Gold jewelry is prized throughout the generations since it was first used in 560 BC. In the past, it has been a representation of wealth, authority and spirituality. It is also a symbol of social standing that is implemented in royal ceremonies, rituals and in marriage other than acting as a decorative item.
The consumption of the gold jewelry has changed through the years as gold jewelry has been used as a status identity to an important part of personal style and culture. The natural characteristics of gold that makes it easy to be molded and make it soft and malleable make it simple to shape it into complex shapes and forms. It can be found in combination with other metals alloys like silver, copper, nickel and zinc so as to render it more resistant. Owing to these characteristics, gold jewelry has become a classic and an all-purpose one and thus has gained popularity among every age group.
Why do people buy Gold Jewelery?
Gold Jewellery is purchased by individuals for many different reasons, from appreciating its beauty to gift passings through the generations or the investment that will appreciate over time.
Buying Gold jewelry for yourself
The purchase of jewelry for you can be seen as a luxury for some. Nevertheless, every time is worthy of treatment. One can buy a piece of gold jewelry for themselves for a variety of reasons. They can mark a landmark or achievement by buying something for the next year.
Buying Gold jewelry as a gift
Jewelry is often purchased as a gift to mark special occasions, whether it is a beautiful gold engagement ring or gold necklace to pass important exams. Gold jewelry is seen as the perfect gift for the celebration of anniversary, birthdays or other important goals in a loved one’s life.
Types of Gold Jewelry
Popular Jewelry Pieces
Rings
Ring is a typical gold jewelry worn both by men and women since it is a beautiful piece and has cultural overtones. Gold rings are universal and conventional. They are usually requested to celebrate special events such as wedding, engagement or individual achievements.
Necklaces
The necklace is the most famous type of gold jewelry along with rings and earrings, which can be worn by men as well as women. It is nearly a necklace which can be put on till the time when a human being will walk on the planet.
Bracelets
Bracelets are the most commonly used types of gold jewelry. These are bound on the wrist, and of different substances, including precious metals and gems, wood and leather.
Earrings
The most common type of gold jewelry is the earrings which is used on a daily or frequent basis, even on special occasions. There are numerous shapes and types of the gold earrings, amongst them, the hoops, drops, and studs. Centuries of the world have passed with them being put around, either adjusting to the shifting tastes and fashions.
Pendants
Pendants are decorative items of gold jewelry hanging off necklaces, bracelets or earrings. Pendants were in existence since the Stone Age when individuals could adorn amulets over the neck. The gold pendants can be rather religious or symbolic in their meaning.
Bangles
Solid bangles that are not clasped and slide on the wrist are available. Mostly the precious metals such as gold or silver make them popular in India and they are regarded as a sign of good fortune. Bangles are significant in the collection of gold jewelry.
Chains
This is a type of necklace, which has interlocking sections, rings which are twisted, balls or other materials, in order to look like a rope. Chains are a traditional and a necessity in the gold jewelry worn by both men and women.
Five Considerations When Buying Gold Jewelry
Below are five considerations to think about when making your gold jewelry purchase:
- Style
- Materials
- Skin tone
- Longevity and purpose
- Value for money and budget
Gold Jewelry in the UK
Where to Buy – High Street vs Online Stores
Purchasing gold jewelry at your local high street store or a national jewelry outlet gives you a chance to examine the piece of jewelry yourself, so before you commit to buying it, you are sure about its quality and size. Online purchasing is more convenient and may even be cheaper but it has some associated dangers.
Tips for First-Time Buyers
To purchase gold jewelry, you will use photographs and descriptions of it first. In other cases, the actual item might fail to impress and this might lead to returning the item.
What’s the Difference in Gold Carats?
The gold is measured in carats and it is divided into parts.
- 24K Gold
- 99.9% pure gold
- Bright yellow, very soft
- Coins – bars There is unusual usage in the gold jewelry.
- 22K Gold
- 91.6% pure gold
- Slightly stronger than 24K
- In the gold jewelry, Asian and Middle Eastern bestseller.
- 21K Gold
- 87.5% pure gold
- Durable with rich color
- Ordinarily used as gold jewelry (Pakistan, Arab countries).
- 18K Gold
- 75% pure gold
- Right measure between goodness and strength.
- Watches, such as engagement rings, worn in a luxurious gold jewelry.
- 14K Gold
- 58.5% pure gold
- Very durable, slightly paler
- Used on a day-to-day basis in US and Europe.
- 10K Gold
- 41.7% pure gold
- Hardest & cheapest option
- Durable for everyday use
- 9K Gold
- 37.5% pure gold
- Mighty and least golden-looking.
- There is yellow gold jewelry of cheap quality (characteristic of the UK and Australia).
Gold Jewelry Colors
Yellow Gold
This is the most traditional color of gold jewelry and offers a versatile base for various jewelry designs and array of gems. Gold is always a naturally beautiful yellow color.
White Gold
White gold is fashionable and it was trendy since the 1920s and one of the most fashionable colors of gold jewelry in the UK. Manufacture of white gold occurs by the combination of yellow gold with copper, zinc, nickel or palladium to form the cleanness of brightness.
Rhodium Plated Gold
Modern day white gold is usually plated in Rhodium and provides the plating on the gold jewelry a brighter and smoother appearance. Rhodium is a naturally silver platinum group metal which is extremely bright.
Rose Gold
With the help of the emerging fashion by using chokers and jewelry, Rose Gold has become fast becoming a favorite precious metal among gold jewelry in watches, earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets.
Multi-Colored Gold (Two & Three-Color Gold)
Gold is available in three primary colors, including yellow, white, as well as rose. At Ernest Jones you are likely to find pewters with two colors, called two-colored gold. The love of two people can be symbolized with two-colored gold, and hence, two-colored gold is an appropriate wedding gold jewelry and rings. It is also ideal with eternity and anniversary rings.
Gold Hallmarks
Gold Hallmarks are the vital component of the market to make sure that purchasers can have a self-sufficient and correct measure of the quantity of gold in a gold jewelry. Hallmarks are often very simple at first sight and the key information can be comprehended.
Gold Hallmarks UK
Hallmarks use has a very long tradition in the UK. During the early medieval period, an English statute that silver objects had to contain at least 92.5% pure, or sterling silver, and gold objects had to contain 80% pure, or 19.2 karat, or the Touch of Paris. Items were tested under this Hallmarking Act by the guardians of the craft and stamped using a leopard-head.
Gold Hallmarks Identification
Historically, Hallmarks have been in use in the UK. In the early 1300s, one of the laws of England required a 92.5 percent purity in silver (so-called sterling silver) and 80 percent purity in gold (then referred to as the Touch of Paris). This gold jewelry was covered by this Hallmarking Act and it was assayed by the guards of this craft and also stamped with leopard-head.
Modern three essential identifiers
H4: Sponsor Mark
- Determines the person who has provided a certain item to undergo testing, normally the manufacturer or importer.
- Details may vary.
H4: Standard Mark
- Checks purity or fineness of the metal.
- Example: 999 fineness.
H4: Assay Office Mark
- Blames the tester of the item.
- Example: Birmingham.
Caring for Your Gold Jewelry
Cleaning and Storage Tips
It is important to maintain proper care of the gold jewelry that you have so that it does not become ugly and short-lived. Every article should be attended to every now and then and one of the main things of maintaining the article is knowing the material.
Tips for Cleaning and Storage:
- To take good care of your gold jewelry, be conscious of what was in it.
- Pearls are delicate and thus to be handled carefully.
- Wash gold and silver using mild soap; do not use tough chemicals.
- Store pieces must be kept in different places to prevent scratches and taglines.
- Examine chain of check, fasteners and settings.
How to Maintain Shine and Durability
It is just as a rule, though, to take off your gold jewelry when doing things that may bump or scratch it. Keep it away from chemicals and use mild detergent when cleaning. In case of doubt, you should go to one of the jewelers with NAJ certification who will examine and take proper care of your jewelry.
Conclusion
Gold jewelry is not merely a piece to wear but it represents history and art and it represents style. Ring, necklace, bracelet, earring and pendants are crafts that have stories; knowing the various types, colors and carats including 9K, 14K, 18K, and 24K, will help you pick the right pieces that are both trendy and strong.
Hallmarks ensure legitimate quality and genuineness, and this has made you a buyer, owner or seller a power. With adequate cleaning, storage and maintenance, your gold jewelry will be beautiful and valuable a long time afterward.
