News•15 November 2020

Gold, its Colours and Applications in Jewellery

Demystifying the Gold Colour It is very common to hear expressions such as “this jewel is from this or that region” or “this jewel is from this origin” because of its colour. Others can often say…

Demystifying the Gold Colour

It is very common to hear expressions such as “this jewel is from this or that region” or “this jewel is from this origin” because of its colour. Others can often say “Gold with this colour??? No, this is not gold!” or “18 carat gold from that place is better”. However this couldn’t be further from the truth. Gold is a metal, therefore it is the same anywhere in the world. Pure gold is 24 carat. 75% of 24 equals 18. Thus, a piece of jewellery that has 75% of pure gold is 18 carat (750/1000). The other 25% corresponds to the metal alloy that is combined with the gold. The colour of the jewellery is defined by the selection and composition of these alloys.

Colours of Gold

Gold remains always pure, even when connected to other metals. To be turned into jewellery, for being soft, gold requires the addition of other metals. This union with other metals is called league, which is also responsible for the colour of gold. Depending on the percentage of each of the metals that make up the alloy, the colour of gold can vary:

Gold + silver and copper = YELLOW GOLD
Gold + nickel or silver and palladium = WHITE GOLD
Gold + copper, silver and zinc = RED GOLD

18 Carat White Gold

Based on these facts 18-carat white gold would comprise 75% gold (Au) plus a mixture of palladium (Pd) and silver (Ag) or Nickel (Ni) White gold is as valuable as the other colours. Usually, it is made with a mixture of nickel or silver and palladium, and for this reason, the final appearance is dull and grey. In order to add shine, it is necessary to go through a technical process of finishing, popularly known as "rhodium plating." Basically, this process consists of immersing the jewel in a specific device which is placed another metal in solid state (usually platinum) that causes the rhodium in its liquid state to set in the jewellery. For this reason, it is common that after a long period of usage, white gold jewellery requires new rhodium plating, since the frequent use of the piece can wear off its shininess (but never the gold). Unlike plated gold, which has the noble metal only on the surface, white gold has gold as the main component. For helpful advice on selling your jewellery, and friendly and professional service, call Gold Smart and book an appointment with us today.

Nz’s Trusted Gold Buyers

The Gold Smart Guarantee

For over 15 years, Gold Smart® has been one of New Zealand’s most trusted gold buyers, helping thousands of Kiwis sell gold, jewellery, silver, coins, and bullion with complete confidence. As a family-owned business based in Auckland, we pride ourselves on transparent valuations, honest advice, and market-leading payouts. Every item is carefully tested and valued by experts who understand both craftsmanship and the true worth of precious metals.

Whether you’re visiting our Auckland gold-buying office or using our free insured nationwide courier pack, you can expect the same integrity, speed, and personal service every time. We make it easy to sell gold safely anywhere in New Zealand - with instant payment, fair prices, and total peace of mind. That’s the Gold Smart Guarantee - trusted by thousands of New Zealanders who choose professionalism, privacy, and value they can count on.

What WE Buy

Rich Elliott

GOLDSMART CEO

Guaranteed Excellent Prices
Transparent Selling Process
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Rich Elliott

GOLDSMART CEO

Why Us

The Gold Smart Difference

Selling gold, jewellery, or watches for the first time? We understand that trust matters most. With over 15 years as New Zealand’s trusted gold buyers, Gold Smart® provides a simple, secure, and private way to sell your valuables with confidence. Thousands of Kiwis have already turned unwanted jewellery, gold, and silver into cash quickly and safely with us.

Whether you’re looking to sell gold or silver in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, Dunedin, Napier-Hastings, Nelson, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Whangarei, or anywhere in New Zealand, we make it easy. Visit our secure Auckland CBD office or use our free insured courier service for a fast, convenient nationwide experience.

What WE Buy

Anita Elliott

GOLDSMART COO

Transparent, No Pressure Offers
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Trusted by 1000s across NZ
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Over 20 years Experience

Anita Elliott

GOLDSMART COO

Safe, Insured and Built on Trust

The Gold Smart Security

Your valuables deserve more than just care - they deserve complete protection. At Gold Smart®, security is built into everything we do. From the moment your gold, jewellery, or silver reaches us, every step is verified, insured, and documented. As New Zealand’s trusted gold buyers, our process is transparent, private, and proven safe.

Whether you choose our secure Auckland gold-buying office or our free insured nationwide courier pack, your items remain fully covered and tracked until payment is made. Each piece is tested by professionals using industry-standard technology and assessed at live market rates. That’s The Gold Smart Security - trusted by thousands of Kiwis who value safety, integrity, and peace of mind.

What WE Buy

Yasko

HEAD OF SECURITY

Greets every visitor with a sniff
Detects treats with 100% accuracy
Sniff-tests all courier packs
Master of workplace safety
Expert in morale and mischief
Performs best after walk breaks

Yasko

HEAD OF SECURITY