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Gold jewelry Sun colored gold jewelry has always held man in awe. From time immemorial, civilizations have fought battles
over gold. Even today, gold jewelry continues to reign supreme. Gold jewelry
is ideal for gifting to someone precious since it symbolizes love and
permanence. Little wonder that wedding rings are made of gold. Gold jewelry
can also serve as good investments. Brides wear gold jewelry as it is
considered a harbinger of good luck and happiness. Read on to find out
about baby jewelry items.
Gold jewelry
Pure gold jewelry is seen as a good investment. The proportion of
gold in the gold jewelry is measured as 'karats' or 'carats'. Pure gold
is 24 carat. The use of alloys hardens the gold and also lends it color.
The European jewelry market is flooded with 18 carat and 14 carat gold
jewelry. 14-carat jewelry is predominant in the US jewelry stores. The
traditional gold markets of India, Middle East and South East Asia concentrate
on 22 carat gold. It is required by law in many countries to stamp all
items of gold jewelry with the carat purity. Many jewelers stamp their
own individual marks. The European Commission is seeking to introduce
a common system for guaranteeing the purity of the gold sold and its compliance
with European norms on quality (EN 29000).
Gold in its purest form cannot withstand abrasions and is usually alloyed
with another metal to lend it strength. Silver, copper, nickel and zinc
are common alloys that are used along with gold. The percentage of alloys
determines its color. Gold is immune to rust and corrosion. The value
of the gold jewelry is based on a number of factors - the purity of the
gold used and the design and construction of the piece of jewelry.
Gold electroplating indicates the deposition of a small quantity of gold upon
another metal by the use of chemicals and electricity. This thickness
is measured in millionths of an inch. Gold plating is common these days.
Gold plated jewelry is one which has a layer of at least 10K gold bonded
to the base metal. The thickness of the plating determines how long it
will last.
Colored gold jewelry
The yellow color of gold is a reaction of the gold absorbing violet
and blue light and reflecting yellow and red light. When people prefer
the color of gold jewelry to retain its yellow gold color, they use yellow
gold alloys. Copper and silver retain the yellow color whereas nickel,
zinc and palladium are used to produce white alloys. Nickel is the cheapest
alloy to be mixed with gold but it is known to cause dermatitis and allergic
reactions in many people. E.C. Regulations insist on nickel-free jewelry
to be sold in the Community. The use of palladium with gold results in
high costs. Fashion jewelry is now being crafted in various hues of gold
- pink, rose and even white. This adds to the variety and range that gold
jewelry can offer. There is something to suit everyone.
Caring for gold jewelry
Remove gold jewelry before entering swimming pools. The chlorine in the
water will erode gold jewelry. The risk of diamonds or other stones falling
out of settings is also high. Keep gold jewelry away from harsh chemicals
like household cleaning fluids as they create abrasions and reduce the
luster of the yellow metal. Cleaning gold jewelry is best done with warm
water and detergent -free soap. Use soft-bristled brush to clean the pieces.
Child jewelry
Baby jewelry is an ideal gift at christenings. Cute babies with carefully
selected baby jewelry are a joy to behold. Some babies have their ears
pierced and can sport gold studded earrings in their tiny earlobes. Kid
jewelry needs to be selected with care since this kind of jewelry is kept
as a keepsake - an heirloom to pass on to future generations. Choosing
baby jewelry with birthstones is a good idea. This can take on the form
of a baby name bracelet or pendants. Isn't it an ideal gift for a little
one on her arrival in this world? Cross pendants and religious lockets
are also popular as child jewelry. Want a small bracelet with your baby's
name on it?
Personalized child jewelry is also possible. Such items are
now available at various jewelry stores, even online ones. A personalized
bracelet bearing the name of the baby is a lovely and personal baby jewelry
gift. If you are seeking more glitter in your baby jewelry, you can go
in for swaraovski crystals, natural gemstones or freshwater pearls. Though
gold is the preferred choice for kid jewelry, sterling silver is also
used.
Jewelry ring
A gold jewelry ring is symbolic of wedding vows - a perfect symbol of
union and togetherness. The jewelry wedding ring represents eternity since
it is a circle and depicts no ends that diverge. Slipped on the third
finger of the bride's left hand, this piece of jewelry - the wedding ring
was a symbol of marriage and love. The bride's preference is paramount
when considering the marriage jewelry ring. If she likes white gold or
platinum, there is no point in selecting even a wonderful diamond set
in yellow gold.
Many prefer contemporary looks while some others like
jewelry ring in a vintage and classic style. You can choose from a solitaire
jewelry ring or a cluster of stones. You can select either an elongated
marquise or classic cut diamond ring. The jewelry ring needs to fit into
the lifestyle of the wearer. A design with sharp points is likely to snag
clothing and is difficult to clean too. You can choose platinum for the
jewelry ring. It is the hardest metal known to man and can be ideal to
symbolize enduring love. Another option for jewelry rings is to choose
precious gems in the settings. You can either go for rubies, sapphires
or emeralds. These precious stones can be complemented by diamonds.
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