How to purchase gold jewelry.

If you’re shopping for an occasion or treating yourself, buying gold jewelry can be an enjoyable experience. Gold is a rare metal that will not lose its value, and it’s also extremely durable and can last for a long time when properly cared for. However, purchasing gold jewelry can also be costly. The cost of gold can vary dramatically, based on the weight, karat, and where you buy it. Because this purchase will be an investment which could last for years, you should research your jewelry and purchase wisely to locate and preserve quality jewelry that will provide many years of pleasure.

It’s no surprise that one of the most profitable investment options in the jewelry business is gold. Gold is a symbol of luxury and elegance and is a sign of financial stability.

Because the real worth of currency is secured by gold, the valuable metal has been sought-after everywhere around the globe. With the rising cost of inflation and the fluctuating rises and drops in the market, gold can be a reliable safeguard against these risks.

With many things at stake, knowing the best way to buy gold is essential before purchasing. In this guide, we will explain all you should be aware of about gold.

Assess how good your gold quality is.

There aren’t a lot of glitters that are gold…literally!

The fact that your jewelry appears like it’s made of gold, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is. There are a few beautiful jewelry pieces made from gold jewelry that are made of solid gold that is 24 karat (100% pure gold). However, there are also the so-called gold-filled and gold coated jewelry, and it is important to know the difference if you would like to purchase gold.

Gold-filled jewelry is in essence, made of gold.

As we’ve already discussed earlier, the metal mixture that we refer to as the alloy is composed of various metals that are combined to form a more durable metal.

People generally favor gold alloys to gold-plated jewelry due to a variety of reasons:

It is the second most precious type of gold jewelry, after pure 24-karat gold.
They are not affected by wear-off, fade, or change color with time apart from occasional cleaning. In fact, they are classified as “lifetime” products because they aren’t worn out.
In certain countries, the government controls the trade of gold-filled jewelry; this means the investment you make is secure.

Gold-plated, on the other hand, is made from non-gold base materials which are then coated with the molten gold to form gold-colored coatings over the entire surface. It is a cost-effective alternative to gold-filled jewelry due to:

The plating is usually thin and can wear away very easily.
The selling of jewelry with gold plating is unregulated, if even restricted.
They are easily accessible in the marketplace.

A specific type of plating known as Vermeil uses a similar procedure but with a different basis metal called sterling silver. Vermeil offers the same benefits as other jewelry with gold plating but is more suited to those who are sensitive to nickel.

Find out the purity of your gold.

You’ve heard the tune 24 Karat Magic from Bruno Mars and wondered what the meaning behind singing about “24 karat magic on the air” was, and it’s because gold that is 24 karat is pure. Does that not make sense? Okay, we’ll move on.

Each gold alloy is made up of 24 parts, which we call “karats.” If you purchase gold that is 24 karats this means that you are getting pure, unadulterated, gold. This will be pure, unadulterated cash in your pocket.

Through the law of proportions In the event that 24-karat gold was completely pure, then 10karat gold is 41.7 percent 100% pure (mathematically represented by 10/24 equals 41.7 percent).

Therefore, the common rule: The value of gold is proportional to its purity. The purer the gold, the more valuable it is.

But, this doesn’t mean you’ll always need to seek the highest purity when buying gold. Think about these two key variations:

What is it used for?

Pure gold is extremely delicate and easily damaged. If you are planning to wear it daily, choose LOW-KARAT pieces. They range between 10, 12 and 14 Karats. The pieces with low-karats are made from gold, along with other metals that strengthen the alloy.

For bracelets and rings that are subject to friction against hard surfaces, it’s recommended to purchase 10 or 12-karat pieces.

For earrings and necklaces that are protected from bumps and scratches, 14-18 Karats are suitable.

The pieces with a high-karat range that span between 18-24 karats are ideal for special occasions and celebrations due to two reasons:

The first is that your gold is not used often, and when it is, you handle it with care and avoid any harm. The second benefit is that you can modestly boast about your style and wealth. This isn’t really an actual reason.

The question is, “Is this gold alloy “good” for me?”

In addition to the reason for the jewelry, different cases must be taken into consideration.

Gold jewelry could contain metals that are not gold. The most commonly used metals that are mixed into a golden alloy are the element nickel. It makes jewelry more durable however it can be a problem for those who suffer from nickel allergy.

If you’re allergic to nickel, it is best to pick jewelry with more gold. 18-karat purity is the best choice for those who are allergic to nickel.

Be aware of your colors and alloys

Pure 24karat gold appears to be yellow, but it’s not always wise to buy pure gold due to it being cheap, malleable and soft.

That’s why we’ve seen the possibility of jewelers coming up with a way to mix the gold color with heavier metals. Since these metals are generally not more than 18-karat pure gold and other metals, they alter the yellow color and produce an alloy that has different colors.

When purchasing gold, you’re not restricted to only the golden yellow hue. Here are a few shades of gold that you need to be aware of:

Yellow gold: It is the color that pops into our minds when we think of gold. In reality, the word “gold” is used in our everyday language as a color that is compared to sunshine or honey. But, not all jewelry is made of gold. Like you, plating is typical of gold jewelry, and it can be deliberately done to maintain the appearance of yellow gold.

White gold: Appears like a lighter variant of silver. It’s just similar to yellow-gold engagement rings. White gold can be mixed with yellow-gold to create items that are more popularly referred to as two-toned. White gold is made out of pure white materials (i.e. manganese, nickel, or palladium) that are more robust than gold.

Rose gold: A gold alloy that has an ethereal hue, the rose gold is now the most popular engagement ring! To get the blush pink, copper is added to gold. Typically, it is 14 karats or 58.5 percent purity. The most karat-grade version that this alloy comes in is referred to by the name of Crown Gold; that is composed of 75 percent gold and 25 percent copper.

Green gold: This is among the rarest kinds that are made from gold and silver. It is characterized by a brilliant greenish-yellow hue and complements green stones such as emerald and Peridot exceptionally well. Green gold is mostly made in laboratories, but it is scarce and expensive. Green gold, also known by the name of “electrum” can be mined in nature. Very few jewelers have the opportunity to view these precious metals, so you’d normally see them when you shop for gold.

Buy the gold jewelry wisely.

After we’ve discussed the various qualities of the different kinds of gold, it’s time to purchase! The first step is to find an online dealer.

Finding a seller

To choose the best dealer, you should consider these suggestions:

Visit reliable jewelers. The easiest method to locate high-quality gold is to visit well-known and trusted stores such as Cartier, Tiffany, Graff and others. They have a solid reputation as reliable dealers that sell goods which are of high quality. However, these stores charge significantly higher prices on their goods which can turn customers off.
If you’re in the market to buy something on a budget, seek out independent dealers who also offer stunning items. Be cautious about whom you deal with. You can be sure you’re dealing with a trusted dealer by verifying their credentials and certifications.
Always shop around. Through independent dealers, an item that is sold at one location at a specific price will most likely be found at another outlet at a cheaper price. Always search for other stores and check prices. It may be good to buy something impulsively which immediately calls your name. However, it is possible to locate the exact item in other places and at a lower cost.

Have it independently inspected.

If you are making a significant purchase, or you are unsure about the quality of the item, you might consider having the jewelry independently examined. Bring the jewelry to a new retailer and pay for an expert jeweler who will examine and appraise the item.

Beware of scams.

US law requires Karat Value trademarks, which will aid you in avoiding fraud. If you’re purchasing gold jewelry online, make sure at the very least one of the images displays the brand name and ask for an official copy from the vendor in case they do not. Find out the average price of your gold item, taking into account the quality. Beware of gold that is very cheap because it might be counterfeit or may have fake hallmarks.

Pricing and quality markings

The price of gold is determined mostly by its purity. However, how do you determine how pure your meal really is? Here are some suggestions:

If you do not have a readily accessible lab or are capable of microscopically-focused perception, look for the characteristic.

They are distinctive marks that are usually found on the less visible areas of the object (i.e., the inner circle of the ring or the back of the earrings).

Certain markings indicate the Karatage, which is a measure of the amount of gold contained, while others will indicate the purity percentage. The table below to find the most commonly used purity markings that are used all over the globe:

Karatage	Percent Pure Gold	Karat Mark	European Mark
10-karat	41.70%	10K	417
14-karat	58.30%	14K	585
18-karat	75.00%	18K	750
24-karat	99.99%	24K	999

Check for an indication of a hallmark, which indicates the gold’s purity. They may be able to answer crucial questions such as Are they real? What’s it made of? Here are the most popular quality marks used around the world:

Sort of alloy Gold filled, GP – gold plated.

The base metal used is: Pd – Palladium, Pt/Plat – Platinum SS stainless steel S. Silver/Silver Sterling Silver.

Determine the fairness of the purchase. How do you determine the golden rule for finding out the value of gold? How can you tell whether you’ve been swindled? How can you ensure you’re making a good purchase?

Hold on to your mathematical and hats, as we’re about to get maths-oriented:

Learn about the price of gold bullion. It is the price that gold is traded at and is constantly changing. To help customers make informed decisions, jewelry dealers display prices for the day. Pure gold that is 24karat will be sold as ounces, whereas non-pure-karat jewelry is generally priced in grams.
Find out the price that you can calculate of “how much” gold you have. For instance, if you find an 18K piece of gold that weighs 20 grams is priced at $1300, would you consider it a fair price?

Let’s see. If you assume that gold is sold at $42.19 each gram, the price of the gold you own is $632.85: (18/24)*20*42.19 = 632.85.

You are purchasing the item at $1300! What is right?

Take into consideration the other expenses. It is expected that jewelers will include the costs of other metals within the alloy as well as labor. The rule of thumb is that you’ll have to pay at least twice the cost of gold, including these costs, and the profit margin of the jeweler. Therefore $1300 is more or less fair in our instance.

It is possible to pay more when the piece of jewelry is made specifically for you. In this instance, it is not just purchasing the jewelry but for the style. If the seller is one of the top-of-the-line jewelers, they could offer an item at as high as ten times the price of the gold weight. This is because, along with the gold, you’re buying the confidence of the quality of the item as well as the design that is usually created by famous jewelers, as well most importantly, the name of the brand.

Taking care of your gold jewelry

If you’ve already purchased your gold, don’t end there. If you don’t take care of your gold jewelry, you may also be setting your money on fire… A bit extravagant, but we’ll take it.

Follow these tips, and your precious stones will be in safe hands.

Dos and Don’ts of using gold

For gold with a high karat, use the items more frequently. Gold, particularly pure gold can be valuable, but it’s also delicate and can easily be damaged.
Get rid of your jewelry prior to swimming, bathing or cleaning. The harmful chemicals in detergents and soaps could scratch off the gold, especially when the jewelry is coated. The unintentional strain of friction, for example, from the wringing or brushing process, can harm the gold.
Do not wear gold objects to beaches and pools. In addition to the high concentration of salt or chlorine, The most important thing to avoid is to lose a small piece of metal in a huge body of water.
Finally, ensure proper storage. It can be accomplished by these methods:
- When you are not using it, store your gold jewelry in separate boxes or in compartments that are separate in the box.
- If storage facilities are not accessible, wrap them in separate items of clothes to keep the jewelry from scratching one another, especially when you own a diamond in the collection.
- If you have gold chains to store, store them in boxes that do not become entangled with other jewelry or with them. Gold chains with knots are difficult to unravel and, in some cases, cause them to break. If you don’t have a specific box for loose necklaces and bracelets, keep them in a place where they can be hung.

Cleaning your gold

The cleaning of your jewelry does not need to be done frequently. Sometimes, dusting is enough.

When should you do it, and how should you do it? Here are some suggestions:

You may occasionally polish your jewelry with the help of a small piece of cloth. Rub it lightly to remove dust and oil. So you can avoid the build-up of grime on the surface.
Cleansing the jewels with the use of liquid soap with warm water:

Make a dish of soapy solution and let it soak in your gold jewelry for ten to fifteen minutes.
If your jewelry is made of stone or features intricate patterns, you can use Q-tips to clean the gold instead of soaking it. This will help you get rid of the dirt and grime while also protecting the precious stone. For stones with deep crevices, it is possible to make use of a soft-bristled broom to eliminate the dirt
Afterward, wash it in warm water, then dry it with a soft cloth.

Cleansing the house thoroughly is suggested every three months. This kind of cleaning is recommended just a couple of times per year to prevent the chemical wear out of the gold. Follow the steps listed below, and your gold will turn out like new:

Make sure to soak your jewelry in a cleansing solution for 3 hours. If the jewelry is adorned using precious stones, verify whether the cleaning solution is safe for the stone.
Clean each area using a Q-tip or gentle brush, the same way you would clean with regular soap.
Cleanse with warm water and rub dry.

Be decisive on the purchase.

Believing in yourself isn’t the same as being optimistic and allowing it to chance and total confidence. In fact it is essential to remain aware of your purchase, particularly when dealing through independent sellers.

How can we do this?

A way to resolve your concerns is to engage an appraiser independent of the company. It is important to be certain of the quality of the item particularly if it does not possess a hallmark. Of course, real gold does almost, if not always, come with a hallmark, but there’s no harm in having another opinion.
Request a warranty, especially when the purchase is risky or extremely expensive. Jewelers of integrity can offer an assurance of the high quality of the products they sell. The warranty will be added to the price of your purchase but is important to protect the worth from your purchase.

Remember that gold is not just an ornament or fashion statement. Gold is as valuable as money, and prices are constantly increasing, and in the near future, this won’t change.

How to Purchase Gold Jewelry.