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
Black Hills gold is extremely popular among gold enthusiasts. Black Hills Gold is named not only after style but also location gold jewelry is fashioned in. Legend has it that a French goldsmith became lost during gold rush of mid 1870s in Black Hills of South Dakota. During a dream, he believed he had seen a mountain stream with grape vines; upon awakening, he walked over to find very scene he dreamed about, and in gratitude decided to devote his life to creating gold jewelry in shape of grape leaves and clusters fashioned out of gold.