14 Karat
Gold jewelry has been revered for centuries and is loved by many, plus it never goes out of style! While everyone may know what gold jewelry looks like, there is less clarity about what it actually is. Read below to learn some of the answers to the frequently asked questions our custom jewelry Omaha, NE experts get asked.
What do different karat golds mean?
When shopping around and looking at different types of gold jewelry, you may have noticed that it comes in 14 karat, 18 karat, and 22 karat gold. These different numbers represent the concentration of pure gold that is in the jewelry. The higher the karat number, the more gold in the metal. 24 karat gold is pure gold and a very soft material, making it not an ideal material for jewelry. Other metals get added to make the gold stronger and hold its shape better. 14K and 18K are the most common metal mixtures seen at jewelry stores for their unique combination of durability and shine.
Can gold be different colors?
Pure gold is yellow, and only through the addition of other metals can gold “change” color. For example, rose gold has risen in popularity, but gold never naturally becomes that color. Only through the addition of copper to gold can that rosy hue be achieved. White gold can only be achieved through the same process but with the addition of silver.
What is a rhodium plating?
In order to make white gold appear more clean and take away the golden shine of yellow gold, some people will have their gold jewelry (especially their engagement rings) dipped in rhodium. Not only does this make the jewelry appear brighter, but it also can increase the jewelry’s resistance to wear and tear and keep scratches from developing. For jewelry that gets worn daily, this rhodium plating will not last forever. It can start to tarnish, and it will slowly turn more yellowish over time, having to be replated every couple of years.
Is gold hypoallergenic?
While pure gold should not cause any irritation, because the gold in jewelry is mixed with other metals, it is not considered hypoallergenic. The most common metal that gets mixed with gold is nickel, which around 10 percent of people are allergic to. A hypoallergenic alternative to white gold that our custom jewelry Omaha, NE experts recommend would be titanium or platinum.
How do I know my gold jewelry is real?
Maybe you bought your jewelry from a less than reputable source or have inherited some jewelry from a relative, how do you know if the jewelry is real gold? There are a few options. The first is to look for a stamp in the metal that most jewelry makers use to indicate the gold karat level. Another option is to bring the jewelry pieces to our custom jewelry Omaha, NE experts who can help you to discern the truth.
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Our custom jewelry Omaha, NE experts would love to help answer any other questions you have about gold jewelry and help you pick out your new favorite gold jewelry piece from our collection! Contact us today!
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