Finding the Right Gold for You
Buying fine jewelry is an investment, and like other investments, it pays to do some homework. Since gold is used to create many of the jewelry styles worn today, it is important to know about the colors, karat weights, and whether your gold jewelry is genuine.
Let’s take a look at the gold karat options, colors of gold available, and the ways to distinguish real gold from fake. From there, you can have confidence in your jewelry purchase.
Gold Karat – What Does It Mean?
Jewelry is rarely made with pure 24 karat gold. And there is no single type or karat of gold used to create gold jewelry. Other metals are added to gold to improve its strength and resilience.
Gold purity, also called gold karat or karat weight, is a key factor when choosing a piece of jewelry. The most common carat levels are 18K gold, 14K gold, and 10K gold. Each karat weight has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider these options when choosing a gold karat weight.
The Colors of Gold
Yellow: Yellow gold is the most common shade and is used to create most jewelry.
White: White gold is another popular color. It gets its color from the addition of palladium, zinc, copper, tin, and manganese.
Rose: Rose gold gets its striking and unique color from the addition of copper and silver.
Other Colors: While gold can be created in green, grey, purple, blue and other colors, it is generally not used in jewelry, except as an accent. It is rare to find an entire piece of jewelry made from these alternate colors of gold.
Is Your Gold Real?
So, you have decided on the color and karat weight, but you are concerned about not getting the real deal. How do you tell the difference between genuine and fake gold? Here are our top five methods to determine if your gold is real.
- The Hallmark Test
Think of hallmarks as the industry stamp of approval. Common locations for hallmarks include the inside of a ring or a tag by the clasp of a necklace. Once you’ve discovered the mark, use this chart to see if your gold is real. - The Float Test
Yes, gold will sink or swim! Pure gold and gold alloy are heavy and have a higher density. Simply place your gold piece into a cup with water. Did it sink to the bottom? Then it’s genuine gold. Did it float or hover in the water? Then there’s a good chance it’s fake or gold-plated. - The Magnet Test
For this test, you will need a stronger-than-average magnet. The magnet will attract fake gold due to the simple fact that gold is not magnetic. However, some of the base metals that are alloyed with gold are not magnetic, so do this test with another for a more accurate read. - The Skin Text
Hold your gold jewelry in your hands for a few minutes. If the perspiration from your hands reacts with the metal and changes the color of your skin, then it’s most likely not gold. - The Vinegar Test
Apply a few drops of pure vinegar to your jewelry in an inconspicuous place and let it sit for about fifteen minutes. Rinse with water and gently dry it. Real gold will shine, and fake gold will change colors.
Of course, the best way to tell if gold is real or not is to have it evaluated by a reputable expert. Zales is at your service! Simply book an appointment with one of our jewelry experts.
Shop Smart
Knowing about colors, karat weights, and how to test it will give you welcome peace of mind in investing in gold jewelry. Of course, the easiest way to find quality gold jewelry is to go to a known and trusted jeweler like Zales. With well over 100 years of jewelry expertise, you’re sure to find a variety of gold jewelry styles you are certain to love.