Does a Gold Nib Contain Actual Gold
In the world of fine writing instruments, the nib is a crucial component that determines the quality of the writing experience. Among the many types of nibs available, gold nibs are often coveted by pen enthusiasts for their smoothness and flexibility. However, have you ever wondered whether a gold nib actually contains real gold or not? In this blog post, we will explore the composition of a gold nib and whether it contains actual gold. So, whether you're a pen enthusiast or simply curious about the composition of your writing instruments, read on to learn more about gold nibs and their use of gold.
Does a Gold Nib Contain Actual Gold?
Yes, a gold nib does contain actual gold, but the amount can vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of nib. Gold nibs are highly coveted among pen enthusiasts for their luxurious and soft feel. Unlike other types of nibs, gold nibs are composed of a mixture that includes a percentage of pure gold, typically ranging from 58.3% to 75%. This pure gold content is what sets gold nibs apart from other types of nibs.
Why Use Gold in a Nib?
The feel of a nib varies depending on what it's made of. A gold nib, for example, provides a softer, more luxurious writing experience, much like the way a car with a soft suspension system provides a more comfortable ride. The composition of metals in a nib can affect its characteristics, as can the thickness and shape of the nib. Long, thin tines offer more responsiveness than short, stubby ones.
Cross Peerless 125 Nib Unit 18ct Gold
Most gold nibs are made from 14 or 18 karat gold, as pure gold nibs are very soft and delicate. Some gold nibs are treated to provide the flexibility that many writers desire, and skilled nib technicians can reshape nibs to accentuate this flexibility. While steel nibs made of springier alloys can also flex, gold nibs provide a more luxurious writing experience.
18K Gold Nib of Pilot Vanishing Point
Gold's properties make it well-suited to use as a fountain pen nib. Gold plating provides favorable wettability, allowing ink to spread more smoothly across the page. Gold is also classified as a noble metal, meaning it's highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making it an ideal material for a pen nib. Gold is the most malleable metal, providing a pliable feel and more bounce and flex during use than steel, which is typically stiffer. The flexibility of a gold nib allows for greater line variance and character in the writing process. Over time, a gold nib adjusts to the handwriting style of the user, softening and misshaping imperceptibly. However, the extent to which this occurs with lower karat nibs is unclear.
Gold Nibs can also be customized with additional coatings to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Rhodium plating and black ionizing are two popular methods for modifying the appearance of a gold nib.
Rhodium plating involves depositing a layer of rhodium, a rare and durable metal, onto the surface of the gold nib. This creates a bright, silver-like finish that matches the silver accents of the pen.
Black ionizing, on the other hand, is often used on high-end pens to create a more modern, minimalist look.
Is a Gold Nib Worth the Extra Cost?
This is a subjective question and depends on individual preferences. Gold nibs are generally more expensive than nibs made from other materials such as steel, but many pen enthusiasts believe that the smooth writing experience and aesthetic appeal of a gold nib make it worth the extra cost. It's important to note that a pen's value is not solely determined by the material of the nib, but also by other factors such as the design and craftsmanship of the pen.
Gold Purity Contents for Different Karats
Below is a gold purity conversion chart, so you can calculate gold nibs with other gold contents easily.
| Karats | % of Gold |
| 9K | 37.5% |
| 10K | 41.7% |
| 12K | 50% |
| 14K | 58.3% |
| 18K | 75% |
| 21K | 87.5% |
| 22K | 91.7% |
| 24K | 99.9% |
It is common for fountain pen nibs to be made of 14K gold and 18K gold, but there are also nibs available in various purities of gold. Generally, lower Karats result in a harder alloy. Some brands like Sailor and Pilot offer nibs made of 24K and 22K gold, which are likely to provide a much softer writing experience.
Gold Nib Pens Available in Bangladesh
There are several options for gold nib fountain pens available in Bangladesh, including the following popular models:
Pilot e95s Fountain pen
This is a classic fountain pen with a 14k gold nib that offers a smooth writing experience. It has a retro design and a lightweight body that makes it easy to carry around.
Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain pen
This is a unique retractable fountain pen that features an 18k gold nib. It's a great option for those who prefer a modern design and want the convenience of a retractable nib.
Pilot Custom 74 Fountain pen
This is a versatile fountain pen that's ideal for everyday use. It has a 14k gold nib that's available in several different sizes, so you can choose the one that suits your writing style best.
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain pen
This is a high-end fountain pen with a 14k gold nib that offers a luxurious writing experience. It has a large ink capacity and a smooth, reliable mechanism that makes it a pleasure to use.
In addition to these models, there are also many other gold nib fountain pens available in Bangladesh from a variety of brands. Whether you're a collector, a professional, or just looking for a high-quality writing instrument, there's sure to be a gold nib fountain pen that meets your needs and preferences.
Check out this link to find all the available Gold nib pens in Bangladesh.
How Much a 14K or 18K Gold Nib is Worth as Metal
Perhaps you have stumbled upon an antique fountain pen and are curious about the value of its gold nib. Alternatively, you may be considering purchasing your initial gold-nib fountain pen and would like to understand the worth of your investment.
To calculate the gold content of various nibs, three essential pieces of information are required: the weight of the nib, the purity of the gold used in the nib, and the current market price of gold.
The Common Weights of Fountain Pen Nibs
| Nib Size | Weight |
| Small nibs | 0.3g |
| Medium nibs | 0.55g |
| Larger nibs | 0.8g |
| Very Large nibs | 1g |
Some Common Fountain Pen Nib Sizes
| Fountain pen | Nib Size |
| Parker 51 | Small nib |
| Parker 45 | Small nib |
| Lamy 2000 | Small nib |
| Vanishing Point | Small nib |
| Lamy Studio | Medium nib |
| Pilot Custom 74 | Larger nib |
| Pelikan 400 & 140 | Larger nib |
| Montblanc 144 | Larger nib |
| Pilot Falcon | Larger nib |
| Platinum 3776 | Very Large nib |
| Sailor 1911 Standard | Very Large nib |
| Parker Duofold Senior | Very Large nib |
| Sheaffer Senior Lifetime | Very Large nib |
How to Determine the Gold Value of a Nib
There are typically two distinct values to consider when it comes to gold:
- Gold value
- Street value
This is because if you attempt to sell a piece of gold at a bullion store, you are unlikely to receive the full spot price for the gold. Rather, you can expect to receive approximately 60-70% of the current spot price. This is because the bullion dealer also needs to earn a profit. Consequently, the street value of gold is typically lower than the actual gold value contained within a nib.
Current Gold Price
Use the widget below to fetch Live Gold price to use in the calculator. Check for prices for Gram.
