Gold Design Gold Jewelry Properties 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A ring marked 18K is what percentage pure gold?
- 58.3%
- 75% (Correct answer)
- 91.7%
- 100%
Correct answer: 75%
18K means 18 parts gold out of 24, equal to 75% pure gold.
Question 2: Why is pure 24K gold rarely used for everyday rings?
- It is too soft and dents easily (Correct answer)
- It tarnishes quickly
- It is magnetic
- It is heavier than lead
Correct answer: It is too soft and dents easily
Pure gold is very malleable, so it scratches and deforms easily in daily wear.
Question 3: What metal is most commonly alloyed with gold to create white gold?
- Copper
- Nickel or palladium (Correct answer)
- Iron
- Lead
Correct answer: Nickel or palladium
Nickel or palladium is added to whiten gold's natural yellow color.
Question 4: Rose gold gets its warm pink hue primarily from which added metal?
- Silver
- Zinc
- Copper (Correct answer)
- Platinum
Correct answer: Copper
Copper gives rose gold its characteristic reddish-pink tone.
Question 5: Which karat value is the most common standard for fine jewelry in the United States?
- 9K
- 14K (Correct answer)
- 22K
- 24K
Correct answer: 14K
14K balances durability and gold content, making it the U.S. favorite.
Question 6: What does the hallmark '750' stamped inside a band indicate?
- 750 grams of gold
- 75% gold, equal to 18K (Correct answer)
- 750 karat
- Year of manufacture
Correct answer: 75% gold, equal to 18K
The number 750 is the millesimal fineness mark meaning 75% gold.
Question 7: Why is gold considered an excellent material for jewelry that resists corrosion?
- It is radioactive
- It is chemically unreactive and does not rust (Correct answer)
- It absorbs water
- It is magnetic
Correct answer: It is chemically unreactive and does not rust
Gold is a noble metal that resists oxidation and tarnish.
A ring marked 18K is what percentage pure gold?