The Ins and Outs of Buying Gold Jewelry: A Beginner’s Guide

Published: Thu, Mar 09, 2023
Reading Time: 4 Minutes
buying gold jewelry

You walk into a jewelry store and you’re blinded by the shimmer of diamonds and the shine of gold. There’s so much to choose from that not getting bamboozled by it all is nearly impossible. And we get that. Buying fine gold jewelry can be a big deal for someone who is purchasing their first piece. Be it a pair of small gold-plated earrings or a statement piece made in solid gold, there are some things a buyer must know before investing in it.

There are some things, including the purity, type of gold, and so much more that you should know before jumping onto the designs. This will allow you to pick the piece that suits you best and help you make an intelligent investment.

What You Should Know When Buying Gold Jewelry

Let’s review the fundamentals of buying fine gold jewelry in a little more detail.

Knowing the Purity

gold jewelry karat

Image courtesy: Ken&Dana Design

It is essential to know the purity of the gold jewelry that you’re buying. This way, you can know its true worth and be sure that you’re paying the right price for the jewelry item. It also tells you that your gold jewelry is authentic and in line with the standards set by the government of your country.

This is done because pure gold is not always used to craft jewelry. Most of the gold jewelry items are made using alloys of gold and other metals such as copper, silver, or nickel. The purity of gold jewelry can range from 10K, which is a mix of 41.7% gold and other metals, to 24K, which is 99.9% gold.

It is simple to check the purity of the gold jewelry you’re buying. 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. 

What Type of Gold is it?

type of gold jewelry

Image courtesy: Pixnio

Now that you know how pure the bracelet that you liked is, you must know what kind of gold it is made from. And if you’re unaware of the types of gold, here’s a quick rundown.

Gold jewelry is of different types. These include – gold-plated, vermeil, gold-filled, and solid gold.

  • Gold-plated jewelry is made using a base metal which is plated with a thin layer of gold. The biggest pro of gold-plated jewelry is the low cost.
  • Vermeil gold is similar to gold-plated jewelry. It is crafted by plating a thicker layer of gold as compared to gold-plated jewelry, on pure or sterling silver.
  • Gold-filled jewelry has a thick layer of gold on top of a base metal. The gold content of gold-filled jewelry is about 100 times more than gold-plated jewelry.
  • Last comes solid gold, which is made entirely using a gold alloy. They are very long-lasting and can prove to be a great investment.

Knowing what type of gold is used to craft your piece is essential. It can tell you about the life of your piece, if it is safe to wear for your skin type or not, and can tell you the true value of your gold jewelry item. This can assist you in finding gold jewelry that complements your style and is ideal for your needs.

What Are You Looking For?

gold jewelry

Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Trying to find a piece that can stay with you all the time? Or going for a one-time look that needs a bit more glitter?

If you’re going for the former, you’ll require jewelry made using gold that can withstand daily wear and tear. For that, you’ll need something that can hold its shine for a long time. So, going with gold-filled or vermeil jewelry is your best bet. Gold-filled jewelry can offer you the long-lasting shine of solid gold at a much lesser cost. Vermeil, on the other hand, will wear, giving your piece an aged jewelry look. You can always get your vermeil re-plated with a layer of gold and bring back the shine.

But if you’re going for the latter, going with gold-plated jewelry might be the right choice. Gold-plated jewelry is inexpensive, so you have lots of options and room for experimentation. You can explore different designs and pair them with different outfits to find the perfect match.

If you’re aiming to invest in an heirloom piece that can stay in the family, you can go all in and buy solid gold jewelry, embellished with diamonds and colored gemstones that can retain their color and shine for a long time.

What Is Your Color?

 gold jewelry color

Image courtesy: rawpixel

If you’re not a fan of traditional yellow-gold jewelry, there are other interesting colors you can turn to. White gold is one of the alternatives, which is created by mixing gold with palladium or platinum. Its lustrous yet subtle shine can perfectly amp up your minimal look. White gold can be a great choice for a ring or a bracelet. Another alternative to yellow gold jewelry is rose gold. Rose gold is made by mixing gold with copper and silver. The warm and elegant color adds to the sparkle of the gemstones and creates a modern and sophisticated look.

There are other types of gold that are not very common but can make up for an interesting look. These include blue gold, made using gold and iron, or purple gold, made by mixing gold with aluminum.

Know How To Take Care of Your Jewelry

You must know how to take care of your gold jewelry if you want its shine to last a long time. This includes regularly checking the prongs that hold the diamond or gemstone, cleaning jewelry using the right methods to avoid damaging the polish or shine, putting jewelry on after applying makeup, and storing pieces individually wrapped in a muslin cloth and placed in plastic containers.

taking care of gold jewelry

Image courtesy: wikiHow 

Pick Something That Goes With Your Vibe

Once you know the type of gold used and its purity, it all comes down to your preferences. Fine gold jewelry can be a way to express your personal style and taste. Be it a ring, bracelet, or choker, the right piece of gold jewelry can make you feel beautiful and confident. So, investing in a piece that makes you feel pretty while lifting up your look is a must. Find the jewelry that goes with your vibe and is an extension of your personality.

We advise you to start looking for your gold jewelry now. You never know when and where you might find ‘the one’. Right?

Indian bridal jewelry has long been synonymous with the dazzle of polki, the traditional uncut diamond style. The shimmering brilliance of polki has adorned brides for generations, creating an aura of grandeur and opulence. However, the world of traditional Indian bridal jewelry goes beyond polki, offering a diverse array of choices. Nestled among carefully woven designs, these gemstones are the driving force of the kaleidoscopic hues of Indian bridal jewelry. Today, we will take a deep dive into the enchanting world of gemstones, offering not only aesthetic beauty but also cultural and symbolic significance.

share:

Read more from our journal

Jhumkas to Chandbaalis: Indian Earring Styles That Are Bollywood Approved!
It is a truth now universally acknowledged that earrings are indispensable to Indian jewelry. From the dainty and min... read more
5 Minutes
Must-Haves Statement Earrings in Your Indian Wedding Jewelry Collection
The glittering diamonds have gracefully weaved their way into the heart of Indian bridal jewelry amidst the allure an... read more
5 Minutes
Bridal Stylists Share Their Top Styling Tips for Chokers
Adorned with jewelry from head to toe, an Indian bride truly embodies the epitome of elegance. Gracefully carrying th... read more
4 Minutes
How a Bridal Stylist Guides You to Wedding Jewelry Perfection
A wedding is a celebration of love, a day when dreams take flight, and emotions run high. It’s a culmination of dream... read more
3 Minutes
How Gemstones Add Vibrance to Your Indian Bridal Jewelry
Renowned for its exquisite beauty and vibrant hues, Indian bridal jewelry is a mesmerizing embodiment of age-old trad... read more
4 Minutes
Master the Art of Indian Bridal Jewelry Styling With This Guide
The air is filled with the aroma of sumptuous food, the venue decorated with flowers and drapes, happy faces decked u... read more
2 Minutes
The Amdavad Trail: Experiencing the Jewel of a City in Its Most Unfiltered Essence
Aurus Amdavad Trail - an experience curated to share the pulse of this 600 year old lived city for 30 special guests ... read more
3 Minutes
These Navaratna Indian Bridal Jewelry Pieces Will Add the Wow Factor to Your Look!
For centuries, India has been renowned for its intricate adornments that transcend mere ornamentation, serving as pow... read more
4 Minutes
Want Hassle-Free Wedding Jewelry Shopping? Hire a Bridal Stylist!
Weddings mean endless joy, a number of festivities, and of course shopping. Wedding shopping is a whirlwind of excite... read more
3 Minutes
Heavy or Minimal? Tips To Choose Indian Bridal Jewelry That Speaks to You
When striving to create a captivating Indian bridal jewelry look for your special day, you might ponder on the delica... read more
4 Minutes
Jewels of Tradition: The Perfect Indian Bridal Jewelry Gifts for Your Daughter’s Big Day
A woman’s wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most important days of her life. But there’s one person for whom this... read more
3 Minutes
Hiring a Bridal Stylist? Here Is What You Should Ask
When it comes to planning a wedding, every detail matters. From the venue to the flowers, each element contributes to... read more
3 Minutes
3 Dazzling Earrings That Are the Ultimate Indian Wedding Jewelry Game Changers
Indian weddings are a vibrant celebration of love, tradition, and grandeur, where every detail is meticulously crafte... read more
4 Minutes
Your Guide to the Perfect Indian Bridal Jewelry: Minimalist Bride Edition
The modern Indian bride is different. She’s independent, fearless, and knows what she wants. She expresses herself fr... read more
4 Minutes
These Diamond Necklaces Will Complete Your Indian Bridal Jewelry Collection
The undeniable beauty of diamond necklaces makes them an essential element in the bridal trousseau. But so many beaut... read more