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Whether you are buying gold earrings as a gift or for yourself it is important to know the true value of the jewellery you are buying. The first thing to mention is the carat purity of the gold. This is the purity index used to evaluate the amount of gold in any piece of gold jewellery. At the very bottom of the scale is 1ct. This means that for every milligram of gold, other metals make up 23 milligrams. Normally jewellery begins at 9ct purity. Gold plated jewellery can have a carat value for the plating and different metals making up the bulk of the object. Any solid gold jewellery needs a hallmark to be sold in the United Kingdom but the hallmark alone does not guarantee the jewellery is gold. Silver and platinum jewellery also needs a hallmark to be sold in the United Kingdom. A three digit number should be engraved into the metal which indicates its purity. These numbers range from 375, which is 9ct and 999 which is 24ct.

Gold Earring Designs

Firstly, the classic hoop gold earrings are often too large to be made solid so they are hollowed out for comfort but the metal they are made from can still have high carat purity and this determines the price. Next is the classic tear drop shape gold earring. As opposed to hoop earrings these are normally smaller and can be made from solid gold. When the main section of the earring is attached directly to the bar which holds them in place, this is known as a stud earring. This design is also small enough to be made from solid gold and may be embellished with one or more precious stones.

Gemstones for Gold Earrings

Diamonds are a very popular stone to use for gold earrings. Depending on the carat mass of the diamond, the stone can account for the majority of the price. Although diamonds are one of the strongest substances known to man, they can be split from specific angles. Skilled jewellers are able to set diamonds in such a way that means none of these angles are exposed once the stone is in place. Another widely used gem is Peridot, this stone is vibrant green in colour and although Olivine (the constituent mineral) is a relatively abundant, gem quality Peridot is quite rare. You may also find earrings set with Opal. The majority of this mineral is produced in Australia. This gem can be found in a variety of colours ranging from white to black. The most common being white and green while black and red is the rarest. Amethyst is a precious type of quarts. Formed in volcanoes, these stones are generally violet but when exposed to heat they become yellow. Modern production techniques mean that this stone can be manufactured as opposed to being mined. Distinguishing natural and manmade amethyst is very difficult. Another gem commonly used in earrings is Topaz, at its purest Topaz is transparent but often impurities give the stone a hue. Topaz is often processed to give it a particular colour. Rubies are also used for earring decoration. Stones made from corundum which are not red are classified as sapphire.

At the time of writing this article, a gram of pure gold costs around £23-£24. You could expect to get a set of 9ct solid gold earrings, set with Opal, Topaz or Amethyst for under £100 whereas rubies or diamonds significantly change the price and depending on their size and quality can account for upwards of £200. The carat mass of the gold used will also make a significant difference but remember to check if they are simply plated or solid gold.

For a range of solid gold earrings. John Hollins Fine Jewellery is a great place to go

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There are many different types of gold bracelets on the market today and different styles suit different people, so any buying guide needs to inform the consumer about as many types as possible. Whether you are into the latest fashion ‘must haves’ in the shape of fine jewellery lovelinks bracelets, more traditional ornate styles or the more simple gold bangles, you will be spoilt for choice both in independent jewellers shops and in the bigger chain stores.

Gold Bangle Bracelets

Gold bangle bracelets though very understated in design can show a sense of style and class purely by the reflectiveness of the gold itself catching the light as you move. There are more stylised bangles on the market however that cater for those who like to get people’s attention in the street or when they’re out for the evening. Stylised bangle bracelets range from simple designs, to enamelled shapes being incorporated into the bangle surround or even gold snake shaped bangles which appear as though a snake has wrapped itself around your wrist. Not a style that would appeal to everyone, but certainly eye-catching.

Gold bangles come in two main types, solid gold and hollow gold. The advantages of solid gold bangles, is that they are less likely to dent or deform than hollow bangles, however they are more expensive as you are getting more gold essentially. Plus solid gold bangle bracelets are harder wearing which means they’ll last longer and can be handed down through the generations.

Gold bracelet bangles are a versatile item of jewellery which will compliment a wide range of fashions and suit any occasion whether you are attending a dinner party, birthday or going on a date they will always look classy.

Lovelink Gold Bracelets

If you are buying for the younger generation or for someone who likes to change their look on a regular basis, then you may wish to opt for lovelinks gold bracelets as they allow the wearer to become a jewellery designer themselves. They are basically bracelets with beads which are inter-changeable and the wearer can really put their own touch on the design by adding silver, gold beads and even other types of jewellery along the bracelet. Different lengths of bracelet leather are available so you can style yours to be tight around your wrist or loose with more beads. Jewellers even sell beads which have names engraved onto them, so you could have your partners name featured in your lovelinks bracelet.

Ornamental Gold Bracelets

For those of you who want a bracelet with a little more style and finesse then there are a range of handmade and ornate gold bracelets which are available on the market which have various shapes and designs. The types of designs which are available are things such as inter-twined loops, chain-links in various sizes and also bracelets with more complex loops and twists.

Two Colour Gold Bracelets

If you really want to stand out, why not consider gold bracelets made with both white and yellow gold segments. These range in style from heart shaped loops made from yellow gold and smaller intricate white gold chain links which really have the ‘wow’ factor. There are even some gold bracelets that are made entirely of white gold if you don’t like the idea of wearing silver and don’t like the colour of yellow gold.

Which ever style of gold bracelet you choose, you’re sure to look classy as bangles and bracelets add another level to other types of gold jewellery. Whether you want to impress friends with unique animal shaped bangles, inter-changeable lovelinks jewellery or ornate classically styled bracelets, you’ll be amazed at the choice available online or on the high street.

Find a wide selection of quality gold bracelets, from lovelinks and bangles to white & yellow gold bracelets at the John Hollins Fine Jewellery website.

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Different customs and body decoration accessories of Byzantines people were quite similar to those customs, and accessories that could be seen in the Rome at that time (476-1453 CE). As the capital city of Constantinople, there were public baths that were also quite similar to those, which could be seen in Rome. They used to wear different types of jewellery in ears, fingers, toes, neck, ankles, and fibulae.

Most of these jewellery items were made of gold, or silver, as they were two most favourite items of Byzantines. These people also coated other metals with a thin plate of gold that were developed in that very empire. It indicates that gold was quite an adorable object in that empire, and they had developed some other ways to satiate their insatiable thirst for gold.

As their empire further developed, it began to absorb many different types of elements in its jewellery and costume traditions, and most of these elements came from the Orient, and the Middle East. The Byzantines did not use heavy cosmetics and other make-ups like the Roman. Contrarily, they were inclined towards developing some fabulous perfumes, and they used those ingredients in their make, which they got from Persia, India, and China. Perfume making soon became a popular trade in that region.

They had also developed some unique forms of manufacturing jewellery, and they were utilising various techniques for making their jewellery. Enamelling was one of the most popular techniques, and it was widely used on various types of jewellery. These people were quite fond of rings, and had great dexterity in developing different types of rings, which were often devised in lots of styles, and shapes.

Women alone did not wear jewellery, as it was also equally popular among men. Just like today, even then wearing lots of jewellery was considered a sign of affluence, and well-being. Those who had lots of gold jewellery were considered affluent and well off, while less privileged people often wore silver, or gold coated jewellery.

The Byzantines often tried to develop some ways to convert other metals into gold, and many of them used to migrate from one place to another in search of gold. It will not be wrong, if it is said that gold was just like their only object of worship, and they were often willing to do everything to get even a minute quantity of it.

Apart from jewellery, they also made some other objects from it that also included small idols and utensils. These idols and utensils were widely used in their shrines, as most of them have been found in the ruins of these shrines.

The technique they used at that time for gold coating are still in use even after thousands of years. They were also quite well known for their patterns, and they had also developed quite an impressive ways to use these patterns on almost all types of clothing. These people also developed samite, which was a special sort of silk, they used on their special occasions.

Jack Wagon is a gold investment expert. You can buy pure gold bars and get complete information about buying gold bars at his recommended website at http://www.goldmadesimple.com/.

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If you are looking for a gold or silver necklace to wear either on its own or with a pendant and would like to know a little more, this guide should provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Necklaces are normally a series of one or more types of link interlocked to make a chain. The carat index is used to measure the purity of gold. This is often expressed by a hallmark consisting of 3 digits engraved into the piece. These commonly range from 375 (9ct – the most dilute) to 999 (24ct – the purest). Silver has a similar index which should also be engraved into the piece. These range from 750 (lowest) to 999.9 (highest). Sterling silver (which is commonly used in jewellery) should have ‘925′ engraved somewhere on it.

Link Types

Silver and gold necklaces are made from a variety of different types of link. Belcher links are normally torus (ring) shaped and interlock at 90 degrees to the next link. Curb Links are the classic shaped link used for chains outside of jewellery. They can either be made flat or undulated. In either case each link joins to the next at the same angle so when laid flat all links can be orientated the same way. Cuban links are a similar shape to curb links but their width makes each link almost circular. Bead links are spheres with a hole bored through to allow a strand to run between them. A spacer may be used to keep the beads at a uniform distance. Rope links give the impression of a single woven strand by interlocking the links into a spiral shape.

Pendants

You may wish to attach a pendant to the gold or silver necklace you are purchasing. The only thing to keep in mind is the type of links used for the chain. If the necklace is going to be worn with a sizable pendant the shape of the links in the necklace are worth considering. You will want to choose a rounded link which allows the pendant to move freely without snagging. One such link is the belcher link. In the event you choose a necklace is not suitable for your chosen pendant, a responsible jeweller should inform you of the reason and suggest a different necklace.

Costs

The price of silver or gold necklaces are generally governed by the purity of the precious metal used to make it and the weight but in some cases designer branding can further increase the price and handmade jewellery generally costs more than jewellery that has been built by machine. As an example, 9ct solid gold necklaces are generally less than £100 where the handmade equivalent could cost upwards of £500. Remember this does not refer to gold plated jewellery (which costs significantly less).

For a selection of silver & gold necklaces, John Hollins Fine Jewellery is a great place to go

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Gold or silver cufflinks can form a subtle but integral part of an outfit and provide the wearer with confidence and an air of class. The very fact that the majority of people would rather do without allows you to make a statement with jewellery which is far more subtle than wearing a ring. With that said however, when combined with the correct type of jewellery they can allow you to exude even more style and class. There may be fewer opportunities for people to see your cufflinks but they convey sartorial elegance surpassing other types of jewellery.

Which Metal Gold or Silver?

Although it is a matter of preference it is highly recommended that you match the colour of your cufflinks to any other jewellery you may be wearing with them. Chromium plated or silver cufflinks are suitable for wearing with white metals such as silver, white gold, platinum or palladium whereas gold cufflinks will compliment gold jewellery nicely.

Designs and Decoration

The level of embellishment is a largely a matter of personal choice but the type of event they are being worn to should also be a factor. The outward facing side may have a design or a precious stone set into it. Cufflinks designed to be a novelty are only really suitable for informal events like parties or celebrations, otherwise you may want to choose a set which adds to a formal appearance. Plain gold or precious stones are most suitable for events that require a formal black outfit. Other occasions where you may be wearing different colour suits could accommodate either silver or gold. Seasoned jewellers will be able to engrave plain gold or silver cufflinks should you so wish.

What Cost?

As no one will actually appraise your outfit while you wear it, you may want to select a gold plated set of cufflinks with a precious stone however by choosing solid gold, possibly decorated with other precious metals or stones, adds to your own sense of self worth which in turn adds to your confidence.

As you will see most jewellers can offer you a spectrum of prices for cufflinks but the composition should pretty well dictate the price. A good starting point for gold plated cufflinks is around £20 whereas a set of good quality 9ct gold cufflinks may cost upwards of £200 and you could expect a precious stone such as ruby to add upwards of £200 to that depending on the size and quality. The costs of engraving vary between jewellers.

Whether you are buying cufflinks as a gift or for yourself, this guide will hopefully provide the background information you need to choose the right set for you and help you the value of the composition.

A great place to find a complete range of gold and silver cufflinks is John Hollins Fine Jewellery

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A gift signifies your love and affection for others. It is the best way to express your feelings to your loved ones. When we talk about memorable and valuable gifts, there is no match for gold. It has always possessed a special significance in all ages. Gold is an attractive gift in its pure as well as impure form. Thus, gold is certainly a worthy and precious gift across all cultures and times.

Gold is a memorable gift during special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and other festivals. It is presented mostly in the form of jewellery. As nobody can resist gold ornaments, gold jewellery can be an excellent gift, which would be admired by everybody. These ornaments are never out of fashion.

In some cultures, gold is related with good luck. Especially, in the Chinese culture, gold is considered to bring success and prosperity in life. So, when it comes to give best wishes to anybody, the best way is through a gold gift. When this gift comes in auspicious jewellery designs, its value is almost multiplied. It is considered to maximise the good fortune of the acceptor. As it is a symbol of good luck, it always remains with the holder as a companion of good and bad times.

Gold gifts are especially crafted to be made more memorable for your loved ones. The beautiful gifts make statement of love for those we care and feel about. Gold gifts designed in different patterns signify your feelings related with career, protection, education, fame, health, wealth, love and general wellbeing.

Gold is, no doubt, a memorable gift. For instance, the engagement ring that marks a long lasting relationship is traditionally made up of gold. The other wedding gifts like jewellery sets, bracelets and earrings are remembered till the end of life. It reminds you of love and care of your spouse, during your married life. They are always kept with care and the feeling of love with which they were presented.

When it comes to give present to your mother, there is nothing beautiful than gold jewellery. It shows your intense love and care for the most beautiful relation of the world. Gold is recommended for birthday or Christmas gifts. In many other countries of the world like India, gold is a special gift on the events like Doshera and Diwali.

Gold is the best gift on wedding anniversaries. It is relatively a formal occasion. You always wish to give a special gift to your loved one. On anniversaries, the trend of presenting gold is very common. It is a classy and a memorable gift, especially when it is presented to wife. It is a memorable gift on the birth of a new born.

Apart from the jewellery for women, gold gifts can be presented to males in the form of beautiful gold cufflinks, gold chains and rings. The other gifts having gold include gold plated articles such as decoration pieces. Rarely, gold is also presented in the form of ancient gold coins. Thus, gold is in all forms always reminds of the beautiful intentions, wishes and love of the lender.

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Gold is a chemical element, and in chemical terminology its meaning is “shining dawn”. It is a precious metal, used mostly for jewellery. Gold is of bright yellow or metallic yellow colour and is considered to be a symbol of wealth to some extent. Gold is used not only for jewellery making, but it is also used in the field of dentistry, photography, colouring and electronics and is currently used for cancer treatments as well. Gold has silver traces and sometimes may have copper and iron traces when it is discovered in its natural form. A small gold piece is of usually 70% to 95% gold and the remaining part is silver. Gold is among the heaviest minerals. The purity of gold is measured in Karat. The karat is a measurement on which the gold is determined to other metals on a scale of 1 to 24, in which 24 karats means the purest gold.

According to a geological survey, there are 72 countries that are producing gold. China is the leading gold producing country in the world. After that, South Africa, and then comes Australia and then United States, Peru, and then is Russia, Canada and a big list of almost 72 countries that are famous for gold producing.

Basically, China and South Africa are the top two leading gold producers but the collectors can rarely see a gold specimen from these countries due to restricted nature in their mining operations.

Australia is another large gold producer in the world. In Australia, gold is mostly found in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Victoria. The Pacific Island of Fiji is well-known for gold production in Emperor Mine.

In Europe gold producing countries are Rosia Montana, Transylvania, Roman, Sweden, Brusson, Val D-Aosta, Italy and England. Itaituba and Para are the two well-known places of South America, who are in the top list of gold producing countries. Brazil, the Bolivar province and Venezuela are also gold producing countries.

In Canada, gold producing states are Timmons Area, Ontario, the Red Lake Gold District, the Dawson Mining District, Yukan Territory.

In the United States, the gold producing states are California, Alaska, Colorado and Nevada. In the United States, out of all the states, Nevada is the top gold producing state. Alaska has many deposits in the rivers, and the famous ones are Kenai Peninsula District, the Valdez Creek District, the Hatcher Pass District and the Peterville District. The state of Alaska has preserved many historical places deposits for public recreational mining.

The total gold production of China has steadily increased from 7.4% per annum to 66.9% since 1999. According to a survey in 2007, China became the top gold producing country by over taking South Africa, which was at the top position for over 100 years. According to a certain estimate in 2009 the total gold production by China is near 300 tonnes. China reserves the gold which is 78% of the total foreign reserves. United states hold 8,133 tonnes, which is 78.3% of its foreign reserves. China has increased its gold reserves rapidly, and by 2050, China will overtake the United States as the biggest economy in the world.

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Why Should I Buy Gold?
The world has been in love with gold ever since it was discovered. It is called a precious metal because it has a high economic value and is relatively scarce in relation to the level of demand for it. Gold was the standard in which the values of many currencies around the world were based until recently; because of confidence in its ability to hold it’s value over the long haul. At times of trouble, people always default to valuable portable property such as gold, diamonds and other valuable gems.

Gold has been the preferred metal for wedding rings in the west for a long time. It is very rare that couples exchange rings other than gold rings when getting married. In fact, in some Asian cultures, wealth is transferred unto the newlyweds in the form of gold jewelry.

Gold is very malleable and so has been the preferred metal for jewelers over centuries. It also does not rust or decay. If it gets dull, just applying a quick polish restores it’s luster and shine.

Gold is virtually indestructible and everlasting.

Gold keeps it’s value over time and is easily marketable
Gold is easy to work with so you will get the most beautiful jewelry made out of gold
Everybody loves gold.

What kind of Gold Should I Buy?
Before buying gold jewelry the most important thing to ask yourself is the reason why you are buying. This is important because it will help you determine how much to budget for your purchase, what quality and type of jewelry to buy and from where to buy it.

If you are only interested in buying a gold ring for fun, then you might not care too much about the quality of the ring or the supplier as long as it looks good on your finger. If, however, you are buying an engagement ring, an anniversary ring or a wedding ring, you had better pay more attention to the quality of the ring and the service you can expect from the supplier. A wedding ring, we hope, will be appreciated for a long time and you will want your partner to know that you put some thought into the selection of their ring. You want the perfect ring so you need to make sure that your supplier has a good return or exchange policy and that they are easily contactable.

There are different qualities and colors of gold used in jewelry. The different types of gold jewelry are determined by the metals mixed in with the pure gold, and whether the piece of jewelry is formed as a solid piece, plated or maybe hollow.

Gold Quality:
Pure gold does not rust or tarnish, and people that are allergic to some metals are rarely allergic to pure gold. However, pure gold is very soft and easily bendable. It is also very expensive. So to make it practical for jewelry that can be worn everyday it is mixed with different metals.

Gold jewelry is generally marked 18K, 14K, or 10K. The higher the Karat (k) the higher the percentage of pure gold to other metals in the jewelry.
·    24K gold is pure gold.
·    18K gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 75% gold.
·    14K gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 58.3% gold.
·    12K gold contains 12 parts gold and 12 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 50% gold.
·    10K gold contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 41.7% gold.

10K gold is the minimum karat that can be called “gold” in the United States. A high proportion of gold Jewelry is made in 10K gold.
European Markings:
Jewelry from Europe may be marked is a different manner with numbers that indicate their percentage of gold like this:
·    18K gold is marked 750 to indicate 75% gold
·    14K gold is marked 585 for 58.5%
·    12K gold is marked 417 for 41.7%

Genuine gold jewelry should have, in addition to the karat marking, a hallmark or trademark that identifies its maker. Sometimes the item’s country of origin might also be included. The hallmark or country of origin may sometimes be left out in very small and delicate pieces of Jewelry.

Colors of Gold:
Pure gold is, of course, gold in color. However, gold can be made into jewelry of different and exciting colors by adding different metals to it. When other metals are added to pure gold the result is called an alloy. Any gold alloy from18K, down to 10K can still be called solid gold. Anything less that 10k is not solid gold.
White Gold: Created by adding Palladium or Nickel to pure gold.
Rose Tint Gold: Created by adding copper to pure gold.
Greenish Cast Gold: Created by adding silver to pure gold

Gold Coated Jewelry
Applying a coating of gold on lesser value metals has always been a way of producing jewelry that looks as valuable as gold but not as expensive to manufacture. This is OK as long as the buyer is aware that the piece of jewelry they are buying is not SOLID gold and as long as they are also aware of the quality of the plating.
Gold Filled Jewelry:
Gold filled jewelry is usually 14k gold heavy-layered over sterling silver. More recent gold-filled jewelry have markings that indicate how much and what type of gold was used for the layer. A marking that says 120 12K G.F. means that the jewelry is at least 120th 12K gold by weight. Gold filled jewelry generally retain their coating longer than gold plated jewelry.
Gold Plated Jewelry:
The gold layer in gold plated jewelry is usually thinner than the gold in gold-filled jewelry. This means that the goal plating usually wears away more quickly. However, all gold plating is not the same. Some will be thicker and more even than others and thus may provide you with long lasting true gold finish, sometimes comparable to gold-filled jewelry.

Dangers to Watch out for
Gold plated jewelry can provide a great deal of satisfaction and joy to the buyer as long as they know what they are buying. It is unfortunate, but there are still unscrupulous people out there that try to pass off gold plated jewelry as solid gold. The only way to protect yourself from this is to look carefully at the markings on the jewelry; observe the color; feel the weight in relation to the size of the jewelry; and most importantly, know whom you are buying your jewelry from. If you’re not sure take an expert with you when buying.

So Now You’re Ready To Take The Step
When buying gold always aim to buy solid gold if your budget allows. This will last you a lifetime, many lifetimes actually. Anything from 10k to 22k or 24K is good.
If you are allergic to nickel or other metals then you should aim to buy the higher karat gold jewelry such as 18k or 22k gold. It will cost more but you can offset this by buying a smaller piece of jewelry or by buying fewer pieces and only buying ones with higher pure gold content. Your skin is still your most important and valuable piece of jewelry and you should treat it accordingly.
Gold plated and gold-filled jewelry is great for fashion jewelry that will not be subject to heavy usage. And oh yes, try not to wear your gold plated or gold filled jewelry when washing up or using any form of detergents. Although not as valuable or durable, gold plated and gold filled jewelry are cheaper and can last for years if treated kindly.
When wearing Jewelry always remember that a confident and happy wearer can make almost any piece of Jewelry look more beautiful and valuable.

By Alexander Michaels
© 2006 Alexander Michaels
www.kensingtonjewelers.com” target=”_blankwww.kensingtonjewelers.com

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The relationship between humankind and jewellery dates back to the old caveman days. When men and women dwelt in caves they used stones and animal horns, leaves and flowers to decorate themselves. Especially women, who have always had an affinity towards jewellery and other things that make them look good and desirable. They have used everything they found around them as jewellery, and which made them look pretty. And today, with the evolution of mankind, even jewellery has come a long way.

Till some time back, the most common material used for making jewellery was gold and silver. But many other materials have now entered the jewellery market all over the world. Nowadays, people are using different products to make classy and elegant jewellery and trinkets. Platinum and white gold are ruling the roost. Also beads are enjoying a high popularity among men and women alike. However, people have not forgotten the good old days, and stones, especially semi-precious stones are still used in jewellery and loved by people throughout the world.

Jewellery and ornaments have definitely come of age with the growth of mankind. And now, we have ornaments that are made for different kinds of occasions and for different situations. There is jewellery that is worn in professional set ups, and then there is jewellery for parties and gala dinners. Also, we have jewellery for home and jewellery that are meant for times when we are enjoying with friends.

Now we make and wear jewellery made of a variety of materials. Gold, platinum, diamond and silver are few of the very common and most popular ones. Then we also have come across the usage of beads like www.e-beads.co.ukSeed Beads, bugle beads, glass beads, crystal beads, silver beads, gemstone beads etc. in our jewellery. Apart from them, we have invented and used various others material to this date, to make beautiful pieces of www.e-beads.co.ukjewellery.

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Everything You Need to Know About Buying Quality Jewelry Online

Gold, platinum and titanium are among the most coveted precious metals in the world. Jewelry crafted out of these pure substances is often highly valued and sought out by savvy consumers the world over. Learn everything you need to know about selecting quality pieces right here!

Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry is perhaps the most traditional form of quality jewelry worn by men and women alike in every culture and society of the 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 the 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 the 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 the most popular karat of gold purchased the 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 the most valuable, and is very popular among elite gold shoppers. This form of gold is the 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 the other? The more pure the gold, the softer the jewelry will be and the more likely to scratch. Fine scratches are easily minimized however with proper care and cleaning over time. Quality is more related to craftsmanship than the 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 the 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 the style but also location the gold jewelry is fashioned in. Legend has it that a French goldsmith became lost during the gold rush of the mid 1870s in the 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 the very scene he dreamed about, and in gratitude decided to devote his life to creating gold jewelry in the shape of grape leaves and clusters fashioned out of gold.

Black Hills Gold jewelry is a particular style of jewelry that must be manufactured in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This gold jewelry is often combined with silver and copper to create green and rose leaved color combinations. Most Black Hills Gold is available in 10, 12 and 14k versions. This makes Black Hills gold extremely popular among jewelry fans looking for attractive yet very affordable gold jewelry.

Platinum & Titanium Jewelry
Platinum and titanium jewelry are among the most expensive jewelry items, in part because they are crafted of white metals. Platinum jewelry is often very heavy and dense as is most titanium jewelry. Platinum jewelry is much heavier than gold jewelry because of the density of the metal used to craft it. Titanium is actually really light. It’s only 60% heavier than aluminum and 45% lighter than steel! Platinum jewelry and titanium jewelry are also naturally white or silver, thus do not have to be combined with other metals to achieve a brilliant whitish sheen.

Most platinum jewelry is 90% pure or more, thus platinum jewelry is an exceptional selection for consumers who are allergic or who have sensitive skin. Gold jewelry might cause allergic reactions in people in part because it is mixed with other substances such as nickel, which can be irritating for some people.

Platinum and titanium jewelry usually will hold up well over time and require little maintenance, other than regular cleanings using a mild soap or cleaning agent. Titanium jewelry is in fact considered one of the most durable jewelry selections available, showing few if any signs of wear and tear over the years.

Both platinum and titanium jewelry can be fashioned with gold or silver inlays or adorned with stones. Platinum jewelry is often a popular choice for wedding and engagement bands. Titanium jewelry is slowly becoming more popular as its appeal and durability is more widely known. You can find platinum jewelry and titanium jewelry that is affordable. Most unadorned bands generally can range anywhere from $60 on up. Remember that in general, intricate and ornate platinum or titanium pieces are more expensive than their gold counterparts, and it isn’t uncommon to see pieces that cost up to several thousand dollars.

You can find virtually any type of jewelry in platinum and titanium that you can in gold. Most people select one or the other based on style or budgetary considerations. Gold can actually be combined with platinum or titanium to produce unique custom pieces. The most popular platinum and titanium pieces remain rings for the most part; gold jewelry is still the reigning king and favorite it seems among jewelry wearers looking for a combination of rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. That may change with time however, as more and more consumers realize the appeal and durability of other precious metals including platinum and titanium.

About The Author:

Successful freelance writer, Antigone Arthur has completed a number of informative articles providing valuable insight for consumers on such topics as Black Hills Gold jewelry, platinum engagement rings, and titanium wedding rings.

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