Do Different Gold Shades Represent Different Qualities?

The different shades of gold are obtained through alloys of pure gold and other metals. The quality of the gold corresponds to the millesimal fineness of pure gold in each alloy.

By mixing 1 part Silver and 1 part Copper with 8 parts Gold, the artisan/manufacturer will obtain a piece in Yellow Gold. This is its traditional shade. If a (small) portion of Cadmium is added, the artist/manufacturer will create a piece with green tones.

Gold pieces are traditionally marked in millesimal fineness or karats. In Portugal, the traditional standard is 800 fineness or 19.2 karats. If 200 parts of copper are added for every thousand parts of pure gold, a piece with a reddish tone will be created. It can take on a pinker hue by "lightening" the red with a portion of 20 to 25 parts per thousand of Silver.

These shades are always a selection made by the artist and/or the collection. When designing the piece and the jewelry collection, and by adding a "white" metal such as Nickel, Silver, or Palladium, the artist ensures the Gold maintains the same 800 millesimal fineness in its quality but becomes "silvery," referred to as "White Gold." White gold once had a distinct assay office hallmark. Learn how to Distinguish the Hallmarks on Portuguese Gold.

We understand that a wide range of shades can exist in Gold, always depending on the different metals mixed with the Gold. One only needs to recall primary colors and the shades obtained when mixed together.

Artistic creativity is the only limit because today, in bolder collections, we find pieces featuring black, violet, and rose gold, among other colors.

The quality of Gold is not influenced by its shade. The amount of pure Gold (the millesimal fineness) in each piece is what represents the quality of the Gold. Pieces have value based on the quality and weight of pure Gold, the creator/person responsible for development, the design, as well as the artist who crafted the piece.

Our company buys used Gold, buys Silver, and buys prestigious brand Watches. Visit us for a free sales appraisal.

We do not buy Palladium or Platinum. If you need to sell Gold, we pay in Cash on the Spot.

Visit our agencies in Amadora, Almada, Benfica, Moscavide, Mem Martins, and Cascais – Sales evaluation is free.