When buying gold jewelry, consider the karat rating, weight, and durability. 24 karat gold is too soft for everyday wear, while 10 karat gold is more durable and affordable. Hollow jewelry is less durable, and gold fill or overlay may contain less gold. Consider the color and skin tone when choosing a piece.
Buying gold jewelry can be a good experience, but it often requires some thought. Gold comes in different grades and is classified by purity as measured in karats (k). Generally, the highest grade available is 24 karat, but many people prefer to purchase jewelry with a 14 karat rating.
Many wonder why anyone would go with the cheaper and technically less pure gold when buying jewelry, but the answer is actually relatively simple. Gold is a very soft metal, and the purer it is, the softer it is. The last thing a person wants is to buy pieces that will not last as gold is expensive.
This is especially the case when a person purchases gold jewelry that could be used for a lifetime, such as a wedding band or an engagement ring. In general, 24 karat gold is simply too soft to wear, and would be prone to bending, scarring, or even breaking. On the other hand, a small necklace that will be worn only occasionally might be made of 24-karat gold, since it won’t experience the same wear and tear.
For even more durability, 10 karat gold is also available, which means that the jewelry is almost 50% gold and has other metals attached to it to keep it stronger. This level of purity can be a good option for those who can’t afford much, as it is almost always less expensive than 14k gold.
One thing to consider when buying gold jewelry of any karat size is the weight of the item. Some rings, bracelets, and necklaces may be hollow. Hollow jewelry tends to be less durable and is likely to be less expensive, although it may be more difficult to repair if bent and you could end up with holes. Technically, a jeweler should tell the buyer if a piece is hollow, and if the consumer suspects it might be, they should certainly ask. Hollow jewelry may have some advantages; Especially large earrings, for example, may be more comfortable if they are lighter.
Other types of gold jewelry are gold fill and gold overlay or gold plate. Gold filled jewelry is bonded to other metals and typically the gold layer should be 5% of the total metal. Gold overlay or gold overlay is also attached to another metal, but in this case, the gold content is usually required to be 2.5% of the total metal weight.
Buying gold jewelry that contains small amounts of gold is certainly less expensive. However, buyers should beware of the tendency for gold to tarnish if the piece is worn every day. In general, it is better to invest a little more to have more gold in the ring.
Traditionally, most people think of gold as a yellow-colored metal, but additives can be included to change the color. For example, a person might buy 10k gold blanks or gold. A 14k gold piece may be available in white, pink, or yellow. One color may be more suitable for the wearer’s skin tone than another, and this should be considered when purchasing gold jewelry.
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