White Gold in the 18th Century: Understanding and Origins
In the 18th century, the term 'white gold' did not refer to the modern alloy of gold and white metals that we know today. Instead, it was associated with 'electrum,' a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, which played a significant role in European history and trade.
Understanding Electrum and the Term White Gold
Back in the 18th century, platinum was referred to as the eighth known metal and was known as 'white gold' because of its silvery-white appearance and resistance to tarnish. However, true 'white gold' as we understand it today did not exist during this period. White gold as a commercial product was invented and became popular much later in the 19th century.
The term 'white gold' was indeed coined in the 19th century, when it was alloyed with palladium and first introduced in Pforzheim, Germany, in 1912. This modern white gold is an alloy of gold with white metals like nickel, copper, zinc, or silver, and gained popularity in the 1920s as a cost-effective alternative to platinum.
The origins of 'white gold' in the 18th century can be traced to 'electrum.' This naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver has been known since ancient times. Its use was widespread in coinage and decorative items, especially during the 8th century BC when ancient coins were made from electrum alloys.
The Role of Electrum in Ancient Times
Electrum was much better suited for coinage than pure gold due to its hardness and durability. The chemical extraction of pure 24K gold was not widespread in ancient times, making electrum an ideal choice for producing coins and other items.
During ancient times, the smelting process often resulted in a reddish or greenish color in gold, which led to the development and use of electrum. This naturally occurring alloy, which consists primarily of gold and silver but can also include small traces of other metals like platinum and copper, was widely used in coinage. For example, ancient Greek coins dating back to around 600 BCE were made from electrum with a gold content of about 55.5%.
Modern White Gold: An Alloy of Gold
Modern white gold is an alloy of gold with at least one white metal, such as nickel, silver, copper, or palladium. A common formulation includes 90% gold and 10% nickel, although other metals can be added to achieve specific properties like weight, durability, and color. For instance, cadmium can be used to create a greenish hue, and up to 15% zinc can be added to achieve reddish or dark yellow tones.
Gold, Silver, and Electrum in 18th Century Europe
In the 18th century, the abundance of gold and silver was critical for the economic and monetary systems of Europe. Silver was approximately seventeen times more abundant than gold, and the monetary evaluation of silver and gold reflected this. The Roman Empire established coinage ratios of sixteen ounces of silver to one ounce of gold, a standard that remained in use for many centuries.
Electrum, due to its hardness and durability, was a popular choice for coinage. The British Royal Mint's Sir Isaac Newton suggested a new coinage ratio between silver and gold in 1717 to stabilize the monetary needs of the empire. This led to legislation that set the exchange rate for gold and silver coins.
The 18th century saw a variety of metallic currencies circulating across Europe, including the English shilling system and others from Ireland and Scotland. The precise composition of these coins and their alloys varied, reflecting the scarcity and value of gold and silver.
Conclusion
The term 'white gold' in the 18th century referred to electrum, an alloy of gold and silver used extensively in ancient times. Modern white gold, an alloy of gold and white metals, did not exist during this period, but the concept and the search for alternatives to traditional gold remained a significant aspect of metallurgy and trade.