What is "black gold" and 5 reasons why you will love it

From mourning to iconic elegance

Black has been present in European fashion since the 19th century. At that time, however, it was used primarily to express sadness and respect. Queen Victoria became a symbol of this concept when, after the death of her husband Albert, she wore black for the rest of her life, establishing a traditional mourning dress code.

Over time, however, the meaning of black began to change, and the colour associated with mourning became a colour of sophistication and luxury. The definitive turning point came in the 1920s, when Coco Chanel introduced her legendary little black dress. It showed that black could be not only elegant, but also sexy, versatile and suitable for any occasion. From that moment on, it became a symbol of the modern woman – refined, independent and confident.

Over time, black also found its way into the world of jewellery. In the form of black gold, it has a mysterious effect, giving jewellery a distinctive character, emphasising its design and creating a beautiful contrast with gemstones, but also with gold. Today, black jewellery is a symbol of courage and style that is unlike any other.

The surprising truth about black gold

This may come as a bit of a surprise, but black gold does not exist. The term "black gold" is simply a shortcut for a surface treatment applied to classic gold. Gold itself does not occur in nature in a black shade. So, in order to buy black earrings or rings, for example, the gold must undergo mechanical treatment. 

At Mialis, we use a technique called rhodium plating. This involves applying a thick layer of special black rhodium to the surface of the gold jewelry, which creates the desired dark effect. 

An alternative is ruthenium coating, which creates a graphite, deep black effect, but has a shorter lifespan. The surface wears out more easily, loses its rich black color more quickly, and is very difficult to restore. That is why we exclusively use black rhodium to make black jewelry in our studio.

Black goes well with gold of all colors

The good news is that a black colour looks good with any shade of gold. Whether you choose rose, yellow, or white, the result will always be a slightly different but incredibly beautiful design. Rose gold under a black surface creates a softer and more romantic tone, white adds a modern, cooler touch, and yellow highlights the color contrasts. Thanks to these combinations, black gold can be tailored precisely to your skin tone, style, and favorite colors.  

Unique black jewelry for every occasion

At Mialis, we create designer jewelry from black gold in a way that few others can. These jewels are a real rarity on the Czech market. That is why we are proud to be able to create them with an emphasis on precise workmanship and original design. Each piece is handmade with the maximum care, because we know that you deserve perfection in every detail. Across our collections, you can choose pieces that will accompany you during the most important events in your life, but also during everyday life. And what can you find here?

• Black wedding rings 

Many future brides and grooms today long for originality and do not want to be bound by the strict rules of tradition that were once very important. That is why couples are increasingly opting for distinctive, unconventional wedding rings. Whether the wedding has a special theme, from an elegant "black wedding" to Star Wars to the magical world of Harry Potter, black gold can adorn the wedding rings.

We play with surfaces and shapes. You will find matt, hammered rings, variants with delicate engravings, but also bold alternative designs. We play with surfaces and shapes. You will find matte rings, hammered rings, variants with delicate engravings, but also bold alternative designs. Each of the future newlyweds can choose pieces that truly reflect their personality and story.

• Unconventional engagement rings

If you want to surprise a lover of all-black outfits, gothic style, or simply a woman who is bold and likes to break with convention, a black gold engagement ring can make it special. If you choose a custom-made classic with a white diamond, the contrast will stand out beautifully. But you can also choose a black diamond, which will perfectly match the black surface.

• Original earrings

Black gold can transform even the simplest pieces into extraordinary earrings. Small hoops in a dark finish look unusual. They have a touch of originality and mystery that will set you apart from the crowd. They are easy to combine with other colors of gold, yet look elegant on their own. This makes them the ideal choice for everyday wear or as a special detail that emphasises your personal style.

TIP MIALIS: If you haven't found a piece that perfectly suits your taste, please contact us. We can modify any of our existing designs and add a rhodium coating. Or we would be happy to create a completely custom piece of jewelry for you.

Why should your earrings and rings be adorned with black gold?

1) Authentic originality 

Black gold is different! It adds character to your look without being over the top. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to stand out in a sophisticated way or express their story or personality through jewelry. 

2) Timeless beauty

Black never goes out of style, you can be sure of that, and neither does black jewelry. It is elegant yet modern, so you won't get bored with it even after a few years. You can choose simple and subtle pieces or bold, striking ones to bring you joy forever.

3) The textures of the metal stand out beautifully

Black gold looks great with imaginative textures. Once you add engraving, hammering, or matting to its surface, the light will begin to play with the shadows and the jewelry will get the right touch. While the details on shiny polished yellow gold can be very subtle, the dark surface allows them to stand out fully.

4) It will accentuate any trendy all-black outfit

Black gold goes great with a minimalist all-black style. Want to be dressed in black from head to toe? No problem! Black jewelry will match your outfit perfectly. At the same time, it will add that little extra detail to your outfit, making your whole look elegant and confident rather than dull.

5) Atypical, yet versatile 

Although black gold goes perfectly with an all-black outfit, that is by no means its only use. It also combines beautifully with colors – from natural tones such as cream, beige, brown, or gray to more striking shades of emerald green, contrasting red, or romantic pink. Thanks to its versatility, it is suitable for both formal occasions and everyday wear. It's up to you whether you use it to emphasize your evening elegance or liven up a casual outfit.

How to care for black jewelry?

Caring for black gold is no rocket science, it just takes a few habits, just like caring for classic gold jewelry.

• Cleaning after wearing

Put on your jewelry as the last thing before you leave the house. And as soon as you get home, take it off again. Don't forget to wipe your favorite accessories with a soft cloth after wearing them to remove fingerprints, dead skin, dust, and other dirt. Occasionally treat your jewelry to a bath by rinsing it under lukewarm water with a drop of mild cleaner. Then dry it thoroughly.

• Storage

Store your jewelry separately, ideally in soft fabric bags or padded compartments. This will prevent the dark surface from coming into unnecessary contact with other metals, thus preventing scratches and rapid wear of the rhodium layer.

• Chemicals and activities

Avoid pool chemicals and aggressive cleaners. It is always best to remove your jewelry when playing sports, gardening, or cleaning.

• Natural surface change

It is common for black gold to wear slightly over time in the most stressed areas and lose its intensity. This is not a defect, but a natural process that gives jewelry its characteristic patina. However, if you would like your jewelry to shine again with a rich hue, we will be happy to restore its original appearance.

TIP MIALIS: Once a year, we will rhodium plate (treat the black surface) your jewelry free of charge in our studio, as well as professionally clean it. We will check your treasure, clean it, and restore its beauty. And you will take home a piece that looks like new again.

Discover the secret of unusual jewelry

Black gold is more than just a trend. It symbolizes confidence in both women and men, emphasizing the uniqueness of every look and highlighting the character of the wearer. It is a great choice for anyone who wants to stand out, but also values elegance and timelessness. At Mialis, each piece is handmade with the utmost care and attention to detail. This means you can be sure that every piece of jewelry is original.