What Is Purple Gold? Is It Real or Fake? – A Definitive Guide!

Published: 03 Feb 2025

Hey guys! 

Have you ever heard of gold, which is not yellow, white, and rose but actually purple? It sounds unusual but purple gold is real. 

Let me give you a very brief definition of purple gold. 

  • In reality, purple gold is not 100% pure, but it’s an alloy of gold that is made by mixing pure gold with some other metals, especially aluminum. 

Here is a further in-depth guide on what purple gold is, whether it is real or fake, how it’s made, how you can care for it, and what are its advantages and disadvantages. 

So guys, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the deep guide without wasting time.

What Is Purple Gold? It’s Key Properties.

A Confused Boy And Purple Gold Rings And Bar

So guys, as we discussed earlier, purple gold, sometimes also known as amethyst or violet gold, is a type of gold that is created by combining pure gold, especially with aluminum. 

It gets its violet-purple hue due to the combination of aluminum with gold, But not from the extra coating as Gold-filled and gold-plated achieve their golden color. 

Purple gold only comes with an 18-karat purity level, which means it has only 75% pure gold and the remaining 25% is aluminum. Sometimes goldsmiths increase and decrease the gold and aluminum’s percentage to get a desired color. 

For example, when I create purple gold for my relatives as gifts, I combine 79% gold with 21% aluminum to get a deep wine-purple color. 

And when I need a subtle violet color, I simply mix almost 82% pure gold with around 18% aluminum. 

The Key Properties of Purple Gold. 

Purple Gold offers both positive and negative properties. Some of the common properties of purple gold include. 

  • Purple gold is brittle, which means it can crack or break easily and is also difficult to work with as it requires both experience and expertise to resize or reshape it into the desired design. 
  • It seems the same as a gemstone with its first look but it’s not durable enough. If, unfortunately, you drop the purple gold, you will not pick up the same jewelry from the ground that you had before it fell.
  • Purple gold reacts with acids and harsh chemicals and also has a lower resistance to wear and tear; that’s why proper care is needed.  
  • It is rarely used for rings or bracelets due to its fragility but works well in pendants and earrings.
  • The production process requires precise temperature control to maintain its color and structure.

Here is how purple gold is made. 

How Is Purple Gold Made?

Youtube Video Thumbnail

Creating purple gold is not just mixing metals. It is a delicate process that requires precision, experience, and the right conditions. 

I have worked with purple gold for years. Here I shared how purple gold is made in both ways: a detailed video guide as well as in the form of text.  So let’s come and see it. 

  1. Selecting gold and aluminum ratio: to make any of the purple gold jewelry, First of all, of course, we’ll select the right ratio of gold and aluminum. The ideal ratio is 78-80% gold and 20-22% aluminum. However, this ratio can be changed depending on which color we need. I select different ratios, sometimes 75% gold and 25% aluminum, and sometimes 82% gold and 18% aluminum. These changes in ratio directly affect the color and durability of the final product. 
  2. Melting the Metals at the Perfect Temperature: The melting stage is the key to making enough durable purple gold. Gold melts at a much higher temperature than aluminum, so we heat them together in a controlled furnace. The temperature must stay between 424-442°C (795-827°F). If it goes too high, unwanted compounds form. If it’s too low, the metals won’t bond correctly and the final product will be so delicate.  
  3. Alloying Process: Once melted, the metals start to bond at an atomic level and form an intermetallic compound that we call purple gold. This process is what gives it its signature violet-purple hue. At this stage, maintaining the right pressure is key. Too much pressure weakens the metal, while too little leads to an uneven structure.
  4. Cooling and Solidification: After alloying, the molten metal is poured into molds and cooled slowly. Rapid cooling can cause cracks, so we always let it cool at a controlled rate. As the metal solidifies, the crystalline structure forms and our purple gold is ready. 

After this step, we complete various other steps to reshape it with the desired designs that we are ordered for. 

So explaining them here may be lengthy and difficult. 

I shared a video above where you can see It and learn what other steps are performed to shape purple gold into intricate designs. 

Is Purple Gold Real? 

Of course, purple gold is real and has been verified by the World Gold Council in 2001. 

It is not just coated with the layer of gold as Gold-filled, gold-vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry are coated. 

Purple Gold contains a significant amount of pure gold ranging from 75-79% pure gold and 25-21% aluminum. 

It gets its unique violet hue from its actual composition, which forms an intermetallic compound when gold is mixed with aluminum. 

This process ensures that the color is naturally embedded within the metal rather than being applied externally.

However, due to its brittle nature, purple gold is not widely used in traditional jewelry. Here is where and how it’s used. 

Purple Gold Care. 

A Cleaner Woman And Purple Gold Bar

Purple gold is delicate and brittle so It requires special care to maintain its beauty as well as longevity. 

Here are some tips that will help you clean your purple gold properly and keep it long-lasting. 

How to Clean Purple Gold.

Here are some steps to clean Purple gold items. 

  1. In the first step, prepare a mild cleaning solution by mixing lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap. Make sure to avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can weaken the metal.
  2. In the second step, dip a soft, lint-free cloth into the solution and gently wipe the surface. Do not scrub or use harsh brushes, as this may cause scratches or breakage.
  3. In the third step, rinse the piece with clean lukewarm water to remove any soap residue. Hold it carefully to prevent accidental drops.
  4. In the last step, pat the jewelry dry with a soft microfiber cloth and let it air dry completely before storing. Never use paper towels, as they can cause fine scratches.

How to Keep Your Purple Gold Safe for the Future.

To keep your purple gold jewelry safe for years, just follow these preventative tips. These tips will ensure your jewelry lasts longer with a top-notch condition. So let’s see them. 

  • Store your gold in a soft jewelry pouch or a velvet-lined box to prevent accidental impact.
  • Keep it away from hard surfaces, as it can crack or chip if dropped.
  • Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, including perfumes, lotions, and cleaning agents, as they can chemically react with your gold and can fade or tarnish it. 
  • Remove it before sports or heavy activities to prevent sudden shocks or stress on the metal.
  • Clean it gently and regularly by following the steps I shared above to maintain its shine without damaging the structure.
  • For long-term care, take it to a professional jeweler for occasional inspections and expert cleaning.

With the right care, purple gold jewelry can remain stunning for years. Treat it like a gemstone rather than a regular gold piece, and it will stay beautiful for a lifetime.

What are the advantages of purple gold? 

Purple gold offers a lot of benefits for jewelry lovers. For example, 

  • It retains high gold purity, usually around 18-19K, making it a valuable investment. It contains a higher amount of pure gold, which is why it holds more value than lower-karat gold.  
  • It does not fade or tarnish because its purple hue comes from its composition, not from coatings or plating. This ensures that the color remains consistent throughout the metal’s lifespan if properly cared for. If you don’t care for it properly, then it may chemically react with harsh chemicals and acids and can fade. 
  • Purple gold is hypoallergenic because it does not contain nickel or other common allergens. People with sensitive skin can wear it without worrying about irritation or allergic reactions.
  • It adds value to jewelry collections due to its rarity and limited availability. Because it is not mass-produced like yellow or white gold, owning purple gold jewelry makes a collection more exclusive.

Purple gold is not just about luxury—it offers lasting durability, skin-friendly properties, and investment value, making it a unique and practical choice for jewelry lovers.

What are the disadvantages of purple gold? 

As nothing is perfect in this world right? Purple gold also has some downsides and they are, 

  • It cannot be resized or reshaped like traditional gold alloys. Once a piece is made, any attempt to modify it can cause it to shatter. 
  • It is brittle because it forms an intermetallic compound instead of a flexible alloy. This makes it prone to cracking or breaking under pressure.
  • Purple gold requires careful handling since even minor impacts can lead to fractures. It is not ideal for rings or bracelets that face frequent contact with hard Materials. 
  • This gold is difficult to work with because it cannot be soldered easily. Jewelers must use specialized techniques to create and assemble pieces.
  • It is not widely available due to its rarity and complex production process. Finding purple gold jewelry or a jeweler experienced in working with it can be challenging.
  • It is more expensive than regular gold alloys. The manufacturing process and limited demand make it a costly option.
  • Purple gold needs special care to maintain its condition. Unlike traditional gold, it must be stored carefully and cleaned gently to prevent damage.
  • Purple gold is beautiful and rare, but its fragility and maintenance needs make it best suited for special jewelry pieces rather than daily wear.

Interesting Facts About Purple Gold. 

  • Purple gold was accidentally invented in the early 19th century. However, metallurgists were experimenting with intermetallic compounds, not trying to create a purple-gold color.
  • This gold alloy doesn’t bend like regular gold—it snaps like glass, making it one of the most fragile gold types ever discovered.
  • Jewelers can’t shape it like traditional gold. Instead of hammering or molding, they must carve it like a gemstone, using lapidary techniques.
  • The stunning purple hue isn’t from plating or coatings. The color comes from how gold and aluminum atoms arrange themselves at a microscopic level.
  • Light plays tricks on its surface. Depending on the angle, it shifts from deep violet to soft lavender, creating a mesmerizing effect.
  • Even the slightest change in the gold-to-aluminum ratio can completely alter its color and strength, making the manufacturing process extremely precise.
  • Traditional resizing methods don’t work. If a jeweler tries to adjust the size, the metal can shatter instantly.
  • Luxury watchmakers have experimented with purple gold, but very few timepieces exist because working with this metal is so difficult.
  • Some collectors buy purple gold jewelry just to keep it locked away. They consider it too fragile to wear, making it more of an art piece than an accessory.
  • Scientists originally studied it for material science, not jewelry. The potential for stunning, rare jewelry was only realized later.
  • Purple gold isn’t just another gold alloy—it’s a mysterious, delicate, and incredibly rare material that challenges both science and craftsmanship.
Sajjad Ali Avatar
Sajjad Ali

I am Sajjad, a professional goldsmith with 10+ years of experience in the industry of gold jewelry. I have studied only gold for more than 3 years and spent 8 years making modern gold jewelry. I create bridal sets, custom pieces, and everyday designs using 24k, 22k, 18k, and 14k gold. 

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