Complete Gold Jewellery Handbook: Care, Types, and Best Buys

Over the years, many metals have been loved when it comes to jewellery. One that has been superior to all is gold. Loved in various parts of the world, gold symbolises elegance and luxury, regardless of generation.

This article is a handbook on gold. Everything you need to know about the precious metal is here. Our guide will help you make an informed purchase decision with tips and tricks!

How to Care for Your Gold

The first step to caring for your gold is gentle cleaning at home. All you need is a small bowl of lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. After soaking your gold in the dish soap and water solution for 15-20 minutes, scrub it with a soft-bristled brush.

White gold may require polishing, as it has a rhodium coating, while rose gold needs very gentle cleaning due to its copper content.

For tougher grime and tarnish, you can consider options such as baking soda and vinegar. But remember to be extra vigilant as these are pretty harsh chemicals. For safe usage, dilute the vinegar or make a paste of the baking soda with water.

Lastly, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth! A clean-up every 2-3 months will help your gold keep its shine like it’s new!

Also Read: How to Make Your Gold Jewellery Shine Like New 

Can Gold Jewellery Turn Black?

Unfortunately, yes. This happens due to a chemical reaction called Oxidation. While gold is non-reactive, other metals tend to react with it, which causes the tarnish. The silver lining (or should I say gold?) is that oxidised gold jewellery has become popular nowadays. Purer golds are less vulnerable to tarnish, but they are also softer and, therefore, not suitable for everyday wear.

Other than oxidation, gold comes in contact with many foreign substances over time. You won’t be able to see the effects immediately, but long-term exposure to skin oils and skin-care items can lead to discolouration.

To prevent this, avoid using your jewellery during exercise and showering. Try to keep your gold in airtight storage boxes and wipe it with a soft cotton cloth after every wear.

Why Is Gold Used For Jewellery?

The historical and cultural significance of gold has been massive over time. From the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent, it has been a symbol of luxury. It found its way to Western society, where it has also been loved and cherished.

Why is it a good choice for jewellery? Because it is malleable and durable. Let’s explain these terms. Malleable material means it can be pressed into any shape without getting broken. Therefore, Gold is a suitable metal for intricate designs. Durable means it can stand the test of time, making gold jewellery that will serve you for years to come.

Gold is preferred over other metals due to its hypoallergenic characteristics. Anyone with sensitive skin can wear gold without any worries.

Can Gold Jewellery Tarnish?

The metals in alloyed gold tend to react with oxygen. This reaction is called Oxidation and is the main reason behind tarnish, as we said before. On the other hand, discolouration may happen over time due to contact with polluting substances.

24K gold is pure gold. Due to a zero composition of other metals, 24K gold can't be tarnished. Sadly, it is super expensive and also too soft for regular wear jewellery. On the other hand, 14K gold may get tarnished, but it can withstand daily grinding.

You can keep your jewellery tarnish-free with regular maintenance at home and yearly professional cleanups (which will catch what you may have missed).

Also Read: Is 14k Gold Worth It? Price, Purity & Popular Jewellery Choices

Can Gold Jewellery Be Sold Or Recycled?

If you want to sell your gold jewellery, you should first take it to a professional to understand the purity and weight, factors which would later decide the cost of the piece. You can visit different jewellers and check the offers from multiple buyers. Study the market to understand if you are getting the best value when selling. A sustainable fashion practice is recycling your gold jewellery. Melt your old gold jewellery and mould into a new design if you not like it anymore. Environmental awareness is increasing, so recycling is the new cool!

Determining The Price Of Gold

The market value of gold fluctuates regularly, which is the basis of how jewellers would calculate the price of your gold jewellery. Other factors are weight, karat, and design. The heavier it is, the pricier. Higher karats equal to more content of purer gold. Therefore, they can be sold for higher value.

Brand, design, and craftsmanship are other factors that can increase the value of gold.

What Is Rose Gold Jewellery?

Lately, people are opting for Rose Gold more and more. With 75% gold and 25% gold content, it is fantastic for styling, with neutral and vibrant colours—the warm colour pairs romantically with diamonds and gemstones.

Layering rose gold with yellow or white gold pieces can create a modern, mixed-metal look.

What Is Antique Gold Jewellery?

Antique gold jewellery is jewellery from 100+ years ago. They feature intricate and aesthetic designs from old times, such as the Victorian era. Due to such complex designs that are not readily available anymore, they are extremely rare and, therefore, pricey.

Real antiques will show signs of ageing. Its beauty lies in that. It will have a thin layer of Patina. Other than that, you can identify genuine antique pieces by tiny hallmarks or stamps imprinted on the precious metal. If you are lucky to be one in possession of an antique piece, keep it as far as possible from abrasive and harsh chemicals.

Selling Gold Jewellery In The UK

In the UK, the best places to sell gold jewellery are online platforms, pawn brokers and of course, reputed jewellers. Ask your family and friends if they have sold any of their jewellery. That way, you can make use of their contacts.

To ensure you are not getting duped, check the authenticity of your gold and study the market rates.

Also Read: Daily Wear and Tear: How Durable is Solid Gold Jewellery?

Buying Gold Jewellery Online In The UK

Many online jewellery sites in the UK, including Argent & Asher. While shopping online, look for certified retailers. Check for reviews, which are usually found on the site or can be found on Google. Read reviews to understand the quality and customer service.

If you want to avoid surprises later, don’t be laid back; read the terms and conditions. The store you choose should also have safe payment methods and clear return policies.

Which Gold Jewellery Is Best For Investment?

From an investment perspective, gold bars are the best choices as they are pure gold and therefore, have the most returns. However, if you are looking to buy gold jewellery that is both beautiful and can be sold later on, 14K gold isn’t too bad of an option.

Make sure you care for it well so it doesn’t lose value. 22K or 18K may get you more value, but their softness makes them challenging to handle. While they might be a better investment, they aren’t suitable for everyday or occasional wear. 14K is the right balance of practicality and beauty.

Which Gold Jewellery Is Best?

That depends completely on your taste. Yellow gold is the more traditional option that the older generation would prefer. For a sleeker and more modern appeal, some people prefer white gold for its flawless finish. Rose gold is also loved for its romantic and trendy vibe.

When buying gold jewellery, you have to consider the occasion you are targeting. Different looks require different types of gold, so the best gold jewellery is purely subjective.

Gold Jewellery For Special Occasions

From everyday wear to special occasions, gold continues to be a good choice for women. A personalised name necklace adds a unique touch to everyday wear, whereas bold statement jewellery is perfect for special occasions.

Gold isn’t just for women and young ladies. Gold gifts for baby girls are also popular. Delicate, safe designs are suitable for babies.

Gold is a fantastic option to wear and gift for special occasions like 18th birthdays, university graduation, weddings, or anniversaries.

Affordable Gold Jewellery Options

In the process of buying new gold jewellery, one of the first things to decide would be a budget. If you have a higher spending limit, go for intricate designs. If you are looking for something more affordable, 14K gold is worth the money due to both elegance and durability.

Home cleaning with DIY solutions is affordable and enough for your gold. You can also opt for cleaners, which are available at reasonable prices.

Gold Jewellery Types And Quality

The type of gold can be classified by karat or by colour. As we already discussed colours, let’s talk more about Karats in detail. So, the most common and sought-after karat is probably 14K due to its right balance of durability and gold content, which is 58.3%. 24K is pure gold, and 18K is 75% gold. While purer gold content is a plus, their softness makes them unsuitable for everyday wear.

Karats tell you the composition of your jewellery, but make sure you look for hallmarks, as they confirm the main things: purity, origin, and therefore, quality. You can also do some home tests by using a magnet. Gold is non-magnetic, so it should not respond when close to a magnet.

Also Read: Gold Jewellery for Ladies: Stylish Choices for Every Woman

What Is The Right Gold Jewellery?

The jewellery you wear can make or break your outfit, so it’s absolutely crucial to choose the right piece. If you are looking to purchase a necklace, choose something based on the neckline of your outfit. For instance, longer necklaces are the way to go if you wear a high neckline, whereas short, dainty pieces look super good with open necklines.

The right jewellery doesn’t have to make a dent in your bank account. You can explore affordable options like gold-plated pieces or lower-karat jewellery. 14K Gold is especially perfect for those on a budget looking for stylish, high-quality pieces.

Conclusion

It is no wonder that gold remains a favourite. The best thing about gold is that it can be adapted to fit the current trends with modern designs and a variety of colours. If you are looking to purchase new gold jewellery, you should think about your style, fashion, and investment goals. There’s a right piece waiting for you.

Head over to Argent and Asher's website when looking for beautiful, handcrafted, high-quality pieces that will not tarnish. Here, we don’t believe in factory shortcuts. Rather we believe in jewellery that speaks for itself through shine and elegance.