Three secrets you should know before buying gold jewels
When buying gold jewelry, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that you are getting a high-quality, authentic piece at a fair price. in this article we are going to talk about Some of the most important secrets to know before buying gold jewelry .
How is the purity of gold jewelry measured?
The purity of gold jewelry is usually measured in karats (K or Kt). 24 karat gold is pure gold, while 18 karat gold is 75% pure gold and contains 25% other metals (such as copper, zinc, nickel, etc.) . The karatage of gold jewelry can also be expressed as a decimal, such as 0.75 for 18 karat gold. In some countries, like USA, gold purity is also measured in fineness, with 24 karat gold being equal to 999.9 parts per thousand pure gold.
What are some common types of gold alloys used in jewelry making?
Some common types of gold alloys used in jewelry making include:
18 Karat gold alloy
It is an alloy of 75% gold and 25% other metals such as copper, zinc, nickel, etc.
14 Karat gold alloy
It is an alloy of 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals, it is the most common type of gold used in the US.
10 Karat gold alloy
It is an alloy of 41.7% gold and 58.3% other metals, and it is the minimum karatage that can legally be called gold in the US.
9 Karat gold alloy
It is an alloy of 37.5% gold and 62.5% other metals, it is commonly used in the UK and other European countries.
22 Karat gold alloy
It is an alloy of 91.6% gold and 8.4% other metals, it is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern jewelry.
It’s worth noting that the color and strength of the gold alloy can vary depending on the type and amount of other metals used.
How can you tell if a piece of gold jewelry is real or fake?
There are several ways to tell if a piece of gold jewelry is real or fake:
Look for a hallmark or stamp
Most real gold jewelry will have a hallmark or stamp indicating the karatage or purity of the gold, such as “14K” or “585” (14 karat gold) or “18K” or “750” (18 karat gold)
Check the weight
Real gold is heavy, so a piece that is significantly lighter than it should be may be fake.
Perform a magnet test
Gold is not magnetic, so if a piece is attracted to a magnet, it is likely not real gold.
Perform an acid test
A jeweler can use acid to test the karatage of the gold. The acid will react differently with different karatages of gold, allowing the jeweler to determine the purity of the gold.
Inspect the color
Real gold has a rich yellow color, while fake gold may have a pale or dull color.
Take it to a professional appraiser
A professional appraiser can use a variety of methods such as X-ray fluorescence or electronic gold tester to determine the authenticity of gold jewelry.
It’s worth noting that some of the methods may not be accurate or reliable, and it’s always best to take your jewelry to a professional appraiser for a definitive answer.
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