Its all about Gold
We’ve finished our year of Birthstones but the journey still continues! Each month we’ll take you somewhere new inspired by color. This month we’re talking Gold!
Did you know?
Gold is a rare metallic element. Its symbol is AU, which comes from the Latin word for gold, “Aurum” that literally means ‘Glowing Dawn.’
Types. How many do you know?
24k (karat) gold is pure gold – This is too soft for jewelry. You could bend it with your fingers. Very warm yellow gold in color.
22k gold - a mix of 22 parts gold + 2 parts other metals. Soft and still very warm yellow gold in color. (India uses 22k gold)
18k gold - a mix of 18 parts gold + 6 parts other metals. Warm yellow gold in color. (Italy, France, Spain and Portugal use 18k gold)
14k gold - a mix of 14 parts gold + 10 parts other metals. Gold in color, just not as intense.(USA uses 14k gold)
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is what we perceive as a gold color. The gold color in jewelry can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer based on the karat content of the gold and the choice of other metals in the mix.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is made by mixing pure gold with a higher ratio of copper to silver.
White Gold
White gold is made by mixing pure gold with a family of white metals – usually nickel, palladium and zinc.
Nickel however causes sensitivities and allergies in some people, so anyone who has sensitivity to metals should be aware of this before buying white gold.
Green Gold
Green gold is made by mixing pure gold with silver, palladium and copper.
Finishes
Finishes - Apart from its color, gold jewelry comes in a variety of different finishes – highly polished, satin finish, matte finish, hammered finish, diamond cut, and filigree.
Legends & Lore:
In 1537 the Muisca people were discovered by a Spanish explorer in an area now known as Colombia in South America. El Dorado means the “golden man.” The Muisca had a tradition where their king would cover himself in gold dust and jump into Lake Guatavitá from which he would then emerge clean. Neighboring tribes knew of the tradition and told the Spanish conquistadors. The Spanish dredged the lake only to be disappointed by finding very little gold. In disbelief, they began looking for the “real” El Dorado. What began as El Dorado, ‘gilded man” turned into a search for El Dorado, “City of Gold” – a city which never existed.
Cleaning and Care:
Gold does not tarnish, however, over time it can get dirty, oxidize with the air and look less shiny or a bit dingy. Here are ways to make it shiny again: In a bowl of warm water mix a little dishwashing liquid for a sudsy solution. Soak the gold briefly and then use a soft toothbrush to scrub it. Rinse under warm water and dry with a clean, white soft cloth. This method is also safe for cleaning any gemstones that might be set in the gold. If you have an ultrasonic cleaner at home, you can place your gold jewelry into the ultrasonic and the vibrations and cleaning solution will remove any grime or grease and brighten it back up. Caution, however: an ultrasonic cleaner is not safe for many gemstones so I suggest only using it for all gold pieces or gold pieces with diamonds.
Gold jewelry today, whether its style is big and bold, or small and delicate, is a matter of personal taste. In its many jewelry styles, gold adorns and compliments both men and women. Jewelry is personal.
No one ever buys jewelry for a sad occasion. Together let’s bring joy.
18k yellow gold - 16.0g,
Eyes- Black Diamonds,
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18k Yellow Gold
Cabachon Amethyst Ring - Size 7 - 6.3 g
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18K White Gold
Diamonds (2.50ct tw) H, SI3 8.4 g
Call me, text me, or email me to discuss:
a gift you are interested in purchasing from the Fabio Angri Collection or from the G.B. Clark Collection
a gift you are interested in purchasing for a special occasion
or to simply ask for ideas and guidance on jewelry.