Gold is one of the most valuable and sought-after metals in the world. It has been used for centuries in jewelry, currency, and art. 22-carat gold is one of the most popular types of gold used in jewelry today. In this article, we will explore how 22-carat gold is made, the process it goes through, and why it is preferred in certain regions.
What Is 22 Carat Gold?
Before diving into how 22-carat gold is made, let’s first understand what it is.
The term “carat” refers to the purity of gold. Gold in its natural form is very soft and cannot be used in its pure state for jewelry. To make it more durable, it is mixed with other metals. The number of carats refers to the percentage of pure gold in the mixture.
- 24-carat gold is 99.9% pure gold.
- 22-carat gold contains 91.67% pure gold and 8.33% other metals.
Thus, 22-carat gold is 91.67% pure, making it highly valuable but also strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
How 22 Carat Gold Is Made
Making 22-carat gold involves several important steps. Here is an overview of the entire process:
Step 1: Mining and Extraction of Gold
The process of making 22-carat gold begins with the extraction of gold from the earth. Gold is found in natural deposits, often in the form of ore. Ore is a rock or mineral from which gold can be extracted. There are two main methods for mining gold:
Open-pit mining: This involves removing large amounts of earth and rock to access the gold ore underneath.
Underground mining: This is used when the gold is deep below the surface. Miners dig tunnels to reach the gold ore.
Once the gold ore is extracted, it is transported to processing plants where it is refined.
Step 2: Refining Gold
Gold from the earth is usually mixed with other metals like silver, copper, or iron. Refining is the process of purifying gold by removing impurities. The most common method of refining is:
Cyanidation: In this method, the gold is mixed with cyanide solution. The gold binds with cyanide, separating it from the impurities. The gold-cyanide complex is then treated to release pure gold.
Electrolysis: Gold can also be refined by using electrolysis. In this process, the gold is dissolved in a solution and then plated onto a cathode, leaving impurities behind.
After refining, the result is 24-carat gold, or almost pure gold.
Step 3: Alloying Gold
Pure gold (24-carat) is too soft to be used for jewelry, so it is mixed with other metals to form an alloy. For 22-carat gold, the pure gold is mixed with small amounts of other metals, such as:
Copper: This adds strength and a reddish hue to the gold.
Silver: This adds durability and enhances the color of the gold.
Zinc: This is used to adjust the gold’s hardness.
The specific mixture is carefully controlled to ensure that the final product is 22-carat gold, containing 91.67% pure gold.
Step 4: Melting and Casting
Once the alloy is created, it is melted at a high temperature. The melting point of gold is around 1,064°C (1,947°F).
The molten gold is then poured into molds to create ingots, bars, or other shapes. These gold pieces are cooled and solidified, ready for further processing.
Step 5: Shaping the Gold
After the gold has solidified into ingots, it is ready to be shaped into its final form. This can be done in several ways:
Rolling: The gold ingot is passed through rollers to make it thinner and wider, creating sheets or wire.
Stamping: Sheets of gold can be stamped into specific shapes, such as coins or jewelry pieces.
Casting: Jewelry pieces are cast from molds into the desired shape.
At this point, the 22-carat gold has been shaped into usable forms, such as bars, coins, or jewelry.
Step 6: Designing and Crafting Jewelry
The final step in making 22-carat gold involves creating jewelry pieces. Skilled goldsmiths use the 22-carat gold to make rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other items. This process requires great craftsmanship, as 22-carat gold is still relatively soft compared to lower-carat gold alloys.
The gold is often worked by hand, though some modern jewelry-making processes use machines for precision. The goldsmiths may use techniques like soldering, polishing, and setting stones to complete the jewelry.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
After the jewelry is shaped and crafted, it goes through several finishing processes. This includes:
Polishing: The jewelry is polished to give it a smooth, shiny surface.
Rhodiating: Some gold jewelry is coated with rhodium to give it an extra shine and to prevent tarnishing.
Stone Setting: If the piece includes gemstones, the stones are carefully set in place.
Inspection: Finally, the jewelry is inspected for quality. Any flaws or imperfections are fixed, ensuring that the final product is flawless.
Advantages of 22 Carat Gold
There are several reasons why 22-carat gold is preferred for jewelry in many parts of the world:
Durability
22-carat gold is strong and durable, yet still retains the beautiful shine and luster of pure gold. The addition of other metals like copper or silver makes it less prone to scratching or bending than 24-carat gold.
Rich Color
The high gold content in 22-carat gold gives it a rich, deep yellow color. This makes it a favorite for those who prefer traditional gold jewelry with a luxurious appearance.
Value
22-carat gold holds significant value due to its high gold content. It is less expensive than 24-carat gold but still highly prized, making it a popular choice for investments in the form of coins or bars.
Popular in Certain Regions
In many countries, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, 22-carat gold is the standard for gold jewelry. It is considered the ideal balance between purity and strength.
Conclusion
Making 22-carat gold involves a detailed process of mining, refining, alloying, casting, and shaping. The result is a metal that combines the beauty of gold with the strength needed for durable jewelry. From extraction to the final product, the journey of 22-carat gold is a fascinating one, highlighting the skill and craftsmanship involved in creating gold jewelry.
Whether used in rings, necklaces, or coins, 22-carat gold remains one of the most popular choices for those seeking a blend of purity, value, and durability in their jewelry.