When it comes to choosing jewelry, there are many different styles and materials to choose. One of the more popular and valued materials is gold, but even within that category there are choices. Yellow gold has been around for a long time with various levels like 10K, 14K, etc. In more recent years, white gold and rose gold have also started showing up in jewelry store cases. Deciding which type of gold is best for your needs can seem a little daunting, but here is a quick guide on the different types of gold.
Yellow Gold
The most traditional form of jewelry is yellow gold. It is known for its rich yellow color. Gold is a soft metal that does not typically withstand wear well in its purest form. To help counter this problem, it is combined with a mixture of other metals to give it strength.
When most people talk about gold, they reference it in karats, which is the measure of how pure the mixture is of gold to other metals. A piece of 24 karat gold means it is just pure gold, no other metals mixed in. Most jewelers carry pieces that are 18 karat, 14 karat gold, and 10 karat gold.
Caring for a yellow gold piece of jewelry is simple. Have it professionally cleaned every now and then or buy yourself a bottle of gold cleaning solution from a jeweler. Rub the piece with cleaner according to package directions, but be sure to use a soft, dry cloth to avoid scratching the ring.
White Gold
White gold has a white/silver look, more like a platinum with a more affordable price tag. White gold is not a straight form of gold. Instead, it is a mixture of more durable metals such as nickel, zinc, and copper. This plating mixture goes over the gold. White gold started gaining popularity in the 1920s but has more recently been more popular among brides, making it even more common to see in a jewelry store.
The care that goes into white gold is simple. Cleaning and polishing it helps maintain a smooth appearance and buff up the brightness. Depending on use, you might need to re-plate the piece every 5-10 years too. Many people will do this for specific anniversaries of when they were given the piece of jewelry, commonly graduation, weddings, birthdays, or baptisms.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is a unique and fun variation on the traditional yellow gold. It has a lovely pinkish hue that gives a subtle difference to the personality of a piece of jewelry. This hue comes from copper in the gold. If there is a lot of copper, it is called red gold.
The care and maintenance of rose gold is just like yellow or white gold. It should be cleaned and buffed to maintain its shiny appearance. If you clean it at home, use a gold cleaner and rub it with a soft, dry cloth and do not let it air dry.
Making the Choice
Ultimately, the choice of gold is all personal preference. Some people just are drawn to the look of one color of gold. Some choices that may steer your choice is the skin tone of the person wearing the jewelry or the current trends in fashion, but even those fall short when it comes to personal preference. There are no answers for what is right or wrong for a person.
We’re always here to help on the phone or in person at our south Texas jewelry store. Take a look through our options of name necklaces, custom rings, and more to find what suits you best. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and allow us to help your find the gold piece that is just right for you.
2 Responses
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Reading your article helped me a lot and I agree with you. But I still have some doubts, can you clarify for me? I’ll keep an eye out for your answers.