Gold Jewelry Buying Guide

Are you wondering what type of gold you should consider when buying your jewelry? You are not alone. There are so many choices that it can be confusing. In general, you will want to consider how you will use the jewelry before you start narrowing down what type of gold you should go with. Will this be a ring or necklace that you wear every day? Will this be used as a wedding ring or heirloom?

If you will rarely wear this piece, then you may be able to choose a higher quality, or higher karat, gold. Gold is a relatively soft, malleable metal. Twenty-four karat gold is almost pure gold. It is more expensive than lesser karats, but also softer and easier to bend, break and scratch. Higher karats of gold are usually only used in fine jewelry that will be worn carefully and not very often.

When you are purchasing an engagement ring or wedding band, consider that it will be worn everyday. Also, since rings are worn on your hands, they will be banged around and scraped fairly often. Soft gold is not necessarily the best choice if you are interested in the ring keeping its shine. Ten to fourteen karat gold is a much more popular choice when choosing a diamond engagement ring or wedding band. It is very durable and beautiful. Your investment is sure to last a lifetime.

Gold comes in different colors. Yellow gold is traditionally the most popular color and it is also the most abundantly available color. Sometimes gold is bonded with other metals to change the color. White gold is a popular alternative to silver. It does not tarnish or bend as easily as silver and will last a lot longer. Rose gold is also popular and is a metallic pink toned metal. Color altered gold can change over time if it is worn every day, so keep that in mind when selecting the gold that suits your taste and skin tone.

Choosing the gold for your jewelry is a personal decision. There are things such as quality, durability and shine to consider. Price is another factor. Pure gold costs considerably more than lower karats. Lower karats are more durable and less likely to scratch, scar, bend or break. If you choose a higher karat gold, white or rose gold, you should take special care of it. Do not sleep in it or wear it every day. Take it off when you work or clean. These types of gold jewelry can keep their beautiful appearance for years if properly taken care of.

About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of diamond rings, eternity rings, platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Choosing the Right Precious Metal

When you are buying jewelry such as diamond rings, eternity rings, engagement rings, wedding or anniversary bands, your first consideration is what type of precious metal you want. There are a few more things to consider when choosing a precious metal than most people realize. There is yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum and silver to choose from.

First, ask yourself if this is a ring that will be worn every day, such as an engagement ring or wedding band. If so, then you want to make sure that the metal you choose will be strong and resistant to scratches and bending. Price can be a factor as well. Platinum is very popular and has very good points about it, but you will pay more for platinum. Silver may be great for jewelry that is not worn every day, but if you plan on wearing it for years to come, you may consider other metals.

Yellow gold is definitely the long standing most popular precious metal choice for many jewelers and buyers alike. It is easy to work with and strong enough for every day wear. Consider how many karats you want based on how often the ring will be worn. Ten and fourteen karat gold are strongest and most resistant to scratching and bending. They are popular choices for engagement rings and wedding bands. Rings sold in eighteen karat or twenty-four karat gold need to be taken care of to avoid bending and scratching.

Twenty-four karat gold is one hundred percent gold. Lower karat gold is mixed with other metals, such as zinc, copper and silver, to make it stronger. Some rings are gold plated or filled and will look beautiful for a while as long as they are not worn daily. The coatings can become discolored, tarnished and worn down over time, so if you are looking for something other than costume jewelry or special occasion jewelry, you probably want to choose a ring made with at least ten karat gold. White gold and rose gold are very durable, but they can discolor after a few years of wear. They sometimes can, however, be refurbished to restore their original beauty.

Platinum is the most sought after precious metal today. Unmatched in reflective beauty and strength, platinum is becoming as popular as gold. Platinum rings have more weight and durability than gold rings and the color will never turn. Where gold can be mixed with over forty percent of other metals, platinum is at least ninety percent pure. Platinum is very strong and is a great choice for jewelry such as diamond rings. Keep in mind that because of its strength, platinum is harder and more expensive to size.

About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of diamond rings, eternity rings, platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.