marked with two identification stamps: the number 750 (indicating the gold content) and the registered number of the goldsmith or factory.

In the United States, 14 and 10-karat gold jewelry is also available, offering lower gold content and more affordable price points. Additionally, remember that "carat" measures the weight of gemstones and is one of the 4Cs used for diamond classification.

Whether you're seeking a stunning piece of jewelry or simply want to appreciate the beauty of gold, this precious metal is sure to capture your heart.