Buying Gold Jewelry: Your Complete Guide

Although there are many types of gold, each with a different purity, color, and composition, there are three main types of gold that are used to make jewelry

• The most classic choice and what most people think of when they imagine pure gold is yellow gold. Known for its warm, traditional hue, yellow gold comes in a variety of karats, customarily 24k (pure), 22k, or 18k.
• White gold offers an elegant and modern look with a silvery appearance, which is produced by mixing pure gold with white metals such as silver, nickel, palladium and often rhodium-plated for extra shine. 
• Rose gold has a unique pinkish hue which is created by mixing gold with copper. This gives it a romantic and contemporary appeal. Differences are based on the ratio of gold to copper and whether or not silver is added. Since rose gold contains copper, it is not hypo-allergenic, so be sure you or the recipient will be comfortable wearing it.

• Color: The color of gold can vastly differ in piece. As gold jewelry comes in various colors, such as yellow, white, rose, and green, it is important to select the one that both complements your personal style and budget. 
• Check for Hallmarks: Hallmarking refers to the engravings on a piece of jewelry, this verifies its authenticity and gold content.
• Ethical Sourcing: Ensure that the gold you are buying is ethically sourced and meets industry standards. At James Allen, we uphold the highest ethical standards by partnering with suppliers who share our values and responsibly source our gold. As a signatory of Earthworks’ No Dirty Gold Golden Rules, we ensure our gold meets strict human rights, social, and environmental standards through careful supplier assessment and continuous improvement.
• Know Your Karat: It’s important to understand the karat rating to measure the purity of the gold. Higher karat gold, like 18K or 22K, has more gold content, while lower karats are more durable and typically preferred for everyday wear.
• Weight and Craftsmanship: The weight of a gold jewelry piece plays an essential role in its price and durability. Heavier pieces are generally more valuable and less prone to damage. However, make sure you don’t overlook the craftsmanship, intricately designed gold pieces may come with a higher price tag because of its craftsmanship, but that’s what makes your jewelry truly special and worth every cent.

While the best color gold is the one you love best, there are a few things to consider when it comes to your skin tone. For instance, some metals can clash or complement more than others. As you will be wearing your gold jewelry directly against your skin, it is ideal to select the metal that compliments your complexion.

Related Post: How To Choose The Right Jewelry For Your Skin Tone

If your skin has warm, golden undertones, yellow gold will complement your complexion beautifully, while rose gold is a stunning close second.

If you’re fortunate enough to have an olive skin tone, a perfect blend of warm and cool undertones, you can rock any gold or metal color—you’re guaranteed to shine in them all!

If your skin has pink tones with cool, bluish undertones, white metals like white gold or platinum will be the most flattering for you.

When buying gold jewelry, there is quite a lot of information to take in, which is important to know exactly what you are buying. While gold jewelry comes in several forms, plated gold, gold-fill or solid gold. Knowing the difference between these can affect your final choice, in terms of quality, durability, and value. Here’s what you need. 

Plated Gold 

Gold-plated jewelry involves a process called electroplating, where a thin layer of gold is applied over a base metal to achieve that polished finish. This popular technique, often paired with options like rhodium plating, is widely used in the jewelry world for its blend of beauty and affordability.

However, it’s important to note that gold-plated jewelry typically has minimal resale value, as the gold layer is too thin to be worth reclaiming. The durability and quality of these pieces can also vary depending on the thickness of the gold layer, so it’s worth considering if you’re looking for something long-lasting.

Pure Gold 

Pure gold, also known as 24k gold, is the highest quality of gold available, consisting of 99.9% pure gold with no other metals mixed in. Its rich, deep yellow hue is both luminous and vibrant, making it a true symbol of luxury. When it comes to other gold options, 18k gold is 75% pure, 14k is 58.3% pure, and 10k is 41.7% pure.

As the karat number decreases, more non-gold metals like copper, nickel, and silver are added to create an alloy. Each metal used in the alloy brings unique characteristics in terms of color, weight, and durability. These non-gold metals are generally harder, lighter, and less expensive than gold.

However, pure gold jewelry does come with a few drawbacks. As pure gold is so soft, experts occasionally do not recommend pure gold for everyday wear. This is because It’s easily bent, scratched, and reshaped. Pure gold also has a distinct heavy feel, which might be uncomfortable for regular wear or for people with active lifestyles. 

While both carat and karat are used in jewelry, they refer to different aspects. Carat measures the weight, or size, of your natural or lab grown diamond, while karat indicates the purity of gold—the higher the number, the purer the gold. For example, 18K gold is purer than 14K. Since 24K gold is the purest form, anything less than 24K is considered an alloy, meaning it’s a mixture of various metals.

So, a gold piece of diamond jewelry will have both karat and carat measurements.

It’s important to check the karat of the gold before purchasing. Regardless of the piece or its age, the listing should clearly state the gold content and its fineness. Transparency is key to finding your perfect piece.

Understanding the purity of the gold jewelry you’re buying is crucial. This ensures you know its true value and that you’re paying a fair price. At James Allen, we provide clear details on gold purity to guarantee that your jewelry is authentic and meets all industry standards.

However, if you still have doubts, you can simply check the purity of the gold jewelry you’re buying yourself. All you need to do is look for the markings on your piece. Different countries have different markings on their gold jewelry. If you’re not sure of what they mean, you can take it to a jeweler or an expert and they will tell you the purity of your gold jewelry item in an instant. 

When purchasing gold jewelry, trust is everything. Ensure you’re buying from a reputable jeweler with a commitment to quality and honesty. It’s recommended to look for a jeweler that offers detailed information on gold purity, craftsmanship, and ethical sourcing, so you can shop with confidence. A reputable jeweler will also provide certifications and guarantees, giving you peace of mind that your gold jewelry is genuine. 

Buying Gold Jewelry In-Store

When it comes to purchasing gold jewelry, for some people there’s something special about shopping in-store. Experiencing the weight, color, and craftsmanship of each piece first hand allows you to truly appreciate the quality and detail. In-person shopping also offers the opportunity to consult with knowledgeable experts who can guide you through your options, ensuring you find the perfect piece that matches your style and preferences. 

Buying Gold Jewelry Online 

Purchasing gold jewelry online offers convenience and a world of choices right at your fingertips. For instance, at JamesAllen.com, we provide detailed images, 360-degree HD views, and comprehensive descriptions that allow you to explore a wide range of styles and designs from the comfort of your home.

You can also compare prices, read customer reviews, and take advantage of exclusive offers to ensure you get the best value. Plus, with flexible payment options and hassle-free returns, buying gold jewelry online at James Allen is a stress-free, enjoyable experience that makes finding your perfect piece easier than you think.