Gold is the premium choice for artisans worldwide for its ability to be molded into many luxurious designs. Naturally yellow in color, gold will not tarnish or rust.
Although it is very strong, gold in its purest form is too soft for most jewelers to use and must be mixed or “alloyed” with other metals to increase its strength and durability. Using more nickel in the alloy will turn the metal to white, while using more copper will cause it to maintain its yellow coloration. An interesting array of gold shades can be achieved with variations in the alloy mix. White gold is often electro plated with another rare white metal, rhodium, to give it its bright white finish.
Gold’s purity is measured in karats, which indicate the percentage of gold. Pure gold is stated at 24karat or 24k. 18karat gold is 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts other metals (75% pure gold). 14k gold is 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts other metals (58% pure gold). The higher the karat of a piece of jewelry the greater its gold content and the greater its value. By law, anything less than 10k cannot be sold as gold in the United States. Diamond on Fifth does not sell less than 14k gold jewelry.
Karat weight is a key factor in determining price, along with design and artisanship. Yellow gold and white gold are similar in strength and durability. It is the karat weight and design, not the color that determines price.
To maintain the beautiful shine and luster of your gold jewelry keep it away from harsh chemicals. To clean, soak it in a solution of mild soap and water and gently scrub it with a soft bristled brush. Also, be sure to store your jewelry in a fabric-lined case with separate compartments to avoid scratches.
