Beginner’s Guide to Black Gold – Everything You Need to Know

A unique jewellery option in the black metal family, black gold is becoming a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings.

Often mistaken for the historic discovery of oil that created a gold rush, Black Golds in the world of jewellery is an exciting alternative to the precious metal choices we know and love. So what is it exactly, how does it compare to other metals and how popular it is.

What Is Black Gold?

The relationship between people and gold goes way back to prehistoric times. The Egyptians were using gold as far back as 3000 BC. When we think of gold, there is a traditional colour palette that comes to mind – yellow, white or rose. This is what we’re used to seeing in jewellery shops and on ring fingers.

The dark horse of the gold jewellery family is probably black golds. It goes through a unique production process to achieve its beautiful colour. Laser application is the most common one and the gold’s colour comes from cobalt oxide found on the surface. When heated, the cobalt oxide blackens under the extreme temperature.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Black Gold?

Black rings are a popular choice of wedding rings, especially for men. Compared to other black metals, it can easily be resized. Opting for a black gold wedding ring is perfect if you want something different but it will need to be re-plated from time to time. The same applies to white gold. Blackening the gold can compromise the integrity of the metal and the black effect can chip or wear off.

Black Gold vs. Other Black Metals

Black carbon fiber is durable and scratch resistant. It is also affordable. Black titanium is lightweight and durable but is not easy to resize and will have scuff marks over time. Black tungsten is hypoallergenic and resistant to tarnishing but shatters easily so not great for a wedding band. The alternative black metals compared to black golds are generally not resizable so for wedding bands and engagement rings, black golds would be preferable.

Is Black Gold Real?

Black golds are not a natural metal but is yellow gold that has been blackened through various production techniques. Laser application heats metal and changes its microstructures, which capture light and cause the gold to turn black. Electroplating with the use of rhodium plating is common and smelters sometimes mix metals as the base for black golds production.

Is Black Gold Expensive & Valuable?

Like all gold, its purity is measured in carats. A carat level below 14 means the gold is not pure enough or doesn’t have good market value. The amount of pure gold used to make a piece of black gold jewellery determines the value. The black golds itself doesn’t affect the price. An important factor is how much of the piece contains gold in comparison to metals like cobalt or rhodium. A higher ratio of gold to other metals increases the price.

What does Black Gold jewellery symbolise or say about you?

When choosing to wear black golds, you want to stand out and be noticed and most buyers choose pieces that capture attention. Bright coloured gems and stones really compliment a black gold piece more than a diamond for example. Black golds are unique and unexpected, yet brilliant and beautiful. For those who want a break from tradition and who want to make a statement, black gold is the way to go.

What Are Some Popular Jewellery Styles For Black Gold?

Earrings and pendants best show off the style of black golds and this is often the start of any collection. For those looking for a modern take on an engagement or wedding ring, the sleekness of this gold makes it a good choice.

How To Clean Black Gold

Caring for your gold jewellery is as important as knowing how to clean gold of any type. Makeup, perfume and hairspray are not friends of black golds. Neither are acidic foods or any pool with chlorine or salt water. To keep your precious metal looking its best, you can use damp cotton wool or a jewellery cloth to get rid of oils. If the gold is sticky to the touch, try warm soapy water (dishwashing liquid will do the trick). Soak the jewellery for 10 minutes and then dry.

This gold  jewellery needs to be replated every couple of years. You’ll know it’s time when the yellow starts showing through. The replating process is not expensive and works by immersing the piece in a rhodium solution.

How Popular Is Black Gold In The Us And In Other Parts Of The World?

Black golds are slowly increasing in popularity and becoming a modern trend. It’s been on the market for a while but has taken time to educate consumers about this new offering. The older generation is used to more traditional gold jewellery but among the younger generation, black golds are being embraced in the world of fashion. It’s not always readily available so if you’re in the market for a black golds creation, you might need to shop around.

Although black golds might not yet be as popular as the more recognised gold jewellery options, it’s making a name for itself as a statement piece. This is the next generation of classic metal with a modern twist.

How do we reinvent a classic that has deep roots in history and tradition, and still keep its beautiful allure? We heat it up, add in some other metals and plating, and suddenly we have a gorgeous gold that is set to become as timeless as its other gold colour counterparts. We’re likely to see more black golds jewellery popping up in runway shoes and celebrity pics, on the fingers of the modern man and the millennials who want to make their own mark compared to their parents’ and grandparents’ generation.

Black golds are the perfect nod to a time when the world as we know it has been reinvented.