If you are looking for fine jewelry, gold is the way to go.
Not only is gold beautiful to look at, it is a durable metal that can last for generations if properly cared for.
If you’ve never purchased gold jewelry before, you may have questions before making a purchase, such as:
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Check out these four questions and the answers.
One of the essential steps when buying real gold jewelry is to make sure you are buying from a trusted jeweller. (iStock)
- What colors are available in gold jewelry?
- What is Carat?
- What is the best gold carat for everyday use?
- What is the best way to care for gold jewelry?
1. What colors are available in gold jewelry?
Gold jewelry comes in three basic colors: yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.
Gold is naturally yellow gold, but is often alloyed with other metals to produce other colors, such as white gold or rose gold, which also makes the jewelry more durable.
“You can actually add different alloys to it. Over the years, there have been different shades of gold that have come onto the market,” Amanda Gizzi, director of public relations and events for New York City-based Jewelers of America, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview.
“What people will see in jewelry stores is yellow gold, white gold and what we call rose gold. Those are the three main ones.”
When it comes to engagement rings, the trendy color right now is yellow gold, but Gizzi says platinum and white gold are starting to gain popularity as well.
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“We are starting to see what’s known as a cooling-off effect, with platinum and white gold starting to make a comeback, particularly in the mainstream market,” Gizzi said.
Mainly, gold jewellery comes in yellow, white and rose colours. (iStock)
2. What is Carat?
Karat is a unit of measurement used to indicate the purity of a gold alloy: the higher the karat, the purer the gold in that alloy.
Below is the percentage of pure gold in various gold alloys according to the American Gemstone Association.
- 10K – 41.7%
- 14K – 58.3%
- 18K – 75.0%
- 24K – 99.99%
Generally, pure gold (24K) is not durable enough for jewelry, but combining gold with other metals increases its strength.
When purchasing gold jewelry, the karat weight of the piece should be clearly indicated.
“Whenever gold is sold or produced in the United States it has to be hallmarked, so if it’s hallmarked 10K gold, it has to have a hallmark attached to it that says who made the jewelry, so they can be accountable for the amount of gold,” Gizzi explained.
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The main differences between jewelry at different carat levels are color, strength and durability, Gizzi said.
3. What is the best gold carat for everyday use?
The best gold for everyday use is 14K, while 18K is typically reserved for more special pieces.
“Pure gold is softer than 14k gold, which is why a lot of the fine jewelry people wear every day is often made from that material,” Gizzi said, while 18k gold is less durable and is usually used for more exclusive, less-used jewelry.
4. What is the best way to care for gold jewelry?
The first thing you should do before buying any gold jewelry is to make sure you are buying from a trusted jeweller.
If you shop at a reputable jewelry store, you can be assured that all your questions will be properly answered and that the gold is genuine.
A bowl of warm, soapy water works well for cleaning gold jewelry. (iStock)
You can also return to a jeweler to have your jewelry inspected and cleaned, which Gizzi recommends at least once a year.
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Aside from having your jewelry checked annually by a jeweler, there are a few things you can do at home to keep your jewelry in perfect condition.
“It is absolutely possible to care for your gold jewellery at home using a simple solution of dish soap like Dawn in warm water,” Gizzi said, adding that just a few drops in a bowl of warm water will do the trick.
“Let it soak for a few minutes, then use a very soft toothbrush to remove any stains.”
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When rinsing your ring, be sure to turn off the drain, Gizzi pointed out.
Once you have rinsed your ring, pat it dry with a lint-free towel.
