Gold Jewelry

Gold jewelry is among the most popular types of jewelry. To this day, gold remains the most popular choice for both engagement rings and wedding bands. In addition to gold rings, gold earrings are available in a number of styles such as hoops, studs, and dangling earrings. A number of styles of gold chains are commonly purchased to be worn either on their own or with pendants. For the summer months, gold anklets are a popular accessory that many women wear to complete a pretty summer ensemble.

Pure gold is very soft and therefore cannot be crafted into jewelry without combining the gold with another metal. The proportion of gold in an alloy is measured in karats. 24 karat gold refers to pure gold. Common alloys are 10, 14, and 18 karats. The cost of the jewelry increases with the amount of gold in the alloy.

Gold can be made into different colors by using different metals in creating the alloy. For example, 18 karat white and yellow gold each contain 75 percent gold. To give the gold a white appearance, the gold is mixed with silver and palladium. Yellow gold, however, is combined with silver and copper. Gold can be given a white, rose, pink, yellow or green tint.

Caring for and Storing Your Gold Jewelry

Gold jewelry will build up a film from natural body oils and other substances that will detract from its luster. To clean your gold jewelry, you can use a mild detergent, a water and ammonia bath, jewelry cleaner, or an ultrasonic cleaner. When you store jewelry, wrap each piece in a separate piece of tissue paper if possible. Also, avoid storing gold jewelry with diamonds because diamonds can potentially scratch the gold.