Karat Gold Jewelry

    Understanding gold purity

    Gold, one of the world's most precious metals, dates back to the dawn of mankind. All great civilizations built up treasuries of the lustrous metal, reserving golden objects for their most important rituals. The most alluring use of the sun-colored metal has always been in jewelry.

    The Uniqueness of Gold

    Beauty

    Gold's natural color can be enhanced by alloying with other metals, creating yellow, rose, green and white golds.

    Rarity

    Only about 100,000 tons of gold have ever been mined. Several tons of ore are required to produce one ounce.

    Durability

    Gold jewelry from ancient civilizations in museums attests to the metal's enduring beauty and permanence.

    Workability

    Gold can be melted, shaped, alloyed, and re-melted to create any design. Jewelers prefer it to all other metals.

    Understanding Karats

    Pure gold (24 karat) is generally too soft for jewelry, so it is alloyed with other metals to increase strength. Look for the quality mark:

    24K99.9% purePure gold, too soft for most jewelry
    18K75% pureHigh purity, marked "18k" or "750"
    14K58.5% pureMost common in US, marked "14k" or "585"
    10K41.7% pureMinimum for "gold" in US, marked "10k" or "417"

    Nothing less than 10K gold can be legally marked or sold as gold jewelry in the United States.

    Gold Colors

    Yellow Gold

    Alloy: Copper + Silver

    Rose/Pink Gold

    Alloy: Copper only

    White Gold

    Alloy: Platinum or Palladium + Zinc + Copper

    Green Gold

    Alloy: Silver + Copper + Zinc

    Pricing Factors

    Gold jewelry pricing is based on four factors: karatage, gram weight, design, and craftsmanship. A price based solely on gram weight does not reflect the work that has gone into the piece. Each piece of gold jewelry is unique and, if cared for properly, can last a lifetime.

    Caring for Gold Jewelry

    • • Gold is durable but can get scratched or dented if treated roughly.
    • Gold's worst enemy is chlorine. Keep jewelry away from pools, jacuzzis, and cleaning products.
    • • Store safely or keep wrapped in a soft cloth when not being worn.
    • • Clean with sudsy lukewarm water or have it steam-cleaned by your jeweler.
    • • Keep free from dust, moisture, perspiration and makeup.
    • • Inspect regularly for weakness and bring to a professional for repair.

    Explore Our Gold Collection

    Find beautiful gold jewelry in every style and budget.

    Call 518.464.4748