In the past, black gold was the nickname for oil, especially as people who found it trickling out of the ground made a small fortune — akin to finding gold. Now black gold is the term that defines blackened gold. Black gold looks edgy and stylish, giving jewelry a fresh and modern look that yellow gold can’t provide.
What Is Black Gold?
Black gold is the same yellow gold, but manufacturers use technology to change the color. Along with black, manufacturers can change gold into a wide range of colors. Different alloying metals produce different shades.
Manufacturers mix yellow gold with another metal, often cobalt. With a precise three-to-one ratio of gold and a second metal, the color changes, and the pairing becomes a pseudo alloy. A typical alloy mixes two or more metals. Because of the way metals distribute in black gold, it differs from authentic alloys.
Black gold also comes from electroplating, where yellow gold is plated with a black finish using rhodium or ruthenium. Unfortunately, the plating does wear off, so eventually, the yellow gold shows through the black coverage. It does eventually require replating.
When it comes to choosing black gold, electroplated jewelry is the most affordable. Manufacturers use rhodium for other kinds of electroplating. As such, the process is easy to scale and do affordably.
Another method of turning gold into black gold is through femtosecond laser treatments. This process involves focusing energy on the gold until it turns the desired shade of black. It is durable and expensive because it is energy-consuming.
Scientists recently discovered a laser application that uses high levels of energy to create microstructures that absorb light. So, black gold made with femtosecond laser treatments is technically gold altered to capture light rather than reflect it.
Jewelers can also create black gold through oxidation. When jewelers apply acid to the surface, the yellow gold turns black. Oxidation can weaken metals, so this isn’t the most desirable method for jewelry people wear daily.
Value of Black Gold: How Much Is It Worth?
Because black gold contains real gold, it is automatically valuable. The more yellow gold in the jewelry, the more its value grows. Despite the black metal and additional procedures to create the black color, the value is in the natural material. The cost of black gold also depends on labor. Some processes to electroplate, oxidize, or treat the gold are more costly.
The type of gold under the black finish affects the price. For example, an 18k gold ring is not as valuable as a 24k gold ring. So, when you are buying your black gold jewelry, ask about the gold’s karat.
Another consideration is gemstones, especially their cut, color, carat, and clarity. As with any other jewelry piece, any additional adornments will increase the price. A black gold ring with a diamond will be worth more than one with a less valuable stone.
Black Gold & Other Black Metals
Because black jewelry fits with today’s fashion, jewelry manufacturers use several metals to meet the needs of consumers.
Black Gold vs. Black Carbon Fiber
Because gold is a soft metal, it is easily scratched. It can also lose its shape, especially when worn as rings. On the other hand, black carbon fiber is strong, durable, and heat-resistant. The lightweight material is affordably-priced. Jewelers might also combine it with other materials, like wood grain and resin, to create unique rings and other jewelry pieces.
Black Gold vs. Black Ceramic
Despite being a soft metal, black gold is durable. If you drop it, it might scratch, but it won’t break. The opposite is true for black ceramic jewelry. This material has a lovely sheen and luster, but if you drop it on a cement or tile floor, it could shatter. Black gold does not shatter, but it can bend. However, you can always have it bent back into its original shape.
Black Gold vs. Black Titanium
Titanium has become one of the most popular jewelry materials because it is lightweight, durable, and scratch-resistant. Once it is made into a ring or other jewelry item, it cannot be remade. On the other hand, gold is more adjustable. Titanium is a strong material that is shiny and smooth. Titanium tends to be cheaper than gold, but additional labor costs associated with its hardness may up the price.
Black Gold vs. Black Tungsten
Like ceramic, tungsten is fragile and can shatter if hit hard. Like titanium, tungsten rings cannot be resized or remade. However, it is scratch-resistant and stays shiny for a long time. It has less flexibility than black gold. In addition, the lack of durability makes it more affordable than gold.
Black Gold Jewelry Options
Anywhere that you use yellow or white gold, you can use black gold. However, some jewelry styles and designs are more popular than others. When you wear black gold, you want others to see it. So most consumers choose pieces that people will notice.
The sleek and bold styling stands out when worn as earrings and pendants. It also looks modern and bold when part of an engagement ring or wedding band. Whether or not the ring includes gemstones, the sleekness of the black gold is sure to stand out.
When pairing gems with black gold, bold colors and cuts show off the unique metal. Clear diamonds and cubic zirconia can get lost in black metal. So, many consumers choose boldly colored gems like pink diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.
Simple gem cuts like cushion cuts and brilliant rounds show off the gem and the black metal around it. Small gems are better used as accents, while large stones show the uniqueness of the metal and the wearer’s style.
Keep in mind, not many people know that black gold exists, so you could hear some unexpected comments about your jewelry’s color. Some people start their black gold collection with small pieces, like earrings.
When you buy black gold with gems, look carefully at the clarity and brilliance. You want to be sure to select a stone that shines brightly against such a dark metal.
Consider the way some colors look together. For example, black gold with a bold ruby will have a punk look to it, while a bold pink diamond might give a ring a retro style. Adding black onyx or a tourmaline will look modern.
Black Gold Authenticity
To determine if your black gold is genuine gold, you’ll need someone who knows how to analyze metal. Jewelers use X-ray fluorescence technology to see below the top layer to determine if real yellow gold is underneath. A jeweler can tell if you have real gold under the electroplating or alloy layers.
You can also be 100% certain that your black gold is real gold if you have your gold plated to be black. If you ever decide you dislike the black color, you can remove it and return to the natural gold color. You may also choose to have the jewelry replated with a different metal.
Black Gold Jewelry Replating
Repairing any jewelry with electroplating can be challenging, but adding the dark black color ups the need for a skilled jewelry repair shop. If you must have your jewelry replated, you could add hundreds to the cost of repairs. But, if you do invest in jewelry, keeping the piece in pristine condition only adds to the value. No one will know if you had it replated or repaired.
Rhodium plating has several benefits. It is hypoallergenic and has a beautiful sheen that people love to wear. It is rare, so it adds value to your jewelry. Replating your jewelry does not damage it, so you can re-plate with rhodium as often as necessary.
Rhodium does not naturally come in black. To make it, scientists had to add colors to achieve the desired look. Your local jeweler might not have black rhodium, so you might have to make a trip to a jeweler who does.
Caring for Black Gold Jewelry
In general, you should avoid wearing black gold while doing your hair, putting on makeup and lotion, and applying perfume. The chemicals can damage the plated finish. If you swim or work out, you should take off your jewelry so the chlorine and sweat won’t damage the finish.
Since some finishes scratch easily, keep your black jewelry separate from your other jewelry. If you wear a ring made with black gold, do not wear another ring on the adjacent fingers.
During food preparation and washing dishes, you should also take off your black gold jewelry. While rhodium plating is durable, acids can damage the plating. You don’t want food particles to get stuck in your jewelry, either.
Cleaning Your Black Gold Jewelry
If you must clean your jewelry, the best choice is to bring it to a jeweler for a professional job. However, you can also clean your jewelry at home. Dawn dish soap is gentle enough for black gold.
- Add some gentle dish soap into warm water.
- Using a soft baby toothbrush, clean your jewelry with gentle strokes using soapy water.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Air dry on a cloth towel or gently towel dry.
Where to Buy Black Gold Jewelry
Black gold jewelry items may be expensive, and the look isn’t as popular as other classic styles. You may not be able to find any pieces at your local jewelry store. Instead, your best option will likely be online stores.
Because the prices continue to increase because of the limited supply and high demand, scammers are trying to pass off black jewelry online as black gold. Before you buy any black gold, it is important to determine whether it is real gold or not. If possible, you’ll want a certificate of authenticity as well.
FAQs
What does the term black gold mean? ›
black gold (uncountable) (informal, idiomatic) Raw petroleum; crude oil.
What is black gold and how is it formed? ›Petroleum is known as black gold as it is the black coloured crude oil extracted from the earth's crust and has high value as it is present in limited quantity and takes millions of years to form but has many applications in the industries. Hence is as valuable as gold.
Which of the following is known as black gold? ›Mineral oil is called black gold.
What is black gold very short answer? ›Petroleum is also known as Black Gold - because when crude oil is extracted from the land it is black in color. People call it gold because of its oils and value .
Why is black gold so important? ›Petroleum is called black gold because of its great commercial importance. Many useful substances are obtained from petroleum and natural gas. These are termed as 'Petrochemicals'. These are used in the manufacture of detergents, fibres (polyester, nylon, acrylic etc.), polythene and other man-made plastics.
How do you take care of black gold? ›Sansevieria 'Black Gold'
Soil Requirements: Keep the soil slightly moist but do not over saturate the plant. Winter Care: Give more indirect light to your snake plant during the winter due to shorter days. Additional Information: Mildly toxic to pets and humans. Blooms white-green flowers on rare occasions.
Black and Gold – in color symbolism they hint at the unknown, power, and formality alongside abundance, prosperity, and extravagance.
What is black gold in the ground? ›Known as black gold, petroleum has long been, a valuable resource that many of us benefit from during our daily lives.
Is diamond called black gold? ›Mistake PointsPetroleum is known as black gold while coal is known as the Buried Sunshine. Caol is known as "Black Diamond". Black gold: Petroleum and its derivatives are called Black Gold as they are very valuable.
What is called black diamond? ›Carbonado, commonly known as black diamond, is one of the toughest forms of natural diamond. It is an impure, high-density, micro-porous form of polycrystalline diamond consisting of diamond, graphite, and amorphous carbon, with minor crystalline precipitates filling pores and occasional reduced metal inclusions.
Is natural gas black gold? ›
Petroleum is useful and valuable and is famously called 'Black Gold'.
What are some facts about black gold? ›Black gold is the same yellow gold, but manufacturers use technology to change the color. Along with black, manufacturers can change gold into a wide range of colors. Different alloying metals produce different shades. Manufacturers mix yellow gold with another metal, often cobalt.
What was black gold and how was it used? ›In fact, black pepper was so coveted in the Ancient World that it was known by merchants as “black gold”. The global popularity of pepper followed the rise of the Roman Empire. The Romans brought pepper from the East to the western shores of continental Europe to use as an exotic, if expensive, spice.
Where is black gold found? ›Crude oil comes out of the ground as black, so it is called as black gold. Mostly its found in Mumbai.
What is known as blue gold? ›blue gold (uncountable) An alloy of gold with gallium or indium, having a greyish or slightly blue colour. (informal) Fresh water, in situations where it is rare or hard to obtain.
Why is coal often called black gold? ›It is called black gold simply due to its commercial value. Coal is also black and a common source of fuel but the term 'black gold' is not used for coal, it is used for petroleum.
What is known as white gold? ›White gold was originally developed to imitate platinum (a naturally white metal). White gold is usually an alloy containing about 75% gold and about 25% nickel and zinc. If stamped 18 karat, it would be 75% pure gold.
Who found black gold? ›The 150th anniversary of Colonel Edwin Drake's accidental discovery of oil in Titusville, Pennsylvania.
How long does black gold last? ›Depending on several factors – such as how often a jewelry piece is worn, the quality of the plating, and how fresh you want the plating to look – re-plating will be necessary after anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
Why is black gold expensive? ›Moreover, due to its metal formula mix that utilizes cobalt and rhodium to make it black, it is more valuable than gold itself.
How often does black gold need to be replated? ›
Black gold jewellery needs to be replated every couple of years. You'll know it's time when the yellow starts showing through. The replating process is not expensive and works by immersing the piece in a rhodium solution.
Who wears black and gold? ›PITTSBURGH -- When you think of Pittsburgh's sports teams, two phrases might come to mind: “City of Champions” and “black and gold.” The Steelers, Penguins and Pirates all proudly wear black and gold in Pittsburgh, the only city in the United States in which all the major professional teams share the same primary ...
What does black mean emotionally? ›In color psychology, black's color meaning is symbolic of mystery, power, elegance, and sophistication. In contrast, the color meaning can also evoke emotions such as sadness and anger.
What is black gold soil made of? ›Black Gold is a blend of two soil-improving products, enhancing soil and boosting nutrients from a single application. The soil improver is peat-free and made entirely from PAS100 certified composts. The manure is rich and mature, consisting of well-rotted farmyard dung and animal bedding.
What nutrients are in black gold? ›It is formulated with natural nutrients and contains a balanced blend of the three macro-nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Black Gold® All Purpose Fertilizer is suited to nearly all crops, including vegetables, ornamentals, fruit trees and small woody plants.
How many types of gold are there? ›| Caratage | Gold(Au) | |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Gold | 18k | 75% |
| Yellow Gold | 22k | 91.70% |
| White Gold | 9k | 37.5% |
| White Gold | 10k | 41.7% |
Fake black diamonds (also called diamond simulants or synthetic black diamonds) are a different black gemstone, not a real diamond. This can be a real mined gemstone, a lab-grown black gemstone, or a material that's not even a gemstone. They often contain a composite of different minerals or color treatments.
Why are black diamonds so cheap? ›Black diamonds, however are more affordable than other white or coloured diamonds, in large due to the fact that they are less in demand. They are also completely opaque and cannot be graded according to their colour intensity as they are only found naturally in one colour – fancy black.
Where are black diamonds found? ›Black diamonds are found only in Brazil and the Central African Republic.
What is the rarest diamond? ›Red diamonds are the rarest and some of the most expensive in the world. Also known as Fancy Reds, they come in a variety of shades ranging from orange-red to brownish red. Majority of the world's red diamonds come from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia.
What is the rarest black diamond? ›
With a final closing bid of $4.28 million, an anonymous buyer just became the new owner of the 555.55-carat black diamond known as the Enigma. The sale of this bizarre stone has reignited a long-simmering debate about where it came from, stoked by the controversial theory that it may have arrived from outer space.
Which is the least polluting fuel for vehicle? ›Natural gas is stored under high pressure as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). It is a cleaner fuel as it emits less toxic gases into the atmosphere than other fuels like petrol, diesel and coal upon combustion. Hence, it is now being used as a fuel for transport vehicles.
What does gold gas look like? ›The color that would pass through gold vapor would be reddish-yellow, much like solid gold.
What is black gold and liquid gold? ›Coal is also known as black gold. The area is Jharkhand. Petroleum is known as liquid gold.
What is black gold in US history? ›Black gold is an informal term for oil or petroleum—black because of its appearance when it comes out of the ground, and gold because it made everyone involved in the oil industry rich. The oil industry in the United States began in 1859 when retired railroad conductor Edwin L.
What was black gold initially used for? ›They used the oil as grease for tools and wagons, as fuel for kerosene lamps and for medicinal purposes. It wasn't until 1859 that Edwin L Drake, backed by the Seneca Oil Company, drilled America's first commercial oil well in Titusville, Pennsylvania.
What was called black gold in the early 1900's? ›The year 1900 marked the dawn of the greatest CONSUMER boom the world has ever seen. This would not have happened without the discover of oil, also known as “Black GOLD.”
What is liquid gold Why is it called so? ›Petroleum is called liquid gold due to its high commercial value. And it is a liquid and is scarce in nature like gold. It is generally called so to imply its significance. It serves directly or indirectly as a source for various organic products that are useful and essential for humans.
What is petroleum also called as? ›Petroleum, also called crude oil, is a fossil fuel.
Which state is known as black gold of India? ›Haryana is the home of world famous „Murrah‟ buffaloes popularly called the 'Black gold of India‟ and the all purpose 'Hariana‟ cow. The state has long been the prime source of Murrah germplasm for other states as well as abroad for up gradation of their low producing buffaloes.
What is the origin of the term black gold? ›
In fact, black pepper was so coveted in the Ancient World that it was known by merchants as “black gold”. The global popularity of pepper followed the rise of the Roman Empire. The Romans brought pepper from the East to the western shores of continental Europe to use as an exotic, if expensive, spice.
How do you use black gold in a sentence? ›Example Sentences
After months of drilling, they finally hit black gold.
Sometime in the 1910s, the term “black gold” came into use to refer to petroleum. Oklahoma and Texas had surpassed nearly every other state in the number of oil wells in production, so the term might very well have first been used in Oklahoma.
Who discovered black gold? ›The 150th anniversary of Colonel Edwin Drake's accidental discovery of oil in Titusville, Pennsylvania.
What happened to black gold? ›Sixth season and cancellation
On April 4, 2013, Black Gold star Brandon Watson was arrested for driving while under the influence and hit-and-run. Soon after his arrest TruTv removed Black Gold from its website, cancelling the show along with the sixth season, which was set to air December 16, 2013.
Black Gold is a Brooklyn, New York, U.S.-based music project with Eric Ronick (lead vocals, keyboards) and Than Luu (pronounced "Tahn" drums, guitar, percussions, vocals) formed in early 2006. The project was started after touring with M. Ward, Ambulance LTD, Rachael Yamagata, Panic!
What was black gold 100 years ago? ›The commodity would be oil, commonly called “black gold” in those days, or so the “Beverly Hillbillies” theme song goes. The first successful commercial oil well in the country was drilled by Edwin Drake in Titusville -- roughly 90 miles north of Beaver County -- on Aug.
What is the meaning of white gold? ›White gold is usually an alloy containing about 75% gold and about 25% nickel and zinc. If stamped 18 karat, it would be 75% pure gold.
What means green gold? ›: an alloy of 14 to 18 karat gold that is greenish in color and employs either silver or silver plus cadmium or zinc as the alloying metal.
Is coal known as black gold? ›Coal is also black and a common source of fuel but the term 'black gold' is not used for coal, it is used for petroleum.
Which fossil fuel is called black gold? ›
Petroleum is useful and valuable and is famously called 'Black Gold'.
Why is oil called Texas Tea? ›Texas tea or Texas TEA may refer to: Petroleum, crude oil drilled from the Earth. A variation of Long Island Iced Tea, a mixed drink made primarily of a high concentration of alcoholic ingredients and whisky, without any actual iced tea.