Humans have always been fascinated by gold. Even in ancient times, people have associated gold with extravagance, wealth, and royalty. In the present day, they still think of gold as a prized possession.
Whether you’re a certified jewelry lover, or you are just about to become one, it always pays to know a thing or two about the different types of gold jewelry. This way, you’ll know exactly what to look for when you decide to buy one for yourself or for your loved ones in the future.
Why is Gold Jewelry Popular in the Philippines?
Filipinos are no exception to the gold craze! Gold jewelry adds more confidence and charm to their fashion and lifestyle. And because gold jewelry items are known for their durability and versatility, people also consider them as good investments.
Some Filipino families even have gold jewelry as heirlooms. The parents would usually gift these precious items to their children once they get engaged or married, and this practice could go on for generations after generations. And while these gold pieces are still considered “expensive” to some Filipinos, its popularity has remained the same over the years. Gold possession in the Philippines also signifies the tenacity of hard work of Filipinos.
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Various Types of Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry comes in different shapes and sizes and designs and styles but there is actually more to learn about gold jewelry than these basic descriptions. When you start exploring various types of gold jewelry, you will surely encounter terms like solid gold, gold plated, vermeil, and gold filled. Although gold might appear just appealing to you no matter the type, it is still important to know the difference so you can clearly state your preference later on.
Solid Gold Jewelry
Solid gold jewelry is made of entire gold. The amount of gold is determined by different karats of gold (yes, these are the 24K, 22K, 18K, 14K, and 10K gold that you are familiar with). Solid gold is considered the most expensive and best quality among all types of gold.
24K Gold
Also called pure gold, 24K gold has no alloy added to it. By dictionary definition, alloy is a metal made by combining two or more metallic elements. A 24K gold has an extremely bright yellow color. While it is often regarded as the highest quality and most valuable type of gold, 24K gold is really soft and easily bendable, making it the least preferred option in regular jewelry making.
18K Gold
18K gold, on the other hand, has 18 parts gold (or 75 percent pure gold) and 6 parts of other metals (or 25 percent alloy), such as silver and copper. 18K gold has a rich yellow color and is known as the most common karat used in jewelry, especially in earrings and necklaces. It is said to be more durable and suitable for everyday wear.
14K Gold
14K gold is made up of 58.3 percent pure gold and 41.7 percent alloy. Most jewelers like 14K gold because of its durability, appearance, and affordability. It has a yellow hue, and is a crowd favorite when it comes to engagement and wedding rings. 14K gold is also said to be harder, making it resistant to scratches and other damages.
If you’re still having a hard time choosing, you can always study more about gold purity so you can easily decide on what karat gold to use for your jewelry pieces.
Gold Plated Jewelry
A gold plated piece is another type of gold jewelry. To create gold plated jewelry, a very thin layer of gold, usually consisting of 0.05 percent actual gold or less, is placed on top of a base metal. This type of gold jewelry may have the lowest cost, but they are not suitable for everyday use because they tend to tarnish immediately, and are also considered unsafe for people with sensitive skin.
Gold Vermeil Jewelry
Gold vermeil refers to a high quality kind of gold-plated jewelry. Using the standards of the United States (US), a gold vermeil is required to have sterling silver as base material. Sterling silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent other materials.
In addition, a vermeil needs to be plated in a gold layer that is at least 10 karats (or have at least 41.7 percent gold content), and must have a gold plating that is at least 2.5 microns thick. Gold vermeil is often valued for its quality, longevity, and affordability. This type of gold jewelry is also good for everyday use but it can tarnish immediately if not taken care of properly.
Read More: Gold Vermeil vs Gold Plated: Understanding the Difference
Gold Filled Jewelry
A gold filled jewelry is made of a solid layer of gold that is bonded to a base of another metal, such as sterling silver or copper. In US standards, gold filled jewelry pieces are required to be 5 percent or 1/20 gold by weight.
Hollow Gold Jewelry
Hollow gold jewelry has empty space inside its design, and because of this, it is much more lightweight and less expensive. And while they are popularly used as everyday accessories, hollow gold jewelry are less durable than solid gold jewelry, and are more prone to wear and tear over time.
Gold Accessories
Accessories made of gold are perfect for all ocassions. You can always include gold necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants, and chains in your fashion staples.
Gold Jewelry FAQs
What type of gold is best?
They say that if you’re looking for pure gold, of course you’d go for 24K gold. If you want something close to pure gold, 22K gold is the best choice. And if you are after durability and the types of gold that are perfect for jewelry settings, 18K and 14K golds are usually the more preferred options. But if you want to know what type of gold is best, the answer still depends on you. Each type of gold is different and you need to consider various factors according to your needs in order to choose.
How long does gold plated jewelry last?
Like any other jewelry, you can expect light scratches or damages when you use gold plated jewelry regularly. But typically, gold plated jewelry can last up to several years as long as you practice proper jewelry care. To maintain its luster and shine, store your gold plated jewelry pieces separately to avoid rubbing, and eventually flaking. Use mild liquid soap when cleaning your gold plated jewelry and a cleaning solution to get rid of pollutants.
Is gold filled jewelry better than gold plated jewelry?
Gold filled jewelry versus gold plated jewelry? Well, in terms of durability, gold filled jewelry is much thicker so it is expected to last longer and better than gold plated jewelry pieces.
Contact W. Villarica Jewelry for Gold Jewelry Appraisals
It is always nice to have a knowledgeable and transparent appraisal company as a partner when investing in gold jewelry. With a team of highly trained professionals and top-of-the-line equipment, expert jewelry appraiser W. Villarica Jewelry conducts appraisals thoroughly, and all relevant pieces of information, including material and grading features, are examined closely to determine the fair market value of the jewelry piece.
To request information or schedule appointments for gold jewelry appraisal, please feel free to contact us via email at admin@willynvillaricajewelry.com. Additionally, you may connect with us through our official Facebook (Willyn Villarica Jewelry) and Instagram (@willynvillarica_jewelry) accounts. Should you require immediate assistance, we are also accessible for direct communication at +63279497547.
