If you’re imagining pirates and treasure chests, hold that thought. While it may not involve eye patches or parrots, this journey is just as exciting. Green gold isn’t a precious metal hidden in a far-off land; it’s something much closer to home, and its value is immeasurable in our modern world.
Intrigued? You should be! So, buckle up and let’s find out what is green gold – a treasure that’s all around us, just waiting to be discovered and appreciated.
What is Green Gold?
Green gold, in its natural state, is somewhat stronger than pure gold, making it useful as soon as it is discovered. However, it is uncommon and typically found only in specific regions. Therefore, contemporary smelters frequently produce it synthetically and fortify it with other metals like zinc and nickel to enhance its strength.
Etymology Of ‘Electrum’
The term “green gold” is typically used to describe the naturally occurring material, electrum. The word is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey and is derived from the Greek word lektron, the root word from which the English word “electron” is derived.
The Origin And History Of Green Gold
The Odyssey cannot compare to the history of green gold. It has been mentioned in writings that date back to Pharaoh Sahure’s time in ancient Egypt. It was thought to have been utilized atop the famed asterisks of the Egyptians and the Giza Pyramids.
It was also among the first metals to be used for coins. The Lydians, an ancient civilization that lived in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), used the metal because it was less expensive than pure gold, which was also more difficult to refine.
Although these assertions are disputed, some authors assert that this was one of the earliest instances of currency devaluation to benefit the empire’s rulers. The coins were created in 700 BC.
Interestingly, the Nobel Prize has been made from green gold since 1980.
The Pros And Cons Of Green Gold?
Pros Of Green Gold
The unusual and distinctive “green gold” alloy is breathtakingly gorgeous. When you purchase jewelry made of green gold, you enter a period of history that predates the pyramids. Green gold is frequently used in elaborate jewelry and can add intriguing touches to pieces influenced by nature.
There are several solutions available as well. The color of green gold varies depending on the composition and is available in 18K and 14K versions. It will be simple to select a unique piece because you have so many options.
Cons Of Green Gold
However, purchasing green gold items can have certain drawbacks, but only if you’re ignorant. Since pure electrum is a relatively soft metal, as was previously explained, goldsmiths employed nickel and cadmium to fortify it.
This type of jewelry contains the toxic elements nickel and cadmium, which can be harmful to your health over time. The safer metals platinum and palladium, which are more expensive but far safer, are used by modern jewelers.
Green gold contains silver, another drawback that will be discussed later. If you’ve ever kept cutlery in a cabinet for an extended period, you know how quickly it may tarnish. Fortunately, polishing green gold is simple.
Different Types Of Green Gold
Green gold, a unique blend of precious metals, is available in two main varieties: 18K and 14K. Each variety has distinct shades, dependent on their specific metal composition.
The 18K green gold offers a range of hues. The Soft Green shade comprises 75% gold and 25% silver. The Light Green variant has two compositions; one with 75% gold, 23% copper, and 2% cadmium, and another with 75.5% gold, 17.25% silver, 6.25% copper, and 1% zinc.
The traditional Green shade has three compositions, all primarily composed of gold (75%-75.5%) but differing in their secondary components. Lastly, the Deep Green shade carries a heavier copper and cadmium content alongside gold and silver.
The 14K versions of green gold also offer a variety of shades. The Quintessential Green blend contains 58.5% gold, 35% silver, 6.25% copper, and 0.25% zinc. The Blonde variant has a higher copper content, while the Rich Green version includes 36% silver.
The Light Green variant has a balanced mix of silver and copper, and the Yellow Green blend demonstrates a higher concentration of copper and zinc. Each combination provides a unique shade and quality, making green gold an intriguing choice for jewelry enthusiasts.
Is Green Gold Expensive Or Valuable?
Purity, the cost of the alloys used in its creation, and the piece’s history, size, and complexity can all affect the price of green gold.
Some green golds will be more expensive because of their relative scarcity, but more reasonable possibilities are available. Some jewelers choose to plate other metals with green gold to lower the piece’s price. However, using a soft metal for plating can be risky because it will eventually wear out.
However, its apparent worth is increased by its scarcity, and any object produced with green gold is certain to draw attention.
What Does Green Gold Jewellery Symbolize?
For an uncommon person, green gold is an unusual choice. For individuals who are less traditional or desire something truly unique, it provides a distinctive twist for something like a golden wedding anniversary gift. The metal’s emerald color is almost magical, giving anyone’s style a touch of mystery, intrigue, and history.
It is a metal that is also covered in mythology. It made a statement to wear a metal previously used to crown the pyramids and was mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. And a remark that shows the owner’s interest in a past obscured by myth and time.
Popular Jewellery Styles For Green Gold
Watchmakers employ green gold to give their timepieces a timeless quality. In addition, it may be found in various jewelry, from delicate earrings to spectacular necklaces.
The Bottom Line
That’s all about what is green gold blog. Green gold isn’t just a cool name. It’s a mix of metals that shows how creative we can be, simultaneously making something beautiful and strong. This special blend has been around from the days of the ancient pyramids to the jewelry we wear now.