FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT 22K GOLD


Welcome to our guide on all things 22K gold! If you're considering investing in this precious metal, you may have a few questions. Here, we aim to answer them for you.

 


WHAT IS 22K GOLD?


24k gold is the softest, most malleable, and purest form of gold. This makes it easy to work with but also makes it susceptible to scratches and dents (unsuitable for jewelry wear). So, 24k gold is mixed with other metals to fix this problem. 22 karat gold means a piece contains 22 parts gold and 2 parts other metals (usually copper and silver), making it more durable for jewelry wear.



WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 22K GOLD AND 24K GOLD?


22kt gold jewelry is about 91.6% pure, while 24k gold is about 99.9% pure (the purest form of gold). So, 24k gold is a bit purer than 22k gold, but this doesn’t necessarily make it better. In fact, 22kt gold jewelry is actually a more popular choice for jewelry because it is more durable and less likely to scratch.



WHAT IS THE PURITY OF 22K GOLD?


22 karat jewelry is an alloy of gold, silver, and other metals. The purity of 22K gold is about 91.6%, meaning that if you have one gram of 22K gold, it would contain 916 milligrams of pure gold; the rest of the weight would come from the additional mixed metals in the alloy.



IS 22K GOLD REAL?


The purest gold used in jewelry is typically 22K gold. It is 91.7% pure gold, with the remaining amount containing alloy metals like silver, zinc, or nickel. The added metals make 22K gold harder and more durable (scratch-resistant) for everyday wear.



IS 22K GOLD TOO SOFT FOR JEWELRY?


In general, the answer is yes. 22K gold is one of the highest karat ratings for gold, but it’s also one of the softest when compared to lower karats. That’s why high-end jewelry designers opt for 18K or 14K gold, as they are more durable and less prone to scratches, dents, and other wear and tear. On the flip side, 22K gold is perfect for special pieces that won’t get worn daily—like special art pieces. So when it comes to jewelry, it really depends on what you plan to do with it! 



WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 22K GOLD VS. 916?


22k gold purity, also known as 916 gold, is approximately 91.6% pure gold; the remaining 8.33% is a combination containing additional mixed metals and alloys such as zinc, copper, silver, and palladium.



IS 22K GOLD DURABLE?


Well, 22k gold is resistant to tarnishing because it has a higher percentage of pure gold content, but it’s not the most durable option out there when it comes to wear and tear. If you want something that will stand up to a bit of rough play, then 18k or 14k gold is the way to go. 22k gold is likely to scratch or dent more easily than the lower karat versions. Plus, since it is such a soft metal, it will lose shape quickly when exposed to force. No one likes a misshapen necklace! So if you’re looking for jewelry that can take a beating, stick with something a bit tougher than 22k gold.

 


CAN 22K GOLD TARNISH?


Yes, it can! Even though 22K gold is one of the highest purities available, it still contains other metal alloys that are susceptible to tarnishing. However, 22k gold is less likely to tarnish than lower karat gold options (such as 14k gold) because it contains a higher percentage of pure gold (which never tarnishes, corrodes, or rusts).

 


CAN 22K GOLD TURN GREEN?


It's a tough question, and the answer isn't so simple. Technically, 22K gold can turn green if exposed to certain elements or chemicals. But usually, this is due to the presence of an alloy in the metal, which may oxidize and cause discoloration. In other words, it's not really the gold that's turning green - it's the alloy! So if your 22K jewelry is starting to look a bit more greenish than golden, you might want to clean it with an appropriate jewelry cleaner. That should help get it back to its original luster. And, if you're worried about future discoloration, consider keeping your 22K pieces away from moisture and chemicals.

 


CAN YOU WEAR 22K IN THE POOL?


No, you shouldn't wear 22K gold in the pool. Chlorine is 22k gold's worst enemy. With continual exposure, the chlorine will slowly degrade the structure of your gold jewelry, causing it to weaken. This can make your jewelry brittle and more prone to breakage. If you must go for a dip while wearing gold, rinse and dry your jewelry immediately after you leave the pool.

 


CAN YOU WEAR 22K GOLD IN A JACUZZI OR HOT TUB?


As mentioned above, chlorine is 22k gold's worst enemy. It can significantly reduce the life of your jewelry. In addition to this, heat from the jacuzzi or hot tub can cause the metal to bend and curl.

 


CAN YOU WEAR 22K GOLD IN THE OCEAN?


Saltwater can corrode and tarnish 22k gold jewelry, making it less lustrous and potentially brittle. Over time, saltwater can cause gold to disintegrate completely.


Leaving your jewelry at home is best if you plan on swimming in the ocean or visiting a saltwater pool. If you do happen to wear your 22k gold in the water, make sure to rinse it off with fresh water as soon as possible.

 


CAN YOU WEAR 22K GOLD EVERY DAY?


No, we do not recommend wearing your 22K gold jewelry every day. Gold is a precious metal, which means it's very malleable and soft in its purest form. As such, delicate pieces of jewelry made from 22K gold won't be able to withstand the everyday wear and tear that comes with normal activities like cleaning around the house or working out. So if you want to wear gold every day, you should look for jewelry pieces that are sturdier and made from harder alloys, such as 18K gold or 14K gold. This will ensure your precious jewelry lasts longer!

 


DOES 22K GOLD TURN BLACK?


When 22 karat gold jewelry mixes with base metals, oxygen may cause it to discolor or tarnish. Oxidation is the loss of electrons as a result of this chemical reaction. When oxygen or water vapor seeps into the surface of 22k gold, it will break apart and cause corrosion. It then comes in contact with base metals and turns black.



WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 18K AND 22K GOLD?


The difference between 18k and 22 kt gold is that 18k gold contains 75% pure gold, while 22k gold contains 91.67% pure gold. In addition, 18k gold is harder and more durable than 22k gold, making it more resistant to scratches and wear.

 


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 14K AND 22K GOLD?


The main difference between 14k and 22 kt gold is that 14k gold contains 58.3% pure gold, while 22k gold contains 91.7% pure gold. In addition, 14k gold is harder and more durable than 22k gold, making it more resistant to scratches and everyday wear.

 


WHAT DOES 22/20 MEAN ON A GOLD CHAIN?


22/20 gold means that the chain is made of 22 karats of pure gold and 20 parts of other metals. The higher the number, the more pure gold content it has - so a 22/20 gold chain will be higher quality than an 18/14 or 14/10 piece. This also means that it’ll cost more, but it also means that you’ll have a luxurious-looking piece of jewelry that will last for years to come. 



HOW TO CLEAN 22K GOLD?


If your 22k gold jewelry looks dull, don't worry - you can easily clean it at home! All you need is a few simple household ingredients and some elbow grease.


To get started, mix equal parts dish soap and warm water in a bowl. Then, gently scrub your jewelry in soapy water using a soft toothbrush. Be sure to focus on any areas that seem particularly dirty or tarnished.


Once you've given your jewelry a good scrub, rinse it off with warm water. Then, dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.



HOW TO CARE FOR 22K?


Gold is a soft metal that can be scratched or dented very easily. When cared for properly, your gold jewelry can last a lifetime. Here are a few tips on how to care for your 22K gold jewelry:


1. Always take off your gold jewelry before engaging in any physical activity. This includes exercise, yard work, and housework, which can lead to scratches.

 

2. Remove your 22k gold jewelry when you shower or swim. Chlorine and other chemicals in the water can cause discoloration, tarnish, or even damage your jewelry.


3. Clean gold jewelry should be polished with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use an untreated cloth specifically made for polishing jewelry to get the best results. Start by wiping the gold surface gently in one direction with light pressure until the tarnish is no longer visible. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can scratch or damage the gold.


4. Store your gold jewelry properly. Storing your gold jewelry in a safe place when not in use is essential to its longevity and quality. Gold items are especially prone to tarnishing, scratching, and other physical wear if not properly stored. To ensure that your jewelry remains as beautiful as it was the day you got it, choose a secure location away from heat, humidity, and dust. Consider investing in a jewelry box or case, as these are designed to keep your gold pieces safe and secure during storage. Furthermore, consider wrapping items individually in acid-free tissue paper or placing them in poly bags for additional protection. With proper storage, you can be sure that your favorite gold jewelry will last for generations to come.


5. Have it cleaned by a pro. It is important to have your 22kt jewelry professionally cleaned every few years to ensure it remains in the best possible condition. The process of cleaning 22k jewelry can vary depending on the type and amount of dirt that has accumulated on the jewelry. Generally, a professional jeweler will use ultrasonic cleaners to remove dirt and residue from the surface of the jewelry. Additionally, they may use a steam cleaning machine to remove tarnishes and other contaminants from the inside of the jewelry or even employ special polishing techniques to bring back its original shine and luster.


It is also important to note that some types of 22kt gold can be especially delicate and may require extra care when being cleaned or polished. Depending on the type of gold and the level of intricacy in the design, a professional jeweler may suggest special cleaning techniques or use extra caution when buffing and polishing to ensure that no damage occurs during the process.


Therefore, if you own 22kt gold jewelry, it is advisable to have it professionally cleaned every few years to ensure that it remains in the best possible condition. By doing so, you can enjoy your 22k gold jewelry for years to come and take pride in its timeless beauty.



WRAPPING UP


Thank you for reading our FAQ about 22kt gold jewelry. We hope this article has helped you learn more about 22kt gold and how to care for it properly. Remember, proper care is the key to ensuring that your gold jewelry stays beautiful and in perfect condition for years to come.