Colored gold is becoming more common in the jewelry industry. By including elements in the alloy that give a specific shade, manufacturers achieve the original appearance of jewelry. By using the latest scientific discoveries, we launched production of, among other things, the noble black metal. Black gold is an alloy that is highly valued in jewelry, characterized by a soft and deep color and compatible with other types and precious stones.
Black gold: nature of the metal, composition and distinctive properties
Pure gold can only be yellow. All other varieties are alloys or plated with rhodium of the appropriate shade. This means that black gold does not exist in nature; the alloy of the following metals is responsible for the color:
- 75% pure gold;
- 15% cobalt;
- 10% chromium.
During the production process, the finished composition is subjected to oxidation under high temperature. Thus, the finished products become dark. The alloy is an intermetallic, making it difficult to rework or melt.
Gold ring, decorated in black.
Characteristics of black precious metal:
- Strength: such an alloy completely retains the properties of the main component, but is much stronger and more ductile. Wear resistance is ensured by rhodium coating, which protects the product from oxidation and the influence of environmental factors. Black products are less likely to be subject to deformation and external damage.
- Hallmark: The finished black alloy is traditionally 750 hallmark. 585 purity black gold is often offered on the market. This means that the jewelry is made of white or yellow precious metal, and the unusual color is obtained thanks to a special rhodium plating.
- Shades of black. Since black precious metal does not exist in nature, its shade may vary depending on the processing method. The alloy can have shades ranging from light gray to deep black.
Black gold is a new alloy for jewelry
Jewelry made from the latest alloy
Hello dear reader! In this publication we will talk about black gold, a new alloy for jewelry . Black gold jewelry is an innovation in the jewelry industry. Currently, the cost of regular gold in jewelry is quite high. More recently, scientists have developed a new biomaterial, which is an alloy containing 75% gold, 15% cobalt and 10% chromium. This alloy oxidizes at high temperatures and turns black.
The alloy of chromium and cobalt CoCr was first created for use in medicine, and for good reason, because this combination of chemical elements is particularly durable and has excellent hypoallergenic properties. Medical instruments are made from this material.
Today you can often find jewelry made of black gold , which has found application in the jewelry industry. Gold, chrome and cobalt have become alternatives for making wedding rings. Due to their relatively low price, these metals are more profitable for manufacturers and the price of products made from this material can remain stable for a long time. The alloy of chromium and cobalt is very strong and durable. It is resistant to dents and scratches on jewelry that may appear during wear. Cobalt can be compared to titanium in hardness.
Modern jewelry production is increasingly paying attention to creating alloys that are harder and more resistant to scratches on products, so metals such as cobalt and tungsten are increasingly included in jewelry. This is quite understandable, because pure precious metals, due to their softness, cannot last a long time. Constant deformation and scratches on jewelry will eventually ruin it and make it unusable. Cobalt, unlike titanium and tungsten, gives jewelry a deeper color.
The choice of engagement rings is limited to precious metals such as silver, platinum and of course gold. Each of these metals has its own disadvantages. Platinum is too expensive, so not everyone will allow themselves to spend a significant amount of money at the time of marriage, because a large number of other expenses are associated with the wedding. Silver, although inexpensive, tends to darken and lose its appearance over time, and it is also very soft. Gold, also expensive and also soft, is easily scratched and deformed.
But the arrival of black gold changes the situation on the jewelry market. Wedding rings made from this material will retain their original appearance for many years. In addition, if you have sensitive skin to metals, then black gold is more hypoallergenic. Of course, it’s difficult to believe in all this right away, so without trying it, it will be difficult to be convinced. Order yourself one small ring, and if the material meets your expectations, then you can safely choose something more massive.
From my own experience, I can say that you will definitely like jewelry made from this material. After all, they amaze with their unusualness, novelty and beauty. Many jewelry industry experts suggest that over time, jewelry made from black gold will become more popular than jewelry made from expensive white, yellow gold or platinum. Black gold creates a new trend in fashion, and in combination with precious stones, products made from it become perfect.
Methods for obtaining black gold
I would also like to note another way to obtain black gold . This technology is fundamentally different from the previous one, which involves an alloy of gold, cobalt and chromium. There is a simple technique for electroplating jewelry made of ordinary gold. This method is called rhodium plating. It is widely used in the jewelry industry.
In this case, an electrolyte containing ruthenium or black rhodium is used. Unlike an alloy, rhodium coating is not durable at all; it tends to wear off and you have to re-coat it with a layer of rhodium. Therefore, when purchasing a product, make sure that it is made of an alloy and not plated with rhodium. This is quite simple to do, carefully examine the decoration, look into corners and hard-to-reach places; if it is galvanized, gaps will be visible.
Also, there is another way to obtain black gold , which involves sputtering amorphous carbon onto ordinary gold. This method is quite complicated, so it is rarely used. It is mainly used in creating cases for wristwatches.
Collections of famous brands
I would like to give examples of brands and their jewelry collections made of black gold.
1. Collection called Istanbul from the famous brand Antonini, which includes luxurious rings made in the style of ancient Turkish craft.
2. The Fire & Ice collection from the famous Australian brand Autore, also created using black gold in combination with black pearls and precious stones.
3. The famous brand Damiani presented the Cincilla collection to the public, combining products made of white and black gold. These decorations delight with their unusualness, beauty and luxury.
4. Stephen Webster is a professional jewelry maker who also prefers to work with black gold. His collection on the theme of sea creatures will not leave anyone indifferent. It consists of pendants in the form of crabs, jellyfish and fish, as well as luxurious earrings and rings.
5. The famous jewelry house Gurhan presented collections of jewelry created in vintage style, also made of black gold. Their names are Paradiso, Delight and Dalian.
6. The jewelry company Gianfranco Ferre also did not ignore black gold. She has created exclusive jewelry with amazing transparent designs. They are so skillfully made that an ordinary person cannot even understand what material they are made from.
7. The famous brand Sevan Bıçakçı presented a luxurious collection. The jewelry included in it combines large precious stones and black gold. The exclusivity of the jewelry in this collection is given by original designs carved by hand on precious stones.
TOP 3 ways to obtain dark precious metal
Black gold, a metal that is becoming in demand due to its unusual color, can be obtained by jewelers in several ways. All of them differ in a certain level of complexity, production costs and quality of the resulting product.
Real alloy with ligatures
Melting gold with an admixture of cobalt and chromium produces a metal that is then subjected to oxidation at a temperature of 700-950 degrees. It is cobalt that gives the resulting alloy its black color and, in combination with chromium, is responsible for the strength of the material. The final product is difficult to process, which is why its cost is much higher than yellow gold.
This is the only manufacturing method that allows you to get a rich black color that will not change over time.
Ligatures of gold alloys
Rhodium plating of traditional yellow metal
Rhodium plating is the process of coating yellow gold with a layer of rhodium. A special coating is applied to products using electrodes by galvanization. The resulting layer protects the product from external influences, increasing the wear resistance of the jewelry.
The disadvantage of this processing method is that the rhodium gradually begins to wear off, which means it needs to be renewed periodically. In addition, the method does not allow you to predict the shade that the jewelry will receive in the end.
Amorphous Carbon Treatment
You can add a dark tint to your jewelry using amorphous carbon. Carbon coats an ordinary precious metal, changing its color. This processing method is the most difficult. Most often it is used by jewelers in the manufacture of wristwatches.
Gold-bearing coal
Purple gold
Violet Gold Bracelet by Lecil Henderson
Violet gold is often called purple or amethyst for its interesting lavender hue. True, it is not used as an independent metal from which jewelry is made. He is the most fragile of all. Therefore, it is used as decorative inserts in jewelry, and it is obtained by mixing gold and aluminum.
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Innovations in the field of creating colored gold
Progress does not stand still; interesting technologies are developed every year to make the life of craftsmen easier. There are relatively new methods for turning yellow gold into black. Each of them has its own characteristics and requires certain investments, which as a result is reflected in the cost.
Nanomethod for creating metal alloys
This technique involves creating an alloy of copper and potassium sulfide. The result is a heavy, naturally black alloy that is processed at 700°C to produce an attractive shine.
In some cases, the cost of products is increased by adding titanium and iron to the composition. Then the products acquire an unusual olive tint.
Laser metal processing
The method involves the use of special technology. The laser beam absorbs the color of the precious metal, changing it to dark. This method requires the use of expensive equipment, special knowledge and skills. The production of such jewelry is a long and labor-intensive process, which means that not every jeweler can use this processing.
Pure gold
Types of precious metal are divided into jewelry and pure (bullion). The first option is mixed with other metals, which gives the product the necessary strength and gives a certain shade. The second types of gold are used to make bars. Such ingots have a purity of 999, which indicates that the metal contains no more than 1% impurities.
It is jewelry that can have different colors. But pure metal has only the yellow color of gold. Which is understandable, since it does not contain impurities.
The use of black gold in jewelry, combination with stones
Black gold, the color of which looks unusual and unique, is often used by jewelers in the jewelry making process. Such jewelry perfectly complements the business style. Dark precious metal looks great in combination with stones:
- diamonds;
- emeralds;
- opal;
- rubies.
At the same time, jewelers rarely inlaid their products with inserts, since the black color can reveal all their flaws. It is for this reason that for many years dark jewelry was decorated exclusively with black diamonds.
The range of unusual metals is becoming diverse. A brutal men's ring, a women's ring, a watch, or bracelets made of black gold looks great. Rings with the engraving save and preserve look unique. Such products belong to minimalism and look great without stones.
Some jewelry houses are experimenting by combining black alloy with platinum and gold of other shades. Such products look attractive, but are also quite expensive. In most cases, the alloy is used to produce jewelry for men, emphasizing the high status of the owner.
Ring black gold with red ruby
White gold
White gold ring from Messika
Jewelry houses are increasingly turning their attention to white gold. It pairs perfectly with diamonds and pearls, highlighting the beauty of the precious stones. It is obtained by mixing yellow gold with palladium and platinum.
Until 2000, nickel was actively used to create a white tint, but then it was discovered that it causes allergic reactions in many. Therefore, its use in precious alloys was stopped.
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Pros and cons of black gold jewelry
The advantages of metal include:
unique appearance;
products made from this alloy are much stronger than those made from other metals;
The alloy is hypoallergenic and cannot cause health problems.
The disadvantages are:
the price of such products can be quite high;
modest assortment - not all jewelry stores are ready to sell such expensive goods;
Scratches, abrasions, chips on the black color become immediately noticeable.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of dark precious metal include:
- unusual spectacular appearance;
- higher strength compared to other gold alloys;
- hypoallergenic properties, the alloy is safe for health.
The disadvantages are:
- high cost;
- limited selection, such a product is difficult to find in jewelry stores;
- any damage will be more noticeable than on yellow and white products.
Safe purchase of real black gold
It is best to buy such unusual jewelry and not regret it at large retail outlets, chains of jewelry stores with a good reputation. When inspecting jewelry, you should examine the mark on the product, passports and certificates.
Of course, the range of online stores is more attractive, but at the same time the risk of overpaying or getting a counterfeit increases. In this case, the jewelry is unlikely to mean or cost much, but getting the money back for it will be problematic.
In the Russian Federation, according to the Law, it is impossible.
Products made from dark alloy are produced in large factories and small jewelry workshops. Most often, those jewelry that are made by hand are valued accordingly. You can buy dark alloy inexpensively in pawn shops or secondhand from those who want to sell their jewelry.
Black gold is durable and wear-resistant
Stereotype #2: Just fuel?
Another common story is that oil is used primarily as a fuel, and once replaced by other sources, it will no longer be needed.
However, analysis shows that petroleum products make it possible to create objects without which it is simply impossible to imagine modern civilization.
For example, the main form of land transport - cars and tractors - require three billion tires per year, and their cost exceeds a quarter of a trillion dollars annually. Two-thirds of the rubber in them is made from oil, and neither in price nor in a number of other parameters can natural rubber displace them. On average, the production of one tire requires 26 liters of crude oil: that is, this industry alone consumes tens of millions of tons of black gold. There are no prospects for abandoning this huge array.
But cars need not only something to drive, but also roads on which they move. The planet consumes more than one hundred million tons of asphalt per year - and 85% of it is used for road surfaces. Another 15% goes to roofs for residential buildings (asphalt shingle roofing is popular in the USA) and some other elements in construction. There are no plans to abandon them in the foreseeable future.
Plastics are an even larger area of application for petroleum derivatives. In the modern world, they produce almost 50 kilograms per person per year - approximately 360 million tons. But in Europe these figures are 2.5 times higher. According to forecasts, by 2037 more than 0.7 billion tons of plastics will be produced on the planet, and by the middle of the century - a billion. And we're not talking about packaging. If we look around, we will see that almost everything is made of plastic.
To obtain plastic from petroleum products, the molecular chains of hydrocarbons, as a rule, must be significantly lengthened. As a result, to get one kilogram of new material, you will have to spend two kilograms of oil. In other words, by the late 2030s, plastics production alone is expected to consume 1.4 billion tons of crude oil, or 38 million barrels of oil, per day.
Plastic pipes have a service life 1.5-2 times longer than metal ones, and less energy is spent in their production / ©wienerberger.com
This is a huge figure, equal to approximately half of modern consumption. Most likely, the falling demand for oil as a fuel will be replaced by the consumption of oil as a raw material for plastics. Moreover, environmentally controversial plastic packaging (30% of plastic consumption) may lose its position. But pipes, synthetic fabrics and other products that last longer than analogues or replace fur and wool, on the contrary, will become more popular.
Conclusion? If today a quarter of all oil is spent on the production of plastics and other industrial needs (lubricants and the like), then by the middle of the century, according to some estimates, three-quarters of today’s production level – and even more – may be spent on these purposes.
Pricing factors, cost per gram
High cost always indicates the quality of the product. Factors influencing the price of blackened gold:
- production method: the cost of alloy and rhodium plating is significantly different;
- the price set by the Central Bank for 1 gram of yellow gold;
- sample of the components of precious impurities;
- the presence or absence of stones, pearls or other metals in the product;
- method of production of jewelry: handmade products are more expensive;
- costs associated with the production process and delivery of goods to the point of sale.
The average cost of 1 gram of dark gold in Russia is calculated taking into account the rate of 999 fineness and the fineness of ferrous metal as follows:
Registration price of 999 gold according to the Central Bank * share of metal in the alloy
Wedding rings made of black gold
For example, dark gold 750, respectively, on the Russian market will cost:
Red gold
Red gold ring from Baunat
Red gold was very popular in Russia in the 19th century.
This metal is obtained when pure gold is mixed with copper and zinc. And the higher the copper content, the richer the shade. For the sake of decorative effect, palladium is sometimes added to red gold to give it a slightly brown tint.
How to choose dark metal jewelry
Since blackened gold does not exist in nature, but is an alloy of human hands, you need to be able to verify its authenticity. The cost of the finished product will depend on the method of obtaining the valuable color. Silver and gold plated with rhodium are valued less than the pure alloy. They also differ in quality and properties. It is worth paying attention to the following details:
- natural alloy is always marked with 750 hallmark: products made of other metals coated with rhodium will have lower hallmarks;
- When metal is coated with rhodium, the dark color can last quite a long time, but products that have been sprayed may have flaws - weak coloring of hard-to-reach places, uneven shade. This becomes especially noticeable on products such as a cross, pendant or earrings.
Before making a purchase, you should check certificates and passports confirming the origin and purity of the metal.
Black gold ring
Yellow gold
Yellow gold ring from Tiffany & Co.
Gold of a bright yellow color is considered classic. Such a beautiful rich shade is obtained by melting the precious metal with silver and copper. This is because pure gold is very soft and brittle, and must be mixed with other metals. And the brightness of yellow gold depends entirely on the addition of silver to it. The more of it in the finished product, the brighter the gold shines.
Proper care of dark gold jewelry
The alloy is much stronger than other metals, but even it can look ugly if handled carelessly and without proper care. You can preserve the appearance of an unusual product by following simple recommendations:
- Rafting does not like water: it is better to remove jewelry before visiting the pool or gym.
- It is necessary to limit the contact of jewelry with chemicals.
- To store ferrous metal, you need to purchase a separate case: chains, bracelets and other small items should be stored straightened, avoiding creases.
- You should not leave jewelry in the kitchen or bathroom: high humidity can reduce the natural shine.
- Cleaning of products is carried out only with a weak soap solution. It is allowed to wipe the elements only with soft cloths. The use of brushes can cause scratches and abrasions, which will ruin the appearance.
Recommendations for care, cleaning and storage
If you handle jewelry made of black or blackened gold carelessly, you need to understand that, despite its strength, the formation of abrasions and scratches is inevitable.
To maintain excellent appearance for a long time, it is recommended:
- When playing sports or visiting the pool, remove jewelry to prevent accidental impacts on exercise equipment, as well as prolonged exposure to water, which is also saturated with chemicals.
- Do not expose the product to aggressive cleaning agents.
- Store jewelry only in a special case or box, avoid creases.
- If you need to preserve the original shine of the metal, do not leave items in rooms with high humidity.
- Do not clean the product with hard brushes. Use only soft material and a very light soap solution.
Reviews
I have been wearing a black gold ring for more than 3 years. Decoration always attracts attention and emphasizes the image. During wear, small abrasions appeared, but they were almost unnoticeable.
Veronica S., Nizhny Novgorod
Anna R., Novosibirsk
I used to buy items made of white or yellow gold, but when I found out about black gold, I was very surprised. The attention was drawn to the elegant earrings, without which it was impossible to leave the store. I bought them, although the cost was much higher than that of analogues made from the usual precious metal.
I really liked the dark and white metal watches. It looks unusual and stylish. But you need to wear it carefully; any damage to the case becomes immediately noticeable. And after constant contact with water, the surface began to shine less.
Sergey Ogorodnikov, Chelyabinsk
Green gold
Green gold ring from Sea Babe Jewelry
Green gold is an incredibly beautiful metal, but not all of its variations are safe for health. The classic version is made from gold, copper and silver. The higher the silver content, the more delicate olive color the finished product acquires. To give gold a rich green color, cadmium, potassium and zinc are used.
True, such products are characterized by increased fragility and can cause severe allergic reactions. So green gold is often used by craftsmen to create masterpieces of the highest jewelry art, which are usually admired at professional exhibitions.
