Gold Buying Guide
Gold jewelry never goes out of style and has been a symbol of wealth since the beginning of time. It is beloved by many jewelers because while it is strong, it is also very malleable and can be shaped into many forms.
Gold will not tarnish or decay and since its value has always increased throughout history, it is kept in high demand.
Gold jewelry makes for a perfect gift, and because of its durability, it is a gift that will last a lifetime.
Gold Color
Gold comes in three colors: yellow, white, and pink (rose). In its pure form gold is yellow in color, and after it is alloyed (mixed) with other metals, the color is altered to achieve a good balance. The color of gold is determined by two factors: the type of metal alloys it includes and the percentage of each metal alloy.
Gold Purity
Pure gold is more often used as an investment rather than as jewelry because pure gold is too soft for jewelry and tends to be vulnerable to scratching. To create jewelry, pure gold is alloyed with a mixture of metals like silver, copper, nickel, and zinc. The addition of these metals gives the gold more durability and strength.
Gold Karat Classification
Karat weight, also spelled carat, measures the purity of gold and is denoted by K or Kt. The karat weight is used to indicate the amount of gold present within the metal alloy. Below is a list of different karat weights and associated purity.
Gold Purity by Karat Count
Karat Measure |
Gold Vs. Alloy Content |
Additional Details |
| 24 Karat | 100% Pure Gold | Twenty four karat gold is the purest form of gold and is too soft for jewelry. |
| 22 Karat | 91.7% Gold, 8.3% other metal(s) | Twenty two karat gold is also very soft and is not recommended for jewelry. |
| 18 Karat | 75% Gold, 25% other metal(s) | Eighteen karat gold is highly recommended for fine jewelry. |
| 14 Karat | 58.33% Gold, 41.67% other metal(s) | Fourteen karat gold is also highly recommended for fine jewelry, and is the most popular density in the U.S. |
| 12 Karat | 50% Gold, 50% other metal(s) | Twelve karat is not recommended for jewelry |
| 10 Karat | 41.7% Gold, 58.3% other metal(s) | Ten karat is the legal karat limit that is considered real gold in the United States |
Most pieces of gold jewelry are inscribed with the karat weight as well as a trademark that identifies its maker. European gold jewelry is marked slightly different. For example, 18K gold jewelry is marked 750, and 14K gold jewelry is marked 585, which indicates the gold percentage.
Gold Value/Pricing
The price of fine gold jewelry is dependent on its gram weight, karat weight (or purity), and the quality of the jewelry’s design and craftsmanship.
Allurez.com carries a large selection of gold jewelry with excellent design and craftsmanship available at affordable price points.
Care and Cleaning of Gold Jewelry
Although your gold jewelry is very durable, it can become scratched if roughly treated. There are a few simple steps that should be taken to keep your jewelry looking new. You should try and keep your gold jewelry away from harsh chemicals such as chlorine and ammonia. These chemicals are commonly found in household cleaning products, Jacuzzis, and swimming pools. Also, when storing your gold jewelry it is ideal to store gold pieces separately in boxes, in soft small bags, or pouches.
To clean your gold jewelry, use a solution of warm water and detergent-free soap. Wash the piece gently with a soft-bristled brush. If you prefer, you can also use a jewelery cleaner that can be purchased at many jewelry stores.
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