Buying gold jewelry can be tricky because there are different types of karats, 14K cubic zirconia jewelry, and different colors of gold (based on other materials that the gold might be alloyed with to give added strength).

Ask Questions before Buying

The phrase “buy now, ask questions later” should never apply to gold jewelry, even cubic zirconia gold jewelry. You should ask plenty of questions before making such an elaborate purchase. A reputable jeweler will be able to answer all of your questions honestly and will provide you with helpful tips concerning your jewelry needs.

Here are some questions to ask:

*What is the actual karat of the gold? 10kt, 14kt, 18kt, or 24kt?
*Is it real gold or plated gold?
*Are the stones real or are they made of cubic zirconia?
*What factors were used to determine the gold jewelry’s price? Weight, ornamental detail, design or construction?
*What type of clasp is used? This is important with gold necklaces and bracelets. You need a strong, easy-to-use clasp.

What are Karats?

Pure gold is 24kt and offers a deep and rich color. Unfortunately, 24kt jewelry is very soft and can be damaged easily. Jewelry made with 24kt gold must have a special stamp of individuality.

Other karats of gold contain alloy metals to add strength. These alloy metals may be copper, zinc, silver, or nickel. These metals can also change the color of the gold to have a rose, white, or green coloration. Gold must be at least 10kt to be legally labeled and sold as real gold jewelry in the United States.

Trademark and Pricing of Gold Jewelry

All gold jewelry sold in the United States must have a manufacturer’s trademark. You might also see the name of the country where the jewelry was manufactured, and the manufacturer’s hallmark. The trademark tells the proper karat of the jewelry. It can be found on the inner part of the band on a diamond ring or any other gold-banded ring, or on the clasps of gold necklaces or bracelets. On earrings, the trademark might be found on the back of the earrings.

Types of Gold Jewelry

Gold jewelry is available in an assortment of styles and types. There are 14kt gold necklaces with or without pendants, attached stones such as sapphires and gemstones. A necklace may come in 14kt yellow gold or white gold. A pearl necklace can come in different styles as well such as a complete strand or partial strand of pearls on a 14kt yellow or white gold necklace.

There are also many types of 14kt gold earrings such as stone earrings, chandelier earrings, gemstone earrings, pearl earrings, semi-precious earrings, stud earrings, and even 14kt gold hoop earrings.

Diamond rings can be set on a 10kt or 14kt gold band in white or yellow gold. There’s the solitaire diamond ring and the diamond ring cluster, depending on the occasions. Solitaire diamond rings set on a 14kt gold band are still the most sought after for an engagement ring.

Other types of gold or diamond jewelry might include pendants, men’s rings, diamond or gold bracelets, and anklets.

Online Jewelry Shopping

The key to smart gold jewelry shopping online is to know your gold and know what types of jewelry are available. When shopping at a jewelry website, look for clarity as to what the jewelry is made of, its weight, and what types of stones are used in the jewelry. Also, be sure a Jewelry Certificate of Authenticity is provided with each purchase.

Go online to find an assortment of gold jewelry for gifts, a marriage proposal, or to buy your favorite jewelry for any occasion.

Related posts

• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• Three Things You Should Know About Gold Wedding Bands (0)
• How to Buy Gold Jewellery (0)
• Gold – Gold has a varied history- It used for more than making gold jewelry (1)

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

Related posts

• Silver and Gold Pendants – A Buyers Guide (0)
• Gold and Silver Necklaces – A Buyers Guide (0)
• Gold & Silver Cufflinks – A Buyer’s Guide (0)
• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)
• What To Look For When Buying Gold Jewelry (0)