Since ancient times, gold jewelry has been a prized and valued commodity.  The earliest evidence of gold jewelry dates back to the Ancient Egyptians, around 3000 BCE and the Ancient Mesopotamians, around 2600 BCE.  Jewelry was fashioned as amulets for religious and protection purposes, for ornamentation, as a symbol of wealth and as an investment. 

Due to its enduring quality and its beauty, gold jewelry has lost none of its perceived value in the ensuing centuries.  Here are 7 things you should know to help you when you purchase and store gold jewelry.

1. Pure gold is 24 karats; however, 24 karat gold is a soft metal, too soft for jewelry making.  Gold is generally mixed with just enough other elements, usually copper, or silver, to give it the strength needed for every day use, but still maintaining its traditional luster.  18k and 14k gold are most commonly used in jewelry making.
2. When assessing gold, we speak of karate, with a k.  This terminology is distinct from carats, with a c, which is a measurement used for the weight of precious stones. 
3. If you think of a karat as a fraction, then pure 24k gold = 24/24.  18k gold = 18/24, or 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals.  In other words, anything stamped 18k gold should be 75% gold.  14k gold is approximately 60% gold and 40% other metals.    
4. In the United States, for an item to be called gold, it must be at least 10 karats.
5. Pure gold, 24 karats, will not tarnish.  Usually, 18k, since it is 75% gold, will not tarnish either.  14k gold, however, can dull and tarnish, without care. 
6. Gold can be designed in different colors, depending upon the additional alloys used.  Yellow gold is usually a combination of gold and copper and silver.  Pink, or red gold is usually gold with the addition of copper.  White gold can be a combination of gold with nickel, zinc, platinum and silver.
7. Gold jewelry can get nicked and scratched over years of use.  This will generally add to its heirloom quality, however, it is a good idea to protect your investment.  Wrap your gold jewelry in a soft cloth and keep each piece separate from other pieces of jewelry in your jewelry case.  To inhibit tarnishing, you might like to place your wrapped 14k gold jewelry into a sealed plastic bag. 

Ann Collins

www.brightwatercove.com