|
The word gold, used alone, means all gold or 24 karat (24K) gold. Because gold is soft, it is usually mixed with other metals to increase its hardness and durability. The karat quality marking tells you what proportion of gold is mixed with other metals.
|
|
The most common marks for gold jewelry are 18K or 750 (signifying 75% gold), 14K or 585 (58% gold), and 10K (42% gold). Ten karat gold is the lowest level allowed under U.S. law. Jewelry made of higher-karat gold is more yellow in color and slightly softer than gold jewelry made of lower-karat gold, which may include copper, silver, zinc, or other metals. Consumers also need to be concerned with the alloys if they are allergic to certain metals or have a high acid content in their bodies. Acid can turn the jewelry you wear black, appearing to be of poor quality when it actually is not. A wide choice of styles and designs is available in gold jewelry. Because of its creative design and manufacture, designer jewelry may cost more than generic gold jewelry, but having the designer's name stamped inside increases the value of the piece. To be sure you are receiving the best value for your money when buying gold jewelry, follow these tips: Be sure the item is clearly marked with karat weight and manufacturer.
|
|
|
Note if the item will be susceptible to damage in the future. Be sure the karat weight of the item is listed on the sales receipt. Jewelry can be plated with gold in a variety of ways. Gold plate refers to items that are either mechanically plated, electroplated, or plated by any other means with gold to a base metal. Eventually, gold plating wears away, but how soon will depend on how often the item is worn and how thick the plating is.
|
