Jan
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.
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Nov
Pendants are adornments for necklaces. The most popular styles are lockets and crucifixes. If you are looking to buy gold or silver pendants for a necklace you already own or buying a necklace with a pendant included you should find all of the relevant information included here. Pendants are often made from various precious metals and decorated with precious minerals or an engraved pattern.
Silver Pendants
Sterling silver is the standard grade used for jewellery. It is a legal requirement for silver to carry a hallmark in order to be sold in the United Kingdom. This will normally include a number. Sterling Silver should be marked ‘925′.
Gold Pendants
As with most gold jewellery, pendants can be made from yellow and white gold. As gold is not naturally white it is worth being mindful that, over time white gold may need to be restored. A 9 carat, solid gold pendant could contain around 35% pure gold whereas and 18 carat solid gold pendant would contain 75% pure gold. This drastically changes the price. Any solid gold jewellery should be engraved with a hallmark. 9ct gold should have the number ‘375′ engraved and 18ct gold will have ‘750′.
Gemstones and Decoration
A large number of pendants include gemstones or other decorative materials with varying values. One commonly used material is mother of pearl. This is harvested from the inner layer of the shells of particular mollusks. They create this layer to form part of their shell for protection and the outer layers of pearls are made using this material which gives them their iridescent finish. Jewellery can be produced with mother of pearl decoration at a relatively low cost and can be found on pendants of various purity metals. Other precious stones may be used to decorate pendants but diamonds are a very popular addition to gold pendants. These are generally set into yellow of white gold of 18ct purity or higher.
Costs
As a rule of thumb silver pendants should be available for less than £50 unless they are particularly heavy, higher grade than sterling or are set with stones that require a higher price. Plain or engraved 9ct yellow gold pendants should cost £50 – £100. Additional stones such as Sapphire, Peridot or Amethyst may require a price tag upwards of £200. Rubies and Diamonds will cost significantly more; depending on the quality and size of the stones they will require a price tag upwards of £500. As they are normally set in high quality 18ct yellow or white gold it is not unusual for these items to cost over £1000.
For a selection of pendants, John Hollins Fine Jewellery is a great place to go
Cash for Gold Tags: Carat, Decorative Materials, Gemstones, Gold Jewellery, Gold Pendants, Mollusks, Mother Of Pearl, Outer Layers, Precious Metals, Precious Minerals, Precious Stones, Pure Gold, Purity Metals, Rule Of Thumb, Silver And Gold, Silver Hallmark, Silver Pendants, Solid Gold, Sterling Silver, White GoldRelated posts
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Jun
Gold Earrings Buyers Guide
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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
Cash for Gold Tags: Carat, Drop Shape, Earring Designs, Gold Earring, Gold Earrings, Gold Jewellery, Gold Metals, Gold Plated Jewellery, Gold Silver, Hallmark, Hoop Earrings, Jewellers, Milligram, Milligrams, Platinum Jewellery, Precious Stones, Purity, Solid Gold, Tear Drop, Three Digit NumberRelated posts
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Jun
Gold Bracelets – A Buyers Guide
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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.
Cash for Gold Tags: Buying Guide, Catching The Light, Deform, Different Styles, Dinner Party, Fine Jewellery, Generations, Gold Bangle Bracelets, Gold Bangles, Gold Bracelet, Gold Bracelets, Gold Market, Jewellery Designer, Latest Fashion, Many Different Types, Ornate Styles, Shapes, Snake, Solid Gold, Younger GenerationRelated posts
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May
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
Cash for Gold Tags: Compliment, Embellishment, Formal Appearance, Gold Cufflinks, Gold Jewellery, Gold Platinum, Jewellers, Jewellery Designs, Metal Gold, Palladium, Personal Choice, Plain Gold, Precious Metals, Precious Stone, Precious Stones, Self Worth, Silver Cufflinks, Solid Gold, White Gold, White MetalsRelated posts
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Sep
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.
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