A new type of material offers new creative opportunities to designers and manufacturers of jewellery. Presented at the Vicenzaoro winter show, 1 Karat Gold is a new patented metal alloy which, as the name suggests, contains one carat of gold by weight (4.167 per cent).
The new alloy, which is a registered trademark, weighs around 40 per cent less than 18-carat gold and thus allows the creation of larger shapes and volumes. Its malleability also offers new design opportunities and its low caratage shifts value from the raw material itself to the craftsmanship employed in its processing.
Given the recent increases in the gold price, which has made the metal even more of an investment haven that is subject to market trends, the new lighter weight alloy also allows jewellery manufacturers to reduce their costs while maintaining an aspect of gold.
