Gold 101: Facts, Tips, and Favorite Products

July 18, 2011 | By | Reply More

We’re a jewelry company so it’s easy to see we take gold seriously. Even down to the company name, gold stands front-and-center. But what is so special about gold? What makes it a precious metal? Of all the metals on earth, what sets gold apart? Read on for an introduction to gold and its many uses and properties.

Gold isn’t simply a thing we treasure today. People have been mining and using gold for thousands of years! The Bible makes frequent reference to gold as an item of highest standard and value. But the Bible is clear that the beauty and value of gold will never equal the wisdom that comes from the Word of God itself. This is true treasure. As it says in Psalm 19: the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Answers to a few common questions about gold:

What is a carat? In order to understand gold values, a little instruction on carats is in order. Carat is an indicator of how much pure gold is present in relation to alloy. 24k gold is pure gold, while 12k gold would be 50% pure gold and 50% alloy. However in jewelry making, you will most commonly see 14k and 18k gold. The more pure gold present, the higher the worth of the item.

Besides jewelry, what else is gold used for? Because of its ductility and resistance to corrosion, gold is a versatile metal with a multitude of uses and applications. Gold has been used for currency, and still plays an important role in setting the value of money. Gold provides fillings for teeth, is used in electronics and automobile parts, can be made into thread for embroidery, and glitters over the tops of foods and baked goods in the form of gold flake and gold dust. Some health practitioners have even identified the medicinal properties of gold.

Is white gold real gold? White gold is most definitely real gold! While gold is naturally a yellowish tone, you will easily find gold in various colors such as ‘white’ (silvery in appearance) or ‘rose’ (reddish). The color of the gold depends largely on the alloy metals used. In the case of white gold, pure gold is alloyed with palladium to give the metal its lustrous appearance. Rose gold contains higher levels of copper, coloring it a reddish hue. Even traditional yellow gold is alloyed with metals to bring out the rich, shiny golden color you are used to seeing.

Is gold the most durable metal? While gold is not the most durable of the precious metals (platinum is), gold has been revered for centuries as a precious metal that stands up to wear and tear. It remains the most popular metal used in the crafting of wedding bands and engagement rings. While gold in pure form is naturally a softer metal, the higher percentage of alloy, the more durable it becomes. Thus a 14k gold ring will be stronger than 18k gold because there is a greater quantity of alloy. However, many consumers will still opt for 18k, desiring more pure gold. When selecting your wedding band, you will want to consider factors such as your level of manual activity, as well as your budget (the higher the carat number, the higher the price). This will help you to select the ring you’ll love, and that will suit your needs, for years to come.

And a few of our favorite pieces that display the unique beauty of gold:

Two-Halves One Flesh Wedding Band Ring. This unique wedding band (above left) is made of two-tone 14k gold. White gold meets yellow gold in one design that symbolizes the coming together of man and woman in marriage, making one flesh. Measuring 7mm, this unique ring is suited for both men and women.

Love Knot Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold. These delightful stud earrings (above right) make a great gift—perfect for a young woman’s first piece of fine jewelry, or to add to the collection of a mature woman! Perfect in size and charming in shape, these 14k gold knots will be an everyday favorite.

14k Gold Crucifix Pendant. This detailed and ornate pendant features the body of Jesus on the cross, surrounded by an engraved leaf design. Crafted of 14k solid yellow gold, the pendant measures 1¼” and can be purchased with a matching gold box chain. A precious and powerful remembrance of God’s most valuable gift!

 

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Category: Jewelry Tips

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