What Is Black Gold? Is It Real or Fake? Let’s Explore.

Published: 19 Jan 2025

Hey, dears!

Have you ever become confused about what is black gold? It sounds unbelievable how black gold can exist in the world, however, there is only one gold mentioned in the periodic table and that is yellow.

So, guys, don’t think about it. Let me tell you what black gold is. It is an alloy of solid gold made by mixing pure gold, especially with cobalt.

But do you know how it gets its black color? How is it different from other types of gold? where it is used? when did it first appear? and if buy black gold jewelry, then how can you keep it maintained? You don’t have any idea? let’s explore each of the above points one by one.

Table of Content

What Is Black Gold? It's Key Properties.
Different Types of Black Gold.
Is Black Gold Real?
A Brief History of Black Gold.
Where Black Gold Is Used?
Advantages of Black Gold
Disadvantages of Black Gold.
Black Gold Maintenance
1. How to Clean Your Black Gold
2. How to Keep Your Black Gold Jewelry Safe for Future Damages?
Interesting Facts About Black Gold.

What Is Black Gold? It’s Key Properties.

As I mentioned, black gold is a new version of solid gold made by mixing pure gold, especially with cobalt.

It gains its black color from various techniques and one of the common techniques is mixing pure gold with cobalt with a three-to-one ratio. This mixing ratio gives the gold a rich black color.

However some other techniques are also used to make this good blackish and they include,

Electroplating: electroplating is the second most common way to give black gold a rich black color. In this method, goldsmiths coat the yellow gold with black rhodium or ruthenium which afterwards makes gold pure blackish. But guys, this process has one downside, since it’s a coat, it can wear off over time and the gold will again be yellowish.
Oxidation Process: The oxidation process is another way to make black gold, where acids or other oxidizing agents like potassium polysulfide, copper sulfate, or silver nitrate are applied after reacting with gold and making it blackish. But this process is also not ideal as it weakens the gold’s durability.
Femtosecond Laser Treatment: femtosecond laser treatment is a recent but advanced technology to make black gold. This process includes using high-energy lasers to modify the surface of the gold at a microscopic level. This creates tiny structures that absorb light instead of reflecting it. So this is the only way to make permanent but high-quality black gold.

Guys, you know? There are some types of black gold. Let’s take a brief overview of them.

Different Types of Black Gold.

There are two main types of black gold depending on their purity level and they are,

18k black gold
And 14k black gold

18k black gold is made from 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. While 14k black gold contains 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals as the primary part.

Is Black Gold Real?

A Confused Women And A Jeweler Checking If Black Gold Is Real

Absolutely yes. Black gold is real and contains pure gold as an active part. It is just mixed with some other metals to achieve a long-lasting life, however the primary metal is still gold.

Pure gold is delicate so it’s not suitable for daily wearing jewelry. So metallurgists invented new types of gold to enhance their durability and one of them is black gold.

Guys, you know? The green color also exists in the world. Here I shared what green gold is and how it gets its color.

A Brief History of Black Gold.

Black gold is a modern creation, born from advancements in metallurgy and jewelry-making techniques. However black gold is not older than white and rose gold, but it appeared very soon in the mid-20th century, when jewelers were experimenting to create black gold jewelry.

The first significant innovation was electroplating, where yellow gold was coated with dark metals like rhodium or ruthenium to achieve a sleek black finish. As technology advanced, metallurgists developed alloying techniques, mixing pure gold with metals like cobalt to produce a permanent black hue.

The most recent breakthrough came with femtosecond laser treatment, a cutting-edge process that modifies gold’s surface at a microscopic level, creating a durable and permanent black color.

Though its history is relatively short, black gold represents the evolution of craftsmanship and science, blending timeless gold with modern aesthetics to meet contemporary jewelry trends.

Where Black Gold Is Used?

Black gold is not only beautiful but also durable. Its bold and unique appearance makes it a popular choice in various applications, especially in the jewelry and luxury industries. Here’s how black gold is commonly used:

Jewelry: Black gold is widely used in jewelry, especially engagement and wedding rings, due to its elegance and modern look. It’s also used to produce necklaces and pendants that often feature gemstones or diamonds.
Luxury Watches: It is a favorite material for luxury watchmakers. It is often used in watch cases, straps, and dials, making the timepieces even more stylish and attractive.
Corporate and Personalized Gifts: Black gold is also considered an ideal material for creating luxurious corporate gifts, such as pens, cufflinks, or small decorative items, showcasing elegance and exclusivity. But this use is not more common as gold is expensive.

Advantages of Black Gold

Black gold offers a unique combination of beauty and durability. Its striking appearance and modern appeal make it a favorite in contemporary jewelry. Here are some benefits of black gold that make it special.

Black gold has a striking charcoal gray color that gives it a modern, edgy look, especially in men’s jewelry.
It is malleable, meaning it can bend without breaking, which allows for flexible design options.
Black gold rings can be resized, making them suitable for changing ring sizes over time.
When made through alloying or advanced treatments, black gold is durable and resistant to scratches and tarnish.

Disadvantages of Black Gold.

Nothing is perfect in the world. Black gold also has some drawbacks and they are,

Electroplated black gold may develop a patina and need recoating over time to maintain its color.
Black gold that is made using oxidation methods can chip, peel, or fade over time.
Some types of black gold are not hypoallergenic due to the metals used in the alloy. So they can harm sensitive skin.
It is more prone to scratching and denting as compared to other metals.

Black Gold Maintenance

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your black gold jewelry in excellent condition. With the right care, it can retain its beauty and last for many years.

How to Clean Your Black Gold

Use a soft cloth: Gently wipe away dirt and oils with a microfiber cloth.
Soak in warm soapy water: Mix mild dish soap with warm water and soak your jewelry for a few minutes.
Brush gently: Use a soft brush to remove any remaining grime or dirt.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your jewelry well with clean water to remove soap residue.
Dry properly: Pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots.

How to Keep Your Black Gold Jewelry Safe for Future Damages?

Store black gold jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box to protect it from scratches and damage.
Avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals or cleaning products that may affect its finish.
Keep black gold jewelry away from extreme temperatures to prevent potential damage or tarnishing.
Take off your jewelry before engaging in physical activities or handling abrasive surfaces to prevent scratches.
Clean your jewelry regularly, but avoid over-cleaning, as this can wear off protective coatings.

Interesting Facts About Black Gold.

Black gold isn’t naturally found; it’s made through special techniques like alloying and plating.
Its black color comes from mixing pure gold with metals like cobalt or using high-tech laser treatments.
Known for its bold, modern look, black gold is a top choice for custom and designer jewelry.
When made using advanced methods, black gold is more durable and resistant to tarnishing.
Black gold is popular in men’s jewelry, especially for engagement rings and wedding bands.
Some types of black gold are hypoallergenic, making them great for sensitive skin.
It pairs well with diamonds and gemstones, creating a stunning contrast.
You’ll also find black gold in luxury fashion accessories like cufflinks, tie clips, and watch cases.