Everything You Need to Know About Buying Quality Jewelry OnlineGold, platinum and titanium are among
most coveted precious metals in
world. Jewelry crafted out of these pure substances is often highly valued and sought out by savvy consumers
world over. Learn everything you need to know about selecting quality pieces right here!
Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry is perhaps
most traditional form of quality jewelry worn by men and women alike in every culture and society of
world. Gold has been used to fashion attractive pieces for centuries. Many historians believe that gold was used as far back as pre-historic times by man as a tool. Later gold jewelry was first discovered dating to around 3000 BC. Gold first became widely used by
Egyptians, who combined gold with other precious metals to achieve varying looks, colors and durability.
So what do you need to know about buying gold? Let's start with
basics. Most gold is assessed via its weight or karats.
14k Gold - 14k gold jewelry is made up of 58.5% gold mixed with copper and nickel among other things. It is
most popular karat of gold purchased
world over, and is known for its affordability and durability.
18k Gold - 18k gold jewelry is popular particularly in Europe. Most 18k gold jewelry is made from 75% pure gold. Most premium jewelry is made with 18 k, which is only slightly more expensive than 14 k gold.
22-24k Gold - 22 and 24 karat gold jewelry is usually considered
most valuable, and is very popular among elite gold shoppers. This form of gold is
most pure, consisting of almost 199% gold. Generally 22 and 24 karat gold products have a richer color than other gold jewelry.
Is one better than
other? The more pure
gold,
softer
jewelry will be and
more likely to scratch. Fine scratches are easily minimized however with proper care and cleaning over time. Quality is more related to craftsmanship than
actual percentage of gold in a particular piece of jewelry. When deciding on a piece that's right for you - you'll want to look for things like symmetry, overall appearance and finishing.
One of
best things about gold jewelry is it is available in both yellow and white. White gold is becoming increasingly popular though it is only available in 14 or 18 k styles. White gold jewelry is often plated with a platinum metal to help give its unique color.
Black Hills Gold