In the world of gold and jewelry, terms like “18K” or “24K” are used to describe the quality and purity of gold. But do you really know what the “differences between 18K gold and 24K gold” are? If you intend to invest in gold, this article aims to provide a better and deeper understanding of these differences and to explore whether “24K gold is better than 18K gold.”

Factors Affecting the Price of 18K and 24K Gold

One of the key factors influencing the price of 18K and 24K gold is the percentage of gold in each karat. Specifically, 18K gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals, while 24K gold is 100% pure gold. Therefore, the higher the percentage of gold, the higher the price will be.

Impact of the Global Market on Gold Prices: The global market also plays a significant role in determining gold prices. Any changes in gold prices in the global market immediately affect domestic gold prices. These changes can result from global economic fluctuations, wars, and sanctions.

Impact of Currency Rates on Gold Prices: Currency rates also influence gold prices. When currency rates rise, gold prices increase, and when currency rates fall, gold prices decrease. This is because gold acts as a valuable asset that protects against currency fluctuations.

Impact of Supply and Demand on Gold Prices:The levels of supply and demand for gold also affect its price. Whenever demand for gold increases while supply is low, the price of gold rises, and conversely, when supply exceeds demand, the price of gold falls.

Comparing 18K Gold and 24K Gold

When choosing the type of gold, several factors should be considered, with one of the most important being the karat of the gold. The karat refers to the purity of the gold. 24K gold is the purest form of gold and contains no other metals. On the other hand, 18K gold consists of 75% gold and 25% other metals. Which choice is better? To answer this question, you need to identify your needs and goals. If you are looking for gold with the highest market value, then 24K gold is the best choice. However, if you intend to use gold for making various types of jewelry, then 18K gold is a better option because it has greater durability due to the presence of other metals. Thus, 24K gold is more suitable for investment, while 18K gold is more suitable for jewelry making.

Uses of 18K and 24K Gold

Due to the high purity of 24K gold, this type of gold is considered the best choice for investment. 24K gold bars are available in packaged forms in the market. Interestingly, when purchasing a 24K gold bar, there is no need to pay any crafting fees. Additionally, gram-sized gold bars and coins are usually available starting from one-tenth of a gram in the market. However, if you have a limited budget, the Talasi gold purchasing app can help you buy even as little as one milligram of gold. 18K gold is commonly used in jewelry making due to its high strength. As you know, when purchasing ornamental gold, you need to pay not only for the seller’s profit but also for crafting fees.

A gold bar is one of the most popular and widely used methods of investing in gold. This type of gold is easily bought and sold in the market due to its high purity and standard shape. In this article, we will explore the concept of gold bars, their fabrication costs, and the purity of gold bars.

What is a Gold Bar? Golden Insights on Gold Bars

A gold bar refers to a piece of gold with high purity that is produced in various standard shapes from raw gold. These bars are typically rectangular or square and come in different weights, such as 1 gram, 10 grams, 100 grams, and even more. Due to their high purity, gold bars usually contain between 99.5% and 99.999% gold and are recognized as a reliable investment tool. Investors and individuals looking to preserve the value of their assets often turn to buying gold bars.

What is the Purity of Gold Bars?

The purity of gold bars is very high. Typically, none of the gold artifacts have this level of purity. The high purity of the bar makes its surface relatively soft so that if you place your finger on it, your fingerprint will remain clearly visible. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as 100% pure gold. The molecular structure of gold requires the presence of other elements for stability to prevent degradation. The term “four nines” in the Iranian market refers to a gold bar with a purity equivalent to 99.9999%. The “four nines” indicates the number of nines present after the decimal point in the gold’s purity. In contrast to the high purity of bars, melted gold with a fineness of 18 karats has about 75% purity. Since this type of gold is obtained by melting old jewelry, it usually does not have a specified purity. Therefore, if you intend to buy melted gold instead of bars, it is advisable to visit reputable websites for buying and selling melted gold. Purchasing from reliable centers reduces the possibility of fraud and scams.

Fabrication Costs of Gold Bars

One important aspect to consider when purchasing gold bars is their fabrication costs. The fabrication cost refers to the expenses incurred for producing, transporting, insuring, and storing gold bars. These costs are typically calculated as a percentage of the price of gold and can vary depending on the manufacturer and market conditions. The fabrication cost can include expenses related to melting, molding, packaging, as well as management and distribution costs. These expenses should be taken into account when buying gold bars so that buyers can make informed investment decisions.

Marks on Gold Bars You will find marks on all gold bars. Manufacturers are required to engrave these marks on their produced bars. This prevents the creation and sale of counterfeit bars. These marks include:

Purity of the Bar: The purity mark for gold bars is 999.

Weight of the Bar: The exact weight marked on the bar should match what a jeweler’s scale indicates.

Identification Code: The code on the bars is known as the tracking code. Each bar has a unique identification code. You can use the gold tracking system for this purpose.

Logo and Name of the Manufacturer: Similar to other gold artifacts and jewelry, the logo or name of the company is engraved on the bar.

Bars or Coins? One of the challenges faced by most investors in this market is whether it is better to invest in gold bars or coins. Gold bars are not exempt from this rule, and investors choose them for investment as well. It’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with some characteristics of each option to make an informed investment decision.

Weight and Price: In the market, coins are offered at fixed weights and prices; however, gold bars generally come in various weights, which may give you more flexibility when purchasing.

Volatility: Coins tend to be more volatile and are often significantly influenced by domestic policies.

Industry Role: Gold bars play a crucial role in industry; most investors and central banks buy and store gold bars.

Premium: Gold bars generally have lower premiums compared to coins because coins have more complex designs that require additional manufacturing processes. Therefore, you may have to pay extra for coins.

Storage: Storing gold bars is easier; one bar requires less space than an equivalent number of coins.

Where Are Gold Bars Produced?

Prominent gold bars are produced globally in countries such as Switzerland, England, Australia, and the UAE. Due to the high demand for these bars, they typically come at a higher price. Swiss gold bars are among the most renowned. In our country, gold bars are manufactured by state mints. It is worth noting that some private sectors can produce gold bars if they obtain the necessary approvals from the government.

Zarrin Shemsh Company, as one of the leaders in the precious metal ingot production industry, places special emphasis on the secure storage and warehousing of its products. Precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and other rare metals, due to their high economic value and security sensitivities, require storage under special conditions and high safety standards. In this regard, Zarrin Shemsh has implemented a set of security and management measures, some of the most important of which are outlined below:

Storage Standards

Zarrin Shemsh Company adheres to international standards in the storage of precious metals to ensure the preservation of the quality and authenticity of its ingots. These standards include the precise control of temperature, humidity, and light within the storage environment, which helps prevent any physical or chemical damage to the metals.

Advanced Security Systems

Zarrin Shemsh’s warehouses are equipped with advanced security systems such as CCTV cameras, motion sensors, anti-theft doors, and fire alarm systems. Additionally, all entries and exits from these warehouses are strictly monitored and controlled according to rigorous security protocols to prevent any unauthorized access.

Inventory Management and Precise Tracking

Zarrin Shemsh utilizes advanced inventory management systems and tracking software, enabling precise control over warehouse inventory and the tracking of all ingot movements. Each ingot produced is assigned a unique identifier, allowing for easy tracking throughout the storage and transportation processes

Comprehensive Product Insurance

To increase assurance and mitigate potential risks, Zarrin Shemsh provides comprehensive insurance coverage for all its products. This insurance protects the ingots against risks such as theft, fire, natural disasters, and other external factors

Training and Specialized Personnel

Zarrin Shemsh conducts regular training sessions for its personnel to enhance safety and efficiency in storage management. These training sessions cover safety principles, proper methods for handling ingots, and the use of modern storage equipment. Specialized and experienced personnel are one of the key factors in ensuring the security and quality of the storage process.

Strategic Warehouse Location

Zarrin Shemsh strategically locates its warehouses in areas with easy access to production centers and transportation routes. These intelligent choices help the company optimize its logistics processes while maintaining a high level of security.

Risk Management and Emergency Plans

Zarrin Shemsh has developed risk management and emergency plans to address any unforeseen events. These plans include various scenarios and quick response methods to minimize damage in the event of an incident

Commitment to Social Responsibility and Environmental Protection

While adhering to the highest safety and security standards, Zarrin Shemsh is also committed to social responsibility and environmental protection. The company’s storage processes are designed to minimize any negative impacts on the environment.

Recycling precious metals and turning them into ingots is a complex
and specialized process that includes various steps. This process
begins with the collection and separation of waste containing
precious metals and finally ends with the production of pure metal
ingots. In the following, we explain each step of this process in detail:

Recycling precious metals and turning them into ingots is a complex and specialized process that includes various steps. This process begins with the collection and separation of waste containing precious metals and finally ends with the production of pure metal ingots. In the following, we explain each step of this process in detail:

۱.COLLECTION AND SEPARATION OF RAW MATERIALS

Collection: The raw materials include electronic waste (such as old mobile phones, computers, and electronic components), industrial scrap, old jewelry, automotive catalysts, and even batteries. These materials are collected and transported to recycling facilities.

Separation: The raw materials are separated manually or using specific machinery. The goal is to isolate the materials containing precious metals from other materials such as plastics, glass, and base metals.

۲.CRUSHING AND MILLING

After separation, the materials containing precious metals are crushed into smaller pieces. This is done using crushing machines. These pieces are then milled into finer particles in specialized mills. Crushing and milling the materials help separate the metals from other substances, improving the efficiency of subsequent chemical and thermal processes.

۳.MELTING AND METAL RECOVERY

Melting: At this stage, the crushed materials are melted in special furnaces. The furnace temperatures are usually very high to ensure the precious metals separate from other substances. Recovery: Due to their higher weight and density, the precious metals settle at the bottom of the furnace, separating from other materials. Non-metallic substances and impurities rise to the surface as slag and are separated from the metals. In some cases, chemical processes are also used to separate the precious metals from othermaterials. For example, dissolving metals in acids and then precipitating them can aid in the separation and recovery of metals.

۴.REFINING AND PURIFICATION

The recovered metals may still contain impurities. To achieve the desired purity, the melted metals may need to be refined several times. Chemical Refining: In this stage, methods such as electrolysis or dissolution in specific acids are used. Electrolysis is particularly effective for purifying metals like gold and silver. Thermal Refining: Some metals are purified using distillation and evaporation processes. In this method, metals are vaporized and then condensed at lower temperatures to return to a solid state, achieving purification.

۵. CONVERSION TO INGOTS

After purification, the precious metals are poured into specific molds to form ingots. The ingots are typically produced in various sizes and weights, depending on market demand and industry standards. At this stage, special attention is paid to controlling the temperature and cooling time of the metals to prevent cracks and bubbles in the ingots, ensuring the highest possible quality.

۶. QUALITY CONTROL AND PACKAGING

After the ingots are produced, each one is inspected for purity and quality. This may involve chemical and physical tests to ensure the ingots meet the required standards. The ingots are then marked with their weight and purity and packaged for sale or use in other industries.

Advantages of Converting Precious Metals into Ingots:

*Easier Transportation and Storage: Ingots are easier to transport and store due to their standardized shape.

*Marketability: Precious metal ingots are recognized as standard trading units in global markets, making them easier to buy and sell.

*Value Storage: Ingots are considered an effective method for storing value and investing in precious metals

Refining and purification of precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, and other similar metals, is a complex process aimed at separating these metals from impurities to obtain pure metal. These processes have been in use since ancient times, and with technological advancements, they have gradually improved over time.

۱

۱.Gold Refining

Gold is one of the most important precious metals, and due to its high value, its refining processes require great precision. There are various methods for refining gold, including:

Cyanidation Process: One of the most common methods for extracting and
refining gold is the use of a cyanide solution. In this process, gold ore is combined
with a cyanide solution, dissolving the gold into the solution, which is then
recovered using zinc or activated carbon.

Cyanidation Process: One of the most common methods for extracting and refining gold is the use of a cyanide solution. In this process, gold ore is combined with a cyanide solution, dissolving the gold into the solution, which is then recovered using zinc or activated carbon.

Cupellation Method: In this method, gold and other precious metals are separated
from impurities through heating and the use of oxidizing agents. This method is
particularly used for gold that contains a lot of impurities.

Cupellation Method: In this method, gold and other precious metals are separated from impurities through heating and the use of oxidizing agents. This method is particularly used for gold that contains a lot of impurities.

۲.Silver Refining:

Silver, like gold, has been used since ancient times for making jewelry and coins. The silver refining process involves the following steps: Electrolysis Method: In this method, silver is placed in an electrolytic cell, and pure silver is deposited on the cathode by passing an electric current. Due to its high precision, this method is used to produce silver with very high purity. Cupellation Method: Similar to gold refining, this method involves melting silver along with oxidizing agents to separate the impurities.

۳.Platinum Refining:

Platinum is another precious metal widely used in industry and jewelry making. Platinum
refining usually involves the following steps:
Aqua Regia Method: This method involves dissolving platinum in a mixture of nitric acid
and hydrochloric acid. Platinum is dissolved as chloroplatinate, which is then recovered
as pure platinum using other chemical methods.
Chlorination Process: In this method, platinum is converted into platinum chloride, which
is then reduced to pure platinum using heat and appropriate chemicals.

Platinum is another precious metal widely used in industry and jewelry making. Platinum refining usually involves the following steps: Aqua Regia Method: This method involves dissolving platinum in a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid. Platinum is dissolved as chloroplatinate, which is then recovered as pure platinum using other chemical methods. Chlorination Process: In this method, platinum is converted into platinum chloride, which is then reduced to pure platinum using heat and appropriate chemicals.

۴.Rhodium Refining

Rhodium is a rare and extremely valuable metal that, due to its unique physical and chemical properties, is used in the automotive industry and jewelry making. The rhodium refining process includes: Dissolution in Specific Acids: Rhodium is typically obtained by dissolving it in sulfuric or nitric acid and then undergoing chemical purification steps. Electrolysis Method: Similar to silver refining, electrolysis is also used in this method to separate pure rhodium from impurities.

۵.Refining Other Precious Metals:

Other precious metals, such as palladium, iridium, and osmium, also have similar refining methods, which are chosen based on the chemical and physical properties of these metals.

۱.Gold Ore Extraction

Mining: Gold-bearing rocks are extracted from mines. This stage involves drilling, crushing, and transporting the rocks to the processing plant.

Choosing the Extraction Method: Depending on the type of rock and mining conditions, various methods such as open-pit or underground mining are selected.

۲. Crushing and Grinding

Crushing the Rocks: The extracted rocks are crushed and ground in industrial mills to be converted into smaller particles.

Ball Mill: In this stage, a ball mill is used for further grinding and preparation for gold separation.

۳. Gold Separation

Flotation: The crushed materials are mixed with specific chemicals that cause gold particles to attach to the surface of the water.

Cyanidation: This is a common method of gold extraction in which gold is separated from the rocks using a cyanide solution.

Carbon in Pulp (CIP) or Carbon in Leach (CIL): In these methods, gold is absorbed from the cyanide solution by activated carbon and then separated from it.

۴. Concentration and Melting Gold Concentration: The separated gold is concentrated using physical and chemical methods, and impurities are removed from it. Melting: Gold is melted in industrial furnaces and formed into bars or pellets, with impurities being removed.

5. Gold Refining Chlorination: In this method, gold is converted to gold chloride and separated from impurities. Electrowinning: In this stage, gold is extracted from chemical solutions using electric current, resulting in purer gold.

6. Casting and Bar Production Casting: The pure melted gold is poured into special molds to form bars. Weighing and Stamping: The produced bars are weighed and stamped before being offered to the market. Laboratories: The quality and purity of the produced gold are examined in specialized laboratories. Packaging: The gold bars are packaged and offered for sale and distribution in the market.

“This process may vary slightly depending on technology and mining conditions, but generally, the gold production process is carried out in this manner.”