Introduction to Gold Jewelry
Gold has fascinated humanity for thousands of years. It has been used as money, jewelry, decoration, and a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Across civilizations, gold has maintained its value because of its rarity, beauty, and resistance to corrosion. Even today, gold remains one of the most trusted forms of investment and cultural wealth.
In countries like India, gold jewelry is deeply connected with traditions, weddings, festivals, and family heritage. For generations, people have bought gold ornaments not only for beauty but also as a form of financial security. However, not all gold jewelry is made in the same way, and different techniques have been used over time.
One such technique that was very popular in the past is known as KDM gold. For many years, KDM gold jewelry was considered a mark of purity and quality. However, with advancements in technology and growing awareness about health and safety, KDM gold has largely disappeared from the modern gold market.
This website explains what KDM gold is, how it was made, why it was popular, and why it is no longer recommended or legally allowed in many places.
What is KDM Gold?
KDM gold refers to a traditional method of making gold jewelry where cadmium was used as a soldering metal. The term “KDM” comes from the initials of cadmium, which was mixed with gold to join different parts of jewelry.
In the KDM process, gold was mixed with cadmium in a ratio of about 92% gold and 8% cadmium. This allowed jewelers to create intricate designs and strong joints without significantly reducing the apparent purity of the gold.
KDM gold was commonly believed to be very pure, often associated with 22-carat gold. Because of this belief, many customers trusted KDM jewelry and preferred it over other types of gold ornaments.
However, while KDM gold looked pure, the presence of cadmium made it unsafe and unreliable by modern standards.
Composition of KDM Gold
Pure gold is extremely soft and cannot be easily shaped into durable jewelry. To overcome this, jewelers mix gold with other metals to improve strength and workability. In KDM gold, cadmium was used for this purpose.
Cadmium has a low melting point, which made it ideal for soldering gold pieces together. This allowed artisans to create complex designs without damaging the gold structure.
The typical composition of KDM gold included:
- Approximately 92% gold
- About 8% cadmium
While this composition helped maintain color and appearance, it introduced serious health and environmental risks.
History and Popularity of KDM Gold
KDM gold became popular several decades ago when advanced soldering technologies were not widely available. Jewelers relied on cadmium because it was cheap, effective, and easy to work with.
For many years, customers associated KDM gold with superior craftsmanship and purity. Jewelers often marketed KDM jewelry as premium quality, and buyers trusted this claim without questioning the underlying materials.
As awareness about metal purity and health issues grew, experts began to question the safety of cadmium in jewelry. Scientific studies revealed that cadmium is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems.
Health Risks of KDM Gold
Cadmium is a highly toxic metal. Prolonged exposure to cadmium can cause serious health problems, including kidney damage, lung disease, and bone weakness.
When KDM gold jewelry is heated during repairs or resizing, cadmium fumes can be released into the air. These fumes are extremely harmful when inhaled by jewelers and workers.
Even wearing cadmium-containing jewelry for long periods may pose risks, especially for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Due to these risks, health authorities and regulatory bodies strongly discouraged the use of cadmium in jewelry making.
KDM Gold vs Modern Gold Jewelry
KDM Gold vs Hallmark Gold
Hallmark gold is tested and certified for purity, while KDM gold has no official purity certification. Hallmark gold is safer, more reliable, and legally approved.
KDM Gold vs 916 Gold
916 gold contains 91.6% pure gold and uses safe alloy metals like copper or silver. KDM gold uses cadmium, which is unsafe and banned.
KDM Gold vs Modern Soldered Jewelry
Modern jewelry uses laser welding and safe soldering techniques that do not involve toxic metals, making them far superior to KDM jewelry.
Why KDM Gold Was Banned
Due to the serious health and environmental risks associated with cadmium, many countries banned its use in jewelry. In India, the introduction of mandatory hallmarking further discouraged the use of KDM gold.
Hallmarking standards do not allow cadmium, making KDM gold incompatible with certified purity requirements.
As a result, reputable jewelers stopped producing KDM gold and shifted to safer, certified alternatives.
Conclusion
KDM gold was once a popular method of making gold jewelry, valued for its appearance and craftsmanship. However, the use of cadmium made it unsafe for both jewelers and consumers.
With advancements in technology and increased awareness about health and purity, KDM gold has become obsolete. Today, hallmarked gold and certified jewelry provide safer, more transparent, and more valuable options.
Understanding what KDM gold is and why it was discontinued helps consumers make informed decisions and avoid outdated or unsafe jewelry practices.