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Does Grey Gold Exist?

Published in Gold Alloy 2 mins read

Yes, grey gold absolutely exists.

Grey gold is a distinctive and increasingly popular type of gold used in jewelry. As highlighted in the reference provided, it is known for its understated yet striking grey hue, setting it apart from more traditional forms of gold like yellow, white, or rose gold.

What is Grey Gold?

Unlike naturally occurring elemental gold which is yellow, grey gold is an alloy. This means it's a result of blending traditional pure gold (which is too soft for most jewelry applications) with other specific metals. The combination of these metals with gold creates the unique grey color and also impacts the gold's properties, such as its hardness and durability.

How is Grey Gold Made?

The process of creating grey gold involves mixing pure gold with metals that impart a grey coloration. Common alloying metals used include:

  • Manganese
  • Silver
  • Copper (in smaller amounts than used for rose gold)
  • Sometimes, even small amounts of iron or cobalt

The precise shade of grey can vary depending on the specific metals used and their proportions in the alloy.

Properties and Uses

Grey gold is valued not just for its unique color but also for its practical properties:

  • Color: Provides a modern, sophisticated alternative to traditional gold colors.
  • Durability: Alloying metals increase the hardness and strength of gold, making it more suitable for daily wear.
  • Versatility: Its neutral grey tone pairs well with various gemstones and other metals.

Grey gold is primarily used in jewelry, including:

  • Engagement rings
  • Wedding bands
  • Necklaces
  • Earrings
Property Traditional Gold (Pure) Grey Gold (Alloy)
Color Yellow Grey (ranging in shade)
Hardness Soft Harder (due to alloying metals)
Durability Lower Higher
Composition 100% Gold Gold + Alloying Metals (Manganese, Silver, Copper, etc.)
Primary Use Ingots, reserves Jewelry

In summary, grey gold is a real and popular type of gold alloy created by blending gold with specific grey-inducing metals, resulting in its distinctive color and enhanced properties for jewelry.