Buying Gold Jewelry

Buying Gold Jewelry
Buying Gold Jewelry

Gold jewelry has long been something of a status symbol. Being able to afford something gold shows your sophistication, and the purer it is, the more expensive it is. Some gold items can be much more affordable than others. And it’s almost expected that gold is used for many items, such as wedding rings. However, many people don’t spend a lot of their time shopping for gold jewelry. It can be confusing if you’re not sure how to buy gold items and don’t know what the different terms mean. If you need some help, you can use this guide to make sure you get the best gold jewelry you can find. (Image Credit)

Know Your Karats

The first thing you need to know about buying gold jewelry is how to understand the karat. You probably know that the higher the karat, the more expensive the gold is. However, you might not know what it truly means. The karat represents how many parts of gold are in the jewelry, mixed with alloy. There can be a maximum of 24 parts, making 24 karat gold 100% pure gold. If it’s 18 karat gold, it’s 18 parts gold and six parts alloy. You can also get 14 karat or 9 karat gold. Adding alloys to gold makes it tougher (gold is fairly soft) and also changes its color to make white or rose gold. 

Check Stamps and Hallmarks

Depending on where you buy your gold jewelry, you may find that there’s a mark stamped on it. These hallmarks guarantee the purity of the metal, and they are required in some countries, such as the UK. A hallmark isn’t necessary in the US, but if there is one, there should be a manufacturer’s mark along with it. You can find a guide to maker’s marks at http://www.university.langantiques.com.  Hallmarks can indicate the purity of the metal, as well as when and where the jewelry was made. The karat is represented by numbers. For example, 18 karat gold will have a stamp saying 750.

Gold Colors

Yellow gold is perhaps the most recognizable color of gold. However, there are also white gold and rose gold options to consider. These are made by adding other metals to the gold. White gold contains palladium or silver, while rose gold contains copper. They offer beautiful options if you prefer a different color. You can see the difference between them when you look at the gold chains on https://www.chain-me-up.com.au. Since colored golds are a mix of metals, you won’t get 24 karat rose or white gold.

Seeking Out Real Gold

When you’re shopping for gold jewelry, you have to be careful with some of the language used. For example, some products will say that they’re gold when they’re just gold-colored. It’s also important to watch out for gold-plated items. If something is plated with gold, it only has a thin layer over the top of another metal.

Use these tips to find yourself the perfect piece of gold jewelry. Find something that you love or get someone else a special gift.

 

Jacqueline Maddison
Jacqueline Maddison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Beverly Hills Magazine. She believes in shining light on the best of the best in life. She welcomes you into the world of the rich and famous with the ultimate luxury lifestyle.
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