Gold in its purest form, takes on a striking yellow colour, black gold however, that has a tinge of black, can only be achieved went gold is mixed with other metals such as cobalt. Interestingly, in order to attain the black ring effect, the other metals are plated onto the surface of gold, as oppose to more common practices of simply combining the metals.
To date, electroplating is the most common method of creating black gold. The process essentially plates gold with black rhodium or ruthenium, which as a result, achieves a black finishing. A notably flaw in this design, however, is that the surface coating of black gold rings or any jewellery that underwent electroplating would gradually wear off, thus occasionally require maintenance. Hence, if one were to wear a black gold ring daily, one has to be careful not to rub or scratch the ring, so as to prevent peeling of the surface coating. Unfortunately, it is rather impossible for the ring to remain in optimal conditions, hence the ring wearer has to send it for servicing to maintain its look.
It is, hence, highly suggested for black gold jewellery to always be kept and stored in a cloth dust bag along with a box to prevent it from rubbing against other pieces of jewellery that would result in scratches.
Browse through our jewellery online store to view our collection of elegant black gold jewellery, from wedding bands and rings , to necklaces and earrings!