Gold Jewelry
Throughout the ages, gold has been revered as the most precious of metals and was used as gifts of adoration. The beauty of the metal is equaled only by its malleability. Goldsmiths love working with it because gold can be fabricated and shaped in many ways, through casting, die striking, hammering, electroforming, or even spun in fine threads to be woven like fabric.
Gold is also the ultimate in recycled elegance: all the gold ever mined is still in use and is constantly being melted down and reshaped into new forms. Because gold is an inert metal, it does not rust (oxidize) or mix easily with other elements, which is why it does not need a great deal of refining to be reused. Only an estimated 100,000 tons of gold have been mined during all of history!
When you buy a piece of gold jewelry look for the karat mark. This is very important as it indicates the pure gold content of the piece of jewelry. Because pure 24-karat gold is generally too soft for jewelry, gold is alloyed with other less expensive metals to increase its durability and define it’s color.
The other metals give gold more durability, and can produce a variety of colors. For example, gold alloyed with copper gets a fine rose or pink tone; gold alloyed with silver, copper and zinc produces green gold. And the white gold so popular in fashion now is created using nickel or palladium, zinc and copper.
Jewelry made of 18-karat gold is 18/24ths, or three-quarters, pure gold and is stamped .750 or 18KT. Fourteen-karat gold, the standard in the United States, is 14/24ths gold or 58.5%. It is most often stamped 14KT. Gold content less than 10-karat cannot be sold as gold in the United States.
The price of gold jewelry is based not just on the weight and karatage of the gold, but on other factors as well, such as the design and craftsmanship. A price based entirely on gram weight does not take into consideration the workmanship or design expertise that went into the piece. Important factors in the value and price of a piece of gold jewelry include the article's design and quality of construction as well as weight and purity of the gold.
Look for gold jewelry to be smooth and seamless, free of tool marks, solder marks, and porosity from casting. Inspect pin backs and earring posts for strong attachments and in gold chains, look for uniform links with clean finishes that lay flat, secure clasps that work easily.
Fine quality gold jewelry will last more than one lifetime and can be passed on to future generations. To always look its best, gold needs just a minimum of care.
Keep pieces separated in a fabric-lined box or wrapped in a soft cloth.
Avoid putting gold in contact with harsh chemicals.
Clean pieces periodically by following the directions on a commercial jewelry cleaner.
Bring it to a jeweler for inspection and steam cleaning at least once per year.
Thomas Michaels Designers are committed to conducting all phases of its operations in the most ethically, environmentally, and socially responsible manner possible. The companies from which we purchase our gold maintain policies and procedures, which require social and environmental responsibility on the part of their suppliers.
We are green manufacturers and have signed onto the “No Dirty Gold” Campaign.
Gold Bands with Diamonds