Why is gold jewelry so expensive? Why are others too cheap? What you need to know when buying and what should you check every time. Here, you can find all the answers.
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Last updated 25/08/2023. The average reading time is 14 minutes.
How much is it worth? It can cost anywhere from $50 to $10K. It all depends on the quality. Read below How to Buy Gold Jewelry. Patience is the way. All the things you need to know about gold: find the right accessory at the right price. Do not hurry; don’t buy gold from the street or untrusted sources.
Want to see what options you have for wearing necklaces for men? Please read our article here.
Gold-filled versus other metals.
- Solid gold. There are no other metals and no plating, just gold. It must be at least 10 carats to be considered “solid gold.”
- 14K gold filled. The core of it is solid jewelry brass with a thick layer of 14K gold pressure-bonded to the metal base, making it super long-lasting and very unlikely to rub off. The thick layer of gold is also suitable for people sensitive to base metals.
- Vermeil gold. Vermeil gold is 2.5 microns of gold plated over 925 sterling silver. Heavy plating, along with the high quality of the silver, enhances the value of the scale.
- Heavy gold-plated – 1 micron and up. Heavy gold plating is when the layer of gold is 1 micron or thicker. This creates a longer-lasting layer of gold. The base metal can be brass, copper, steel, stainless steel, sterling steel, etc.
- They have gold-plated stainless steel. Gold-plated items undergo flash plating with a thin layer of gold. The proper way to retain this plating is to use stainless steel, which results in a quality and affordable solution since the base metal is hypoallergenic.
The fineness of gold (karat value)
Since ancient times, the purity of gold has been defined by karat, equal to 1/24 of pure gold by weight.
Pure gold is equivalent to 24K. Gold purity may also be described by its fineness, which is the amount of pure gold in parts per 1000.
For example, a gold ring containing 583 fine gold has 583 parts (58.3%) of gold and 417 amounts (41.7%) of other base metals.
Federal Trade Commission rules require that all jewelry items sold in the United States as gold be described by “a correct designation of the karat fineness of the alloy.”
No jewelry item less than 10K may be sold in the United States as gold jewelry.
The following table lists the relationship between different international gold markings.
| United States Markings | Parts Gold | Gold % | European Markings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 24/24 | 100% | 1000 or 999 |
| 22K | 22/24 | 91.7% | 916 or 917 |
| 18K | 18/24 | 75.0% | 750 |
| 14K | 10/24 | 58.3% | 583 or 585 |
| 10K | 10/24 | 41.7% | 417 |
What is the difference between carat and karat?
Both are a form of measurement in the jewelry industry, but what’s being measured is very different.
Carats are used to describe the weight of diamonds and other precious gemstones.
In this case, however, we’ll be delving into the term karat, or the measure of purity when referring to gold. In addition, we’ll be delving into which karat value of gold would be best for you.
In its pure form, gold is a very soft metal. It’s too delicate for everyday wear, so it’s often alloyed (or mixed) with other metals such as silver, copper, nickel, and zinc to improve its strength and resilience.
The most common mixtures of gold are 14K, 18K, and 22K, but 14K and 18K are ideal for jewelry.
Check out our recommended articles about gold rings for women
Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.
Leo Tolstoy
If you like silver jewelry, please read our article about tips for silver jewelry.
Which one is most effective? 24K, 22K, 18K, or 14K?
You have to consider a few facts. How often do you wear jewelry, what do you do when you wear it, the color, and the budget? Look below for a quick guide on how to choose when buying gold jewelry.
24K. 100% pure gold
It is easy to assume that this is the finest if you have 100 % pure gold. While best known, it is soft and easy to scratch and bend. Using 24K gold jewelry is not recommended for daily use. But many people can afford to wear them on special occasions. It is all about prestige.
22K. 92% gold and 8% metals.
Even with a mixture of only 8% metals, 22K gold is stronger and more durable than pure gold. When buying this mix, care should be taken as it is not the most potent form of mixed metal jewelry.
18K. 75% gold and 25% metals.
It is the most traditional mix of gold and other metals. The yellow tone of 18K pieces is much deeper than that of 14K. Because of the higher gold content in 18K pieces, it will also yield more expensive prices than 14K. That’s usually a sign of a high-quality piece of jewelry.
14K. 58% gold and 42% metals.
This alloy will provide higher resistance to wear and tear than the 18K or 22K alloys. It’s ideal for everyday use and is the most popular choice for engagement rings. Jewelry made of 14K gold is the most suitable option for those with an active lifestyle.
12K, 10K, or less.
Anything less than 14K is not recommended when buying fine jewelry. In the United States, even 10K jewelry is considered the lowest. Be careful when purchasing 10K or more. You should always check the stamp for purity or ask about any qualifications.
If you want to read more about gold jewelry, you can check out gold.org.
Different colors of gold
Yellow gold
This is the color that comes to mind with the word gold. We often refer to gold as a color, like honey, sunshine, flowers, and animals. Almost everywhere you can find this color.
White gold
This looks like bright silver because the gold is mixed with metals like nickel or palladium.
White gold is sometimes paired with yellow gold to create a two-tone item.
Rose gold
Often called crown gold, it is gold mixed with copper. It will produce a pink hue, which is called rose gold.
Rose gold engagement rings are trendy. For an 18K rose gold ring, there is 75% gold and 25% copper.
Green gold
Something rarer and more expensive is when mixing gold with silver or silver plus cadmium. This will produce a green-yellow color and can be supplemented with green stones like an emerald.
Black gold
Black gold is gold coated with a layer of ruthenium for added strength. Black or brownish color can also be achieved by treating gold alloyed with copper with potassium sulfide.
Purple gold
Purple gold is an industry breakthrough. Made by mixing gold with aluminum and iridium, this unique color is so different yet beautiful.
What to consider when buying gold jewelry
Our advice is never to buy from unknown websites or suspicious auctions.
Choose a reputable vendor. Authorized dealers that sell famous designer jewelry are always the most reliable option, but you will pay more for designer jewelry.
Independent dealers are also viable but check for certificates and credentials carefully. Search for the small details to ensure you have made the right decision.
Comparing prices is the logical approach. Gold jewelry is usually combined with precious gemstones – diamonds or pearls – which makes comparisons difficult. Try to find people you trust to give you an extra opinion or to double-check the quality and price.
Consider your budget and stick to it, whatever others say or recommend. Consider something cheaper or different if the gold ring has a diamond so that you will spend according to your budget.
Are you trying to find the perfect engagement ring? Please read our full article here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gold rust?
No, gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79. It is one of the most minor reactive metals, so it does not corrode or rust easily. Gold is often used in jewelry and other decorative items because of its resistance to corrosion and different types of deterioration.
Can gold conduct electricity?
Yes, gold is a highly effective conductor of electricity. It is one of the most efficient conductors of electricity of all elements. Gold has high electrical conductivity, allowing electrons to flow freely. This property makes valuable gold in various applications, including electrical wiring and electronics.
Can gold tarnish?
Gold can discolor, although it is not very susceptible to corrosion compared to other metals. Tarnishing is a process that occurs when the surface of a metal is exposed to air and other elements. This causes it to become discolored or develop a dull appearance. Gold can tarnish when it comes into contact with sulfur-containing compounds, such as those found in certain fabrics, foods, and chemicals. However, this process is generally slow and can be easily reversed by cleaning the gold with mild detergent and water.
Can gold be made?
Gold, like all chemical elements, cannot be created or destroyed. However, it can be synthesized in a laboratory by bombarding other elements with high-energy particles, such as protons or neutrons. This process, known as nuclear fusion, can produce small amounts of gold in a laboratory setting, but it is not commercially viable for producing gold on a large scale.
Can gold turn into gas?
No, gold cannot turn into gas under normal conditions. Gold is a solid at room temperature and pressure, with a melting point of around 1,064 degrees Celsius. For gold to turn into a gas, it must be heated to a temperature much above its melting point, which is impossible under normal conditions. Additionally, gold is a very dense metal. Therefore, even if it were to be heated to a high enough temperature to become a gas, it would still be much thicker than the air around it. It would not rise or float like a gas.
How is gold formed?
Gold is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth’s crust. It is formed through precipitation, in which gold atoms are released from rocks and combined with other ingredients to form gold particles. This process can occur in various environments, including hot springs, hydrothermal veins, and sedimentary rocks. Gold is also commonly associated with other metals, such as copper and lead. It is often extracted from the ground as a byproduct of mining for these other metals.
How is gold refined?
Gold is refined by a process called smelting. This involves heating the gold ore to around 1,100 degrees Celsius in a furnace. At this temperature, gold is melted and separated from other elements in the ore. The dissolved gold is then poured into a mold to form a bar or ingot, which other processes can further process if necessary. Refining gold can also involve using chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, to remove impurities from the gold. These chemicals are highly corrosive and dangerous, so trained professionals typically manufacture gold in a specialized refinery.
How are gold chains made?
Gold chains are made through a process called casting. This involves melting the gold into a liquid state and pouring it into a mold in the desired chain shape. Once the gold has cooled and solidified, the mold is removed, and the chain is polished to give it a smooth, shiny finish. Gold chains can also be made through forging, in which a piece of gold is heated and pounded or rolled into the desired shape. This method often creates thicker, heavier chains like those used in men’s gold jewelry.
When does gold turn black or green?
Gold does not turn black under normal conditions. However, if gold comes into contact with certain chemicals or elements, it may appear black or tarnished. For example, gold can react with sulfur-containing compounds to form a dark mixture called gold sulfide. This process is known as tarnishing, and it can be reversed by cleaning the gold with mild detergent and water. Additionally, some gold jewelry may be coated with a black finish to give it a more modern or antique appearance. This type of black gold is not made of gold but rather a different metal coated with a black layer. The same is true for the green color. That’s why we have added these colors to the gold jewelry options.
Why is gold a terrible investment?
Gold is not necessarily a risky investment, but it has some drawbacks that should be considered before investing. One of the main disadvantages of investing in gold is that it is not a productive asset. This means that it does not generate any income or returns. Unlike stocks, bonds, or real estate, gold does not produce dividends, interest, or rent and does not grow in value over time. This means that the value of a gold investment depends entirely on the market demand for gold, which can fluctuate significantly over time. Additionally, gold is a physical asset that can be difficult to store and transport and is subject to theft, loss, and damage. These factors may make gold a less attractive investment option for some people.
Is gold without markings safe to buy?
Gold bars and coins that do not have any markings or engravings are called “unmarked gold.” The same applies to gold jewelry. Unmarked gold is typically sold in its pure, unrefined form, and it does not have any identifying marks or stamps indicating its purity, weight, or other characteristics. Unmarked gold may be less expensive, but verifying its authenticity and value can be more difficult. In some cases, unmarked gold may be of lower quality or purity than marked gold. Therefore, evaluating any unmarked gold you are considering purchasing is imperative.
Conclusion
Gold jewelry is the most famous piece of jewelry in the world. You need to know all the small details when deciding to buy.
We covered a lot of critical data that will give you the knowledge to buy gold jewelry with certainty.
Do you have more questions? Leave your question below in the comments, and we will try to add it to our article soon.
Let us know what your next gold jewelry purchase will be. Rings, gold chains, or bracelets?
Check out our video on How to Buy Gold.
Pashalis Laoutaris
Fashion Blogger
I am a professional writer, fashion blogger, and owner of the site https://laoutaris.com. As a salesperson for more than 20 years, I have experience of 10 years in the fashion industry. I consider myself a true fashionista. I am writing daily blog articles about fashion, tools and converters, and everything you need to know about the current fashion trends.
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