Whether buying gold jewelry for yourself or a loved one, deciding what and where to buy fine jewelry can be a tough decision. Gold jewelry is an item you’ll cherish for many years to come – maybe even a lifetime! So, you’ll want to make a wise choice. Here are some quick do’s and don’ts to remember when buying gold jewelry.

Do Buy Gold Jewelry from a Company You Trust

When you want fine jewelry, choose a company or Web store that specializes in fine jewelry. Don’t expect to find the best of jewelry at a company that offers everything including the kitchen sink! A specialist can assist you personally and provide a wider variety of gold jewelry.

When searching online, be specific in your searches, and do research on the company before making a purchase. Check to see if the company is affiliated with a professional trade association such as the Jewelers of America (JA) or the online Better Business Bureau.

Do Look for Guarantees or Warranties

Before buying gold jewelry from a company (online or offline), get a detailed explanation of their return policy in case the jewelry is not what you expected or has a defect. Some will offer manufacturer’s warranties as well.

Do Shop for Quality, not Just Discounted Prices

It’s tempting to buy fine jewelry at a discount to get a great bargain. But, what are you really getting? With gold jewelry, for example, find the karat or quality mark on the actual jewelry to see if it’s real gold or not. And remember, the karats are an indication of what percentage of gold is in the jewelry piece. 24K is pure gold, 18K is 75 percent gold, 14K is 58.3 percent gold, and 10K is 41.6 percent gold. So, what is the other percentage? It is usually made up of alloy, or different metals that add form and strength to the jewelry item.

Don’t be Hasty

Look around at several gold jewelry pieces before making a decision. Consider the price of the jewelry as well. Ask about these factors to determine if the fine jewelry is worth its price: karat weight, total weight, engravings, design, look and feel, ornamental detail, and the finish.

Don’t Buy from Suspicious Companies or Persons

If you have an uneasy feeling about buying fine jewelry from a particular person or company, don’t do it. The jewelry could be stolen or fake. Either way, you’ll lose in the long run. Always choose a reputable company that specializes in fine jewelry andor gold jewelry.

Don’t Forget the Clasp and Measurements

If buying for others, find out what size gold jewelry they wear, such as ring size, neck size, wrist size, or ankle size. Whether it’s gold necklaces, gold earrings, gold bracelets, gold bangles, or other types of jewelry, you’ll need to know the size and style that fits you or your loved one. Also, examine the clasp to be sure it’s easy to attach and of good quality.

Use these tips as a starting point to get the gold jewelry you need. The right gold jewelry piece can be worn for a lifetime!

Related posts

• White Gold Jewelry is the New Standard in Style and Substance (0)
• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• Gold Earrings – Important Facts (0)
• Wholesale gold jewelry trading guide for entrepreneurs (2)

Gold has been pricing out over £580.00 an ounce in recent weeks.  Earlier this year the price was £730.00 an ounce.  On May 12th, the price reached a 26 year  high of £732.00 an ounce.  Since then, prices have dropped twenty-two percent which still leaves the price in the £580.00 an ounce range.

Prices for gold jewelry seems to depend more on the design value of the jewelry than the actual amount of gold contained in it.  According to the World Gold Council, sales in the United States seem to be rising.  The Council believes the US customers buy gold for adornment, not the investment value of the jewelry

Since jewelers place their orders months in advance, it will be interesting to see what merchandise is available for the holiday season.  With the fluctuating prices, it will be more difficult for both designers and retailers this year.

The gold in the stores now, was purchased prior to this recent instability of the price.  Since gold is at a high now, the gold in our stores for the holiday season will have been purchased at almost all-time high prices when the inventories must be increased for the seasonal sales.

Some retailers, including Blue Nile, an online jeweler, is not totally passing on the higher prices to the consumer.  This creates lower profit margins for designers but  make gold  a better buy for the consumer.

Shop wisely.  Check prices.  If you can be flexible, your will find exactly what you want at an affordable price.  Give the “Gift of Gold” to your special person

Related posts

• Savvy Shopper’s Guide to Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• How to Check If My Gold is Real? (0)
• How to Buy Gold Jewellery (0)
• Gold Jewelry Do’s and Don’ts (0)
• White Gold Jewelry is the New Standard in Style and Substance (0)

Over the past five years, I’ve changed the way I buy and give gifts.  Once upon a time, I bought ‘needed’ gifts.  I then progressed to ‘should have’ gifts.  Then I gave ‘you get it any way’ gifts.  All of this obviously came from my theory about what others needed, wanted, or had to have no matter what.

I’m past all these internal theories related to gift giving.  I now look for gifts ‘from the heart’.  I’ve found that it is such a beautiful thing to find a special charm to add to the lovely gold charm bracelet I gave my daughter several years ago.  I’m adding charms that tell a story of our lives together.

Last year I decided to add these mementos in a special gift basket that I make for each of my children and my niece.  I found lovely gold charms created by a craftsman who only sells them at fairs.  He takes gold coins, actual coins from other countries, and cuts them into beautiful patterns.  Since I appreciated his gold coins, as well as, the jewelry he made with diamonds, he spent some time talking to me describing his craft.

He actually agreed to make me several more pieces.  I was truly appreciative since he does not do orders.  He is a one of a kind craftsman who willingly shared his time and artistry with gold with me.  These beautiful gold coins were a wonderful addition to last year’s gift basket.

I have not found the ‘perfect I Love You’ gift for this year but I’m sure I will.

Related posts

• Gold and Diamond Jewelry – What a fabulous way to say “I Love You” in gold (0)
• Gold – Gold has a varied history- It used for more than making gold jewelry (1)
• Gold – Gold has a varied history- It used for more than making gold jewelry (0)
• Where to Sell Gold Jewelry? The Best and Worst Places to Sell Gold Jewelry (0)
• Where to Sell Gold Jewelry (0)

Gold is a precious metal.  Historically, it has been used for stores of value (bars) for jewelry, electronics, dentistry, and as actual money (coinage).  It is a yellow element found in nuggets that can actually be ruby or black when divided.

It is the most malleable metal known.  When other elements are it forms alloys.  This will increase the hardness and can create exotic colors.  Adding copper gives a redder color, iron more blue, platinum white, aluminum creates purple.

Gold conducts heat and electricity well.  Heat, moisture and corrosives have very little chemical effect gold.  This makes it well-suited for make coins and jewelry.  Since gold itself is soft, it is given the alloys to make it stronger and change its color.

When using gold for jewelry, it is measured in karats.  Pure gold is 24K.  It is generally sold as 22K, 18K and 14K.  This means silver or copper have been added for strength and color.

Commonly we find the use of gold in jewelry making.  Designers create beautiful gold jewelry which sometimes are enhanced with diamonds and gemstones.  Gold and diamond jewelry makes wonderful presents.  In our society they are also used for wedding rings and in gift giving.

There are many other uses of gold such as:

1.    Embroidery Thread
2.    In computers, jet aircraft
3.    Dental crowns and bridges
4.    White gold can substitute for platinum

Gold has had a high value since prehistoric times and was used as a symbol of value, purity and royalty.  The price of gold has rise over the years indicating how it is valued in society.

Related posts

• Gold – Gold has a varied history- It used for more than making gold jewelry (0)
• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• Expert’s Quick Guide To Buying Your Perfect Gold Jewelry (1)
• How to Check If My Gold is Real? (0)

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

Related posts

• Gold – Gold has a varied history- It used for more than making gold jewelry (1)
• Gold – Gold has a varied history- It used for more than making gold jewelry (0)
• Where to Sell Gold Jewelry (0)
• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)

Now is the best time for selling gold jewelry!! Gold prices are at an all time high and you would definitely get more money than you spent while purchasing the them. Now the problem of where to sell them arises. Valuing diamonds and other gems might pose a problem unless you contact the right people. You would certainly like to get money worth your jewelry and to ensure that you are not scammed you need to be alert and informed about the many ways you can be duped.

Cause For Selling Gold Jewelry

There can be many reasons that have made you decide to sell gold jewelry. It could be a divorce, illness, etc. Selling of them is usually done in circumstances of financial strain. Whatever the reason is you should get the full value of your jewelry. The gold and embedded gems should be appraised by a professional gemologist and he would be able to give you a correct estimate of the value of your jewelry. Your estimate of your jewelry might not be accurate and hence getting an expert’s opinion is vital.

Do not approach pawn shops or jewelry shops for getting a value of your jewelry. They would not give you an authentic estimate but would give you only a diminished value. Selling gold jewelry should be done carefully if you want to get its full worth.

Trusted Appraisal Service

You need to find a trusted company so that your jewelry can be appraised and true value is established. You can get a variety of quotes on your jewelry. They can appraise or certify your jewelry. A professional council of a certified gemologist should be contacted when you decide to sell gold jewelry.

Gold prices are soaring and there is no wonder that many gold buyers are in the arena. These people claim to pay you the market value of gold, but in reality they act as brokers between you and a gold refinery. Thus, they buy gold from you and sell it to the gold refinery at a profit. Thus, you gain only a small percentage of the actual profit.

So Where To Sell

Selling of them can lead you to a jewelry store, but you will get only wholesale prices for your gold. You can try certain trusted online companies that have direct affiliation to gold refineries. These people would be able to pay more, since because of competition between various sites they would have a better resale price. The competition allows you to emerge the winner with better prices for your gold jewelry.

Online companies have to shell out less for their operational costs as compared to a local store, and they do more business than the local store; hence, these stores would be able to buy gold jewelry at higher prices since they get more profits.

Prior to selling gold jewelry, you need to do a little bit of homework. Read reviews of cash exchange for gold and conduct an independent study of gold prices in the market. Once you have the required information, selling of them would cease to be a daunting task.

Are You Thinking About Selling Gold Jewelry [http://www.selling-gold-jewelry.net/]? Deal Directly With a Gold Refinery and Get 3X’s More for Your Gold.

Related posts

• Where to Sell Gold Jewelry? The Best and Worst Places to Sell Gold Jewelry (0)
• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• Selling Gold Jewelry Tips – Tips to Get the Most Money For Your Gold (0)
• Gold – Gold has a varied history- It used for more than making gold jewelry (1)

Gold jewelry is a look that has never gone out of style and is as popular as ever. Purer gold jewelry does not cause staining or tarnishing like inferior alloy blends. Usually if someone has a problem with staining on their skin it is due to their body and not the gold.

Gold is very malleable and as such can be made into just about any shape including tiny hair like strands and thin sheets.

One of the main things most people look for when purchasing gold jewelry is the purity. The jewelry industry has a universal system for identifying this factor.
Chances are the ring on your finger is marked 18K, 14K, or 10K, with the K standing for karat, the system used to describe the percentage of pure gold an item contains.
The higher the karat number, the higher the percentage of gold in your gold 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.

European gold jewelry is marked with numbers that indicate their percentage of gold, such as:

•    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%

The karat marking on your gold jewelry should be accompanied by a hallmark or trademark that identifies its maker. The item’s country of origin might also be included.
You’ll find examples of pure gold jewelry, but pure gold is soft and isn’t practical for daily wear. Other metals are mixed with it to make it more durable (and to lower its cost).
Solid gold is durable, so it is a better choice for jewelry you’ll wear regularly. If you have allergies to nickel or other metals, choose items that have high gold content, such as 18K or 22K gold jewelry.

Related posts

• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• Gold – Gold has a varied history- It used for more than making gold jewelry (1)
• Gold – Gold has a varied history- It used for more than making gold jewelry (0)
• Gold Earrings – Important Facts (0)
• Buying Quality Gold, Platinum, and Titanium Jewelry Online (1)