The choice of 18-carat gold - Héloïse et Abélard

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The choice of 18k gold

Looking to learn more about 18-carat gold and its alloys? Find the answers to your questions in our Héloïse & Abélard guide and discover the available colors... rose, white, and many more!

Le choix de l'or 18 carats

The Choice of 18K Gold

18-carat gold (also written 18k, 18ct, or 18kt) is one of the most commonly used finenesses in the jewelry world because it is the most robust alloy for making quality jewelry: it allows for daily and durable wear as it is the most resistant against breakage, corrosion, scratches, and wear.

Jeanne

Jeanne

2.350€

Louise

Louise

2.350€

Baby Colette

Baby Colette

2.500€

 

The History and Meaning of the Carat

The carat is a unit of measurement system invented in England in the 14th century. Its symbol is ct, or k/kt for some English jewelers. Its purpose is to facilitate trade by measuring the purity of gold: one carat represents 1/24th of the total mass of an alloy or 4.167%. In the case of carats, this means that out of 24 grams, there are 18/24 grams of pure gold, or 75%, and 6 grams of other metals that constitute the alloy of this fineness. It is also referred to as 750 thousandths, written 750‰.

But what are the other 6 grams made of?

Finenesses Vary by Country

Other "finenesses" exist and are used locally.
Only 24 and 18 are considered universal, while other alloys are considered specific to certain countries/regions of the world.

 

18-Carat Gold Compositions Differ According to Color

Since its discovery, yellow is no longer the only shade of gold. Today, there is also white, rose, etc. The compositions of these alloys vary according to the shades, here are some examples:

  • 18-carat yellow: 750‰ + 12.5% silver + 12.5% copper

  • 18-carat grey: 750‰ + 25% (silver; copper and palladium)

  • 18-carat white: 750‰ + 25% (silver; copper and palladium)

  • 18-carat rose: 750‰ + 5% silver + 20% copper

  • 18-carat blue: 750‰ + 25% iron or cobalt

  • 18-carat green: 750‰ + 25% silver

  • 18-carat red: 750‰ + 25% copper

  • 18-carat purple: 750‰ + 25% aluminum

     

    The Hallmark

    A hallmark is a tool used to mark jewelry and objects to certify the fineness of different metals.

    If your jewelry doesn't have a hallmark, don't panic! Jewelry weighing less than 3 grams is not required to be hallmarked.

    At Héloïse & Abélard, most jewelry weighs less than 3g, but we have chosen to engrave all our jewelry with a "750" mark to clearly indicate that it is always 18-carat gold.

     

    The Choice of Recycled 18-Carat Gold

    Recycled 18-carat gold also exists; at Héloïse & Abélard, all our jewelry is made from recycled 18-carat gold. If you want to know more, do not hesitate to consult our article on ethical gold.

     

    Discover our engagement rings

    18K GOLD AND
    RECYCLED DIAMONDS

    18-carat gold certified COC and second-hand natural diamonds GVS - HSI.

    140 YEARS OF
    EXPERTISE IN PARIS

    Made to order in 4 weeks in one of the best Parisian workshops, a century-old family manufacturer, RJC certified.

    FREE DELIVERY AND
    RESIZING

    Free delivery and returns within 30 days, free resizing for 1 year.

    PAYMENT IN INSTALMENTS
    AT NO EXTRA COST

    Installment payment available online or at the showroom.

    WARRANTY
    2 YEARS

    All our jewelry is guaranteed for 24 months.

    A CARING
    TEAM

    From Monday to Saturday (10 am - 7 pm) at showroom@heloise-abelard-joaillerie.fr

    or at +33 (0)7 71 32 84 68.

    By appointment, in complete privacy.

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    The ethics and quality of Héloïse & Abélard jewelry