Gold Jewelry: Trends and Buying Tips

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Since antiquity, jewelry has been an art as delicate as it is sophisticated.

The jewelry serves to assert a social position, to highlight a face, a hand, an arm, to accessorize an outfit. The gold jewelry remains the epitome of elegance.

Today, we will dedicate this article to this accessory that is both luxurious and essential.

Is gold jewelry still in fashion?

With the arrival of costume jewelry on the market, there has been a tendency to set gold aside, wearing it only on special occasions. But today, we are more easily returning to gold for several reasons. First, gold jewelry does not tarnish or turn black, unlike other alloys. They are much easier to maintain, and their longevity is infinite. Secondly, because they are less allergenic than other jewelry. Finally, jewelers offer very trendy collections of gold jewelry that differ from the classic designs.

What you need to know about gold purity

The purity of gold is measured in carats. One carat represents 1/24 of the total alloy. Today, in jewelry stores, you can find 9-carat gold, 14-carat gold, and 18-carat gold. For example, 18-carat gold contains 75% pure gold. 24-carat gold does not exist in jewelry, as pure gold is a metal that is very sensitive to shocks and too soft to be worked. It is only used for making bars and collectible gold coins. Gold jewelry contains an alloy that makes it more durable.

Yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold

Beyond the color difference, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold do not come from the same mixture. As mentioned earlier, the gold used in jewelry is not pure gold, as it is a soft material that would get damaged or scratched too easily. Therefore, it is necessary to add another metal to give it the hardness needed to be worked and worn. Depending on the added metal, gold takes on a different color. For instance, in 18-carat gold, yellow gold contains 75% gold, 12.5% silver, and 12.5% copper. Rose gold contains 75% gold, 20% copper, and 5% silver. White gold is made from an alloy of gold, silver, copper, and nickel.

Giving a gold jewelry gift

When giving jewelry to someone, it’s essential to know a few basic principles. For declaring one’s love, for instance, gold jewelry is a classic choice. On Valentine’s Day, to simply say “I love you,” or for a partner’s birthday, one might opt for a beautiful bracelet, earrings, or a gold pendant with precious stones (sapphire, ruby, emerald, diamond). For an engagement proposal, a gold ring with a solitaire diamond remains timeless.

If you wish to give jewelry to someone in your circle, costume jewelry in gold is ideal, but rings are reserved for special gestures.

Finally, for baptism or communion ceremonies, medals and gold bracelets are also classics, even if costume jewelry is increasingly chosen by godparents because they carry less religious connotation.

Treating yourself to a gold jewelry

If the joy of giving remains intact, it is noted that both women and men enjoy treating themselves to jewelry, simply for pleasure. Today, modern women no longer need to be in a relationship to indulge in gifts, and the same goes for men. Gold jewelry thus also becomes a favorite, which is why major jewelers have gradually moved away from the classics to offer more original collections featuring costume jewelry, bracelets, earrings, pendants, or rings in yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, along with fine stones.

Why choose artisanal gold jewelry?

More and more of us are seeking quality jewelry and returning to collections from locally established artisan workshops. First, this helps promote the local economy and showcases the unparalleled craftsmanship of major French jewelry houses. Furthermore, returning to jewelry made in France ensures their authenticity and origin. Lastly, an increasing number of French artisans are using recycled gold to create more eco-friendly jewelry.