What to Look for When Shopping for Gold Jewelry

Yellow gold is continuing to make its swing back into popularity, and I know many of you are shopping for that golden gift this season! I want to equip you with the right info so you know what you are paying for.

·       Hollow VS Solid: You will see this the most in regards to chains. When you pick up a gold chain that looks like it should be heavy, and it is lightweight, that is probably because the links are hollow, much like a wrapping paper tube.  The price should reflect a much lower price than a solid gold chain, and it is not that you are getting a “better deal,” but it is because the gold weight is much less. Hollow chains do not hold up well in the long run because once it gets bent, there is no bringing it back to proper form.  They also do not solder well once the chain is broken, and you end up with a blob.  I don’t recommend them!

·       Gold Vermeil: Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is essentially a form of gold plating, but has specific parameters, like sterling silver base of jewelry and 2.5 microns minimum gold plating.  It wears a longer time before the vermeil wears off.

·       Gold Plating: Gold plating doesn’t have parameters. It usually is an inexpensive metal dipped in gold with no requirement of thickness, therefore, it is often thin, and the plating comes off with regular wear fairly quick. 

·       Gold Filled: While gold filled jewelry doesn’t have base metal parameters, it is required for the gold layer to be at least 5% of the total content. That means it is a much heavier layer and will last a longer than the others.

·       Karat: 10kt, 14kt, and 18kt tell you how much gold content is in your piece. The higher the gold content (18kt has 75% gold), the higher the price will be.

I would love to help you with jewelry this holiday season! Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:

• One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)

• Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)

• Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 28 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)

Learn more about me and my process: www.AngelaCisneros.com 

Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.AngelaCisneros.com/book-appointment