Thursday, June 29, 2006

Pearl Gold Bracelet

A pearl gold bracelet can look really beautiful if it is done right. Getting the right pearl is important and ensuring it fits in well with the gold bracelet.

A good quality bracelet is important, 14 or `18 karat gold is good because it is not too soft and is sturdy enough o be worn every day if required. 14 Karat gold would be about 55 percent gold and the balance silver, palladium or some other harder metal to give durability. 18 Karat gold would have about 85 percent gold and the rest metal. 22 and 24 karat gold would probably be too soft to wear so much and such bracelets should really be reserved for special occasions when they are not worn very often.

Pearls come in a diverse range of types and sizes and qualities. From the romantic black pearls of the south seas to the shiny lustrous freshwater pearls and famous akoya pearls from the orient.

Much information on pearls and choosing them can be found at All About Pearls where information on the various types can be found.

Do ensure that if you are looking for a pearl gold bracelet that you do lots of window shopping and checking around at what is available. Ask lots of question and really get to know what is available. There is nothing like due diligence when it comes to buying something that can be quite expensive.

Maintaining a pearl gold bracelet is important, especially if you are wearing it a lot. The gold and other metals and even the pearl can be subject to an amazing range of oils, creams, perfumes and body fluids, many of which can react adversely to the bracelet. It pays to keep it in good condition. A wash in warm soapy water and well rinsed to get off any grime and then well dried will help to keep it in good condition.

Keeping in mind the above will help to ensure that you have a pearl gold bracelet that lasts for a lifetime and gives you great pleasure!

Monday, June 26, 2006

Sell Gold Jewellery

Sometimes the time comes to sell gold jewellery. Either through misfortune or just because one has lost interest in a piece.

This is where some people are in for a shock. Generally jewellery does not sell well second hand. One does not get the same value from diamonds or gems, for example, as one originally paid for them. Indeed, unless one has got a proper certificate of appraisal from an independent laboratory then one might even find the diamond one purchased is not up to scratch so to speak.

The gold in the gold jewellery may hold its price, especially as gold has risen so well of late. But unless it is 18 karat or more, there will be little gold in a ring or pendant to make it worth while selling.

Solid gold rings will fair well of course but you do need to know the karat quality of the ring. 14 karat is about 55 percent gold and the rest other metals added for hardness. Less than 14 karat will be much less than half gold content. A 22 or 24 karat gold ring will fair much better and you will likely get close to the current value of gold at the time you sell it.

Where to sell?

Firstly it is a good idea to get the piece properly valued. Find out exactly what it IS worth. Before you start looking around to sell it.

A jeweller will not give you the best price. After all he wants to sell it, not wear it! So he will want to make at least 30 percent if he sells it or trades it in to another jeweller.

A private sale would likely net you the best price, provided you know the value and what to ask.

An auction is also a good way to sell jewellery. You take a chance that the jewellery may not be popular and the bids may be low. If you think that may happen then you can set a reserve price to ensure you get what you believe you should get for it.

Of course if no one agrees with you then the reserve price may not be met and no sale occurs but you are still up for the cost of the auction.

All these factors need to be weighed in and considered. Even the thought, “Is it worth selling?”.

If you want to sell gold jewellery you will need to do some due diligence and consider the factors above and then you will have a good chance of getting the price you want.

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Gold Plated Jewellery

Gold plated jewellery is commonly available and even popular with many people. Mostly the best one can say about gold plated jewellery is that it is cheap.

It is not as good as solid gold, even the 10 karat gold jewellery as. To start with it is usually a base metal, such as nickel or steel, and the gold plating, regardless of the thickness, will eventually wear away.

Gold plating can be thick or thin, usually thin and it is never 22 or 24 karat but usually 10 ot 14 karat gold. This is actually better as is a bit harder and longer lasting. 10 or 14 karat gold has been mixed with other alloys such as silver, nickel and zinc for example and so is more durable than pure gold which is quite soft and malleable.

But the amount of gold in gold plated jewellery is going to be extremely small and certainly not worth the price one pays for it. It also has virtually no resale value regardless of how much the value of gold increases.

If, for any reason, you find it necessary to buy gold plated jewellery make sure that the gold is an appreciable thickness. It is no good if it becomes worn off after a week or so with use. Also you need at least 14 karat gold and not less otherwise it will hardly even look like gold.

18 and 22 karat gold is ok but it is very unlikely you will ever find that degree of gold in a gold plated jewellery article.

The care and maintenance would be the same as for any gold piece. Wash in warm soapy water and rinse well ensuring that all the soap is fully removed. Then dry fully so no water remains to rust the metal alloys.

However, gold plated jewellery has it's place and can be quite useful, perhaps to replace a more valuable piece for example, so is not entirely bad and it does enable those who are not fortunate enough to be able to own pure gold a substitute.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Fine Gold Jewellery

Fine gold jewellery is or would be fine gold plus other metals to which it is alloyed and any good quality gems as well being crafted quality jewellery.

It tends to be a matter of taste and essentially it is really a matter of quality.

Find gold is the term used to describe gold in it’s purest form, which is to say unalloyed with no additions. This would be 24 karat gold.

The unit of measurement that indicates the quantity of fine gold in a piece of jewelry is the karat. 24 Karat is considered pure gold or 99.99 percent gold. 18 karate gold, on the other hand, contains eighteen parts fine gold and six parts metal.

24 or even 22 karat gold is not really advised for gold jewellery however as gold is too soft and malleable and can wear away easily. The exception is a very fine piece that might only be worn on special or 'state' occassions.

14 and 18 karat gold is considered more suitable for jewellery. 14 karat has around 55 percent gold and 18 karat about 75 percent. The balanced is made up of silver, nickel zinc and other metals to increase the durability and hardness of the gold.

The important thing as far as jewellery is concerned is. Is the gold of good quality and suitable for that type of jewellery? What karat is it?

Is the gold jewellery well made? The clasp and claw settings properly made and not loose. One does not want the gems to shift around and even fall out. Or the clasp to break making it impossible to fit properly.

Such things make the difference between a shoddily made piece of jewellery and a quality piece.

Fine gold jewellery is very nice for a piece that is worn only occasionally or not very often as it will then last. It would not be suitable for every day use.

It should also be well cared for and professionally cleaned. Failing that a warm wash in soapy water, well rinsed and dried will help to keep the oils and contaminants off and the piece in pristine condition.

One should have fine gold jewellery and treasure it for many years to come and, with the above in mind, one can ensure that it lasts for many years.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

White Gold Charm Bracelet

A white gold charm bracelet can look very nice and make a real fashion statement as the right accessory.

White gold is gold that has been mixed or alloyed with other metals such as silver and platinum, for example, and apart from improving its hardness and durability also creates the white gold look that goes so well with other jewellery.

Often white gold is also coated with rhodium to increase its shininess and brilliance as white gold can look a bit dull.

The sort of white gold charm bracelet one would where would depend upon a number of factors.

Price. How much one can afford. This depends of course on ones budget and how much one is prepared to spend.

Size. Chunky or slim or somewhere in between. This might depend on the physical appearance of the wearer.

Style. Of course this is a personal thing and can depend on ones taste as well as how the bracelet looks with various clothes.

Having decided upon a white gold charm bracelet with all the various charms that one prefers, the next thing is to ensure that it is a genuine article. The jeweller should provide you with a certificate to state exactly what the bracelet is and you, for an expensive one, can get this verified at another jewellers This is important for insurance purposes as well as ease of mind.

Maintaining the bracelet is important. Keeping it clean and free from contaminants such as hand and body oils and creams as well as perfumes and strong cleaners. Washing gently in warm soapy water over a bowl is the ideal method and completely drying before wearing again or storing is important. The gold is fairly inert but the other metals mixed in can tarnish if not looked after.

Provided you keep the above in mind it is likely you will have a white gold charm bracelet that will give you pleasure for many years to come.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Gold Belly Button Ring

A gold belly button ring can look very attractive on a person but there are a few important things to consider when venturing forth to have a gold belly button ring inserted.

Firstly one should ensure that the person doing the operation is a professional and has clean and sterile equipment and instruments. Do not use an amateur body piercer as the risk an improperly pierced skin and of subsequent infection can be high.

It is possible to cause scarring and nerve damage if it is incorrectly done. The belly button itself is not pieced, usually the skin just above it. If the piercing looks infected, painful and hot to the touch then seek medical assistance quickly.

Your belly button needs to have the skin for piercing in order to hold the ring flat against the body. An outtie, or belly button that protrudes, is not suitable for a gold belly button ring as the ring will stick out and look unattractive. Most people choose a vertical piercing that enters the top of the belly button inside and exits thorough the skin above

Once youhave had a body piercing, and this applies to any body piercing not just belly buttons, one should wash it gently twice a day and with a diluted salt solution and soap with antibacterial ingredients. It should be rinsed thoroughly and gently dried to remove all moisture.

The jewellery can be affected by body oils, perfumes, and other chemicals so it does need to be kept clean.

A gold belly button ring can take up to 1 to 2 years to completely heal depending on how it is treated.

Pregnancy can affect the gold belly button ring and you can leave it in up until the belly swells, around the 5th or 6th month usually. Then you will need to either remove it or change the size.

To remove the gold belly button ring it is recommended that you visit the shop where you had the original done and have them remove it and, if required, replace with a different one.

If your piercing is new you will most likely be wearing a captive bead ring. I suggest going back to the shop you got the piercing at and ask them to remove it and replace it with your new body jewelry. If your belly button piercing is healed then wash your hands, your navel and the new body jewelry that you will be inserting. Next unscrew the ball that is in your piercing and pull the barbell down and out, then insert your new body jewelry into your piercing from the inside of the belly button up and out and screw the ball on.

Keeping in mind the above points will help you enjoy your gold belly button ring for many years to come.

Friday, June 16, 2006

Gold Heart Pendant

Many people wear a gold heart pendant and it is a very popular way of wearing gold and perhaps having a keepsake enclosed inside.

Most gold heart pendants are 10 to 14 karat gold with the occasionally 18 karat gold. Because it is worn quite a bit it is not such a good idea to have one that is more pure such as 22 and 24 karat gold. Gold is a soft metal and easy to wear away with constant use and also be affected by the various oils, creams, soaps and perfumes put on the skin.

The 14, 18 and lesser karat gold is usually mixed or alloyed with silver, nickel and other metals to increase their durability and help the piece to last longer. This make it ideal for jewellery which is being worn very frequently or for long periods of time.

It needs to be well looked after however and cleaned on a regular basis. Warm soapy water rinsed well and completely dried periodically will help to keep your gold heart pendant in good condition.

There is a big variety of gold heart pendant s to be worn so it is a matter of taste and what sort of fashion statement you want to make in selecting a gold heart pendant that suits you.

Some people prefer a very small gold heart pendant but others will go for a really big one or perhaps something in between. Even with a simple thing like this it is a good idea to take some time to select carefully so that you pick the best one and also for the best price.

Sometimes, if you scout around, you can find something that suits you for less than you expect.

Putting some effort into locating t\just the right gold heart pendant will ensure you get great satisfaction from it for years to come.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Gold Coin Ring

Some people like a gold coin ring. There are various types of gold coin ring available with different coins. Obviously the coins contained with the ring would need to be fairly small. The silver dollar would be too large of course.

Such rings would include a one twenty fifth of an ounce gold coin or a British sixpence or small silver coin for example.

Gold coin rings have been around for many years and there is some thought that they originated as signet rings or even originally as seal rings.

A seal ring is a ring with a crest engraved on it in reverse and which is used to impress wax on sealing an envelope or letter. It was used to signify that the letter came from the individual, usually of royalty or of a family house,.

Gold coin rings today are worn as decoration more than anything else and the original meaning has really become redundant.

The important things today about gold coin rings is to ensure that the coin is genuine and the ring is as described in terms of it’s gold content and value.

Also that the ring is properly looked after to ensure it lasts well.

It is a good idea to ensure the ring is at least 14 karat gold. That means the ring would be about 55 percent gold and the rest silver, nickel and perhaps platinum or bronze. This increases the hardness and therefore durability of the ring. A lower karat level would mean less gold and therefore less value. A higher karat level means that the ring is going to be softer and more malleable and easy to scratch.

The coin should also be verified as genuine and a certificate even should be obtained.

Maintaining the ring is best done by not wearing it constantly as it would then be subject to the various chemicals associated with the hands in their daily activities. The gold itself may be fairly inert but many of the other metals such as silver, nickel etc, are not and can be corroded by various chemicals, such as detergents, bleaches, sweat, perfumes, hand creams and others. Washing in warm soapy water, rinsing well and drying completely is the best method if keeping the ring clean and in good condition. Storing separately from other jewellery, especially gems, will protect them from scratches and nicks.

If the above is kept in mind them your gold coin ring will most likely last and give you a lifetime of pleasure.

Friday, June 09, 2006

Gold Nugget Ring

A gold nugget ring is simply a gold ring that has either a nugget set in or on it or a nugget contained within a container set in or on the ring.

Although the ring may be of a lesser karat, such as 14 or 18 karat, the nugget, to be considered genuine, should be 24 karat or very close to.

There is no such thing as real pure 100 percent gold. There are always impurities so the term 99.99 percent pure is used. 24karat gold is considered 99.99 percent pure gold.

Mostly the nuggets are soldered to the ring so you do need to ensure that they are soldered correctly and not likely to come away at some later stage.

It is important that gold nugget rings are treated with care also so the solder domes not corrode or decay. This can happen if say, for example, bleach is used to clean the ring. The bleach can oxidize many metals including that which is use to solder or weld two metals together. In addition if the ring itself is only 14 or 18 carat, this means there are other metals mixed in with the gold and these can be affected by the bleach also.

A gold nugget ring should be gently cleaned over a big bowl with warm soapy water, rinsed really well to remove any soapy residue and completely dried with a gentle blower to remove all moisture.

Some of the gold nugget rings can look really fantastic and can also be quite expensive. It pays to be patient and shop around to find the ring that really appeals to you and is within your budget. Some rings might have more than one nugget contained therein and these can be really tiny. Look at what the weight of the gold is.

Ensure you find out what the karat of the ring is also so you can find out what gold is contained. A 14 karat ring is usually just over fifty percent gold with some silver, nickel and other metals to increase durability so the ring will tend to last well.

The gold nuggets, being pure gold are softer and more malleable so ensure you maintain your gold nugget ring well to keep it in good condition and it will last you for many years.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Antique Gold Jewellery

Usually one finds genuine antique gold jewellery at auctions or from deceased estates. There are dealers on the net however who offer ‘antique gold jewellery’ but it is difficult to be able to say of these offerings are genuine or now.

Particularly as the origins are not given but probably more the fact that almost any jewellery can be fabricated. If omega watches can be ‘created’ then almost certainly antique gold jewellery can be too.

So when it comes to buying antique gold jewellery it can be a matter of what you actually want and how much you want to pay for it.

First of course you would decide upon what you want, Genuine or something that looks genuine. The you would establish your budget. Then you would look for something that fits within your budget. It is a good idea to seek at the top end of your budget so you get the best possible piece you can afford.

Spend some time looking around, becoming familiar with antique gold jewellery and what is available. Perhaps go to a few auctions either in person or online to establish what is available, how well it sells and what prices are being paid.

There is nothing quite like gaining a good familiarity with the area you are going to buy in to help get the best piece for the best price.

Having gotten something you are satisfied with you might like to consider insurance. This will depend largely on the value of the piece. Old gold is usually 22 or 24 carat and may contain some valuable gems and diamonds as well as have a possible antique value so should be appraised by an independent valuer for insurance purposes. Especially if it contains diamonds which may be worth quite a bit.

You will want to keep the piece in good condition of course so a professional clean may be the order of the day. You can keep your jewellery in good condition by washing it in warm soapy water, rinsing and drying it well and storing it in separate containers so it does not get scratched or scratch other jewellery pieces.

Keeping in mind the above points will help to ensure you get an antique gold jewellery piece that you will be satisfied with and which will last for many years more.

Monday, June 05, 2006

14kt gold jewellery

14kt gold jewellery is probably the most common form of gold jewellery. It is not too expensive, it is more durable than pure gold yet it can be worked into many shapes and styles.

14k gold jewellery is about 54 percent gold and the rest is made up of silver, nickel, perhaps platinum and some other metals. These are designed to make the gold more durable and hardwearing as pure gold is very malleable and easy to warp and break.

14k gold jewellery can be easily fashioned, however, into many shapes and styles and most of the 14k gold jewellery today is made by machine. Rarely is a piece made by hand and when it is it becomes that much more expensive.

Still, it is important that your 14k gold jewellery be looked after well and kept in good condition if you want to last.

Never, for example, clean it in bleach. The other metals can be oxidized and turn the piece black. Warm soapy water well rinsed and dried afterwards is the best way to keep your piece clean.

Stored in a separate contained so diamonds and other gems do not scratch the surface is also a prudent idea.

The piece you pick should be from the top end of your budget to ensure you get the best possible for your money. Discounted jewellery is usually not so good quality and really should be avoided.

Always ensure that what is advertised is the product you are buying. Such phrases as “up to” and “like” indicate that the piece may not be what you thought it was.

Keep the above points in mind and you will get and enjoy your 14kt gold jewellery!

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Sapphire White Gold Ring

A sapphire white gold ring can be quite enchanting and is more affordable than a diamond.

Sapphire gems belong to the corundum family and many people think of sapphires as being blue. In fact sapphires can come in a variety of colors including pink, yellow, green, purple and orange.

Red sapphire is more commonly known as Ruby sapphire but is a sapphire never the less.

A sapphire is prefixed by it’s color so you can tell which sapphire is being talked about.

Sapphires mainly come from Burma (Myanmar), Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and some from Australia, East Africa and even the US. It is the next hardest material after diamond with a Moh hardness of 9 (diamond is 10).

Most sapphires on the market today are heat or irradiation to improve the color. Unfortunately this only improves the color for a while which then fades again later down the track.

When buying a sapphire white gold ring one should be aware of the above. For example sapphires, being a hard material, can easily scratch other jewellery so sapphire white gold rings should be stored separate from other gold and silver jewellery so they do not scratch them.

Also make sure you are buying a genuine sapphire by getting the stone independently appraised so you know the characteristics and quality of the store and therefore it’s true value. This is also useful for insurance purposes.

Maintaining a sapphire white gold ring is important. It should be cleaned only with warm soapy water, rinsed well to remove any surplus soap and dried completely to remove any residual water. Then stored when not in use.

A sapphire white gold ring can look absolutely wonderful and can make an excellent fashion statement in the right circumstances provided it is chosen well and fits the rest of the fashion being worn.

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Man White Gold Bracelet

A man white gold bracelet can be either very slim or very chunky. The type depends very much on the build of the person and the preferred style.

White gold is gold that has been mixed or alloyed with other metals such as platinum and silver to create the white gold effect. It is often coated in rhodium also to protect it and give it some more durability.

However it is still important to ensure it is looked after well.

A white gold bracelet should not be worn for long periods of time, lose jewellery can catch on external objects and be damaged. Especially clasps and settings for stones.

When not in use it should be stored individually and not jumbled up together as it is still subject to damage and being scratched. Especially if there are diamonds or other gems in the bracelet

A white gold bracelet should be cleaned in warm soapy water and rinsed well to clear away any soapy residue clinging in the clasps or stone settings. The it should be thoroughly dried to remove any water as, being alloyed with other metals, can tarnish and even oxidize.

There is an endless variety of men’s white gold bracelets. It is important to ensure that you get the genuine article and what is described in the promotion or advertising or on display.

The style and design you pick for a man white gold bracelet is very subjective and will depend on your taste and budget but provided you keep in mind the points above you are sure to have and own a very satisfactory man white gold bracelet

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Hip Hop Gold Jewellery

Hip hop gold jewellery is available from many sites online. Probably one of the most notable is gangstagold.com which has a varied collection of gold and silver hip hop jewellery available.

Hip hop fashion is, according to KRS One, "one of the nine 'extended' elements of hip hop culture. It refers to a distinctive style of dress originating simultaneously with both the African-American and Latino youth living in the two main coastal cities of the United States. New York City on the East Coast and Los Angeles on the West Coast each contributed various elements to its overall style seen worldwide today."

Hip hop fashion goes hand-in-hand with the expressions and attitudes of hip hop culture in general.

The jewellery is available in the usual types; rings, bracelets, earrings, watches, chains and so forth. Also gold and silver plates for teeth are available and when worn can be very striking.

Hip Hop gold jewellery essential is about making a statement about one’s lifestyle or culture and the use of gold in this way can be very emphatic.

As with any jewellery it is important to ensure that when you buy something it is the genuine article and not plated or some shoddy substitute. This is especially true with hip hop jewellery where it is important to be seen with the right jewellery.

Make sure you know the value of the jewellery. No reason to splash out on something that is not right or does not look bling bling.

The jewellery should be kept clean and sparkling. It should reflect your style.

If you are buying hip hop gold jewellery, keep in mind the above and you will go a long way to showing your style.