Evaluate The Quality Of Your Gold
Not all that glitters is goldliterally!
Just because your jewelry looks like it is made of gold doesnt mean it actually is. There are very few exquisite pieces of gold jewelry that are made of 24-karat solid gold . But there are what we call gold filled and gold plated jewelry and you need to know the difference if you want to buy gold.
Gold filled jewelry is, as the term implies, filled with gold.
As we have already mentioned above, the metallic mixture we call an alloy is made up of gold and other metals combined to create a tougher metal.
Shoppers generally prefer gold alloys over gold-plated jewelry for various reasons:
- This is the second most valuable type of golden jewelry next to pure 24-karat gold.
- They do not tarnish, fade, chip or change color overtime apart from the occasional need for cleaning they are even considered lifetime products because they do not wear out.
- In some countries, the government regulates the trading of gold-filled jewelry which means that your investment is well-protected.
Gold plated on the other hand are made of non-gold base metals that are then dipped into molten gold to create a golden coat on the surface. This is a budget friendly alternative to gold-filled jewelry because:
- The plating is usually very thin and will wear off easily.
- The sale of gold-plated jewelry is loosely if not at all regulated.
- They are readily available on the market.
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A Guide To Buying Rings
There are many occasions for buying rings, whether you are buying for yourself or for a loved one. Whether it be for a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary, or something as significant as a wedding ring, Michael Hills extensive range of precious rings are all crafted to be treasured.
What ring metal is the most durable?
At Michael Hill, our Gold Standard means that our jewellery is crafted with quality, precious metals including sterling silver and gold. Our gold jewellery is always 10ct gold or higher. Gold rings are durable and the most popular choice for jewellery meant to last a lifetime, such as engagement rings and wedding rings. White gold rings are often plated with rhodium – a naturally shiny, silver-white and corrosion-resistant metal – to enhance their white colour, and over the years re-plating may be required to keep your ring shining as beautifully as the day you bought it. For men, we also offer tungsten and titanium rings, both of which are extremely hard and durable metals, and perfect for everyday wear if you work with your hands. We recommend you bring your precious jewellery to Michael Hill for regular complimentary cleaning, to keep it shining.
Can you mix and match ring metals?
How do you stack rings?
How do you find out your ring size?
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How Gold Prices Work
Gold is priced according to its weight, with prices normally provided for one gram, one ounce and one kilogram of pure gold.
For example, the current price of gold is $61.87 per gram, $1,924.27 per ounce and $61,837.62 per kilogram. As with other commodities, the price of gold changes often, making it important to check the latest rates if youd like to buy or sell gold.
Unless otherwise noted, the price of gold refers to 24k gold, or pure gold, which consists of 99.99% pure gold. If you know what karat gold you have, you can use the gold price calculator below this paragraph. To use it, type in an items weight, then select its karatage. The calculator will provide an estimate for the items value should you decide to send it in for appraisal.
Pure 24k gold has an intense orange color and is quite soft and malleable. Its the type of gold thats used for investment grade coins and gold bars . Because its soft and bright in color, 24k gold isnt used for jewelry.
Instead, less pure forms of gold, such as 10k, 14k and 18k gold, are commonly used for rings, earrings, bracelets, watches and other gold jewelry. Weve explained how 24k gold differs from the gold commonly used in jewelry in our detailed guide to gold types.
Luckily, this doesnt mean that you cant sell 10k, 14k, 18k or 22k gold. If you want to sell these types of gold , the price youll get in exchange will be based on the pure gold content that can be extracted from the item after its melted and refined.
Real Gold Plated Jewelry
In your online search, it’s highly possible you’ll come across jewelry that is either described in the title or description as plated or gold plated. You may even see it phrased as “real 14K gold plated jewelry”. It’s not lying, to an extent.
When a piece is labeled as gold plated, it means a thin layer of real gold has been painted over another metal called the base metal. Base metals of gold plated jewelry can be sterling silver, stainless steel, surgical steel, or unnamed metals.
Over time, the gold plating will start to fade. If it’s white gold plated, that silvery color will start to diminish. If it’s plated over silver, you’ll notice the dullness appearing through the rhodium of the white gold plating. If you have a yellow gold ring that has a silver base metal, that ring will be looking unsightly as it fades.
Not all jewelers will replate jewelry either, so keep that in mind. Gold plated jewelry often causes fingers to turn green because the base metal below the plating contains nickel. Many rings that are described as alloy metal contain nickel.
Gold plating won’t usually have a physical stamp on the jewelry, but should be indicated in title or description as what karat the gold plating is. It can be found labeled in some places as 14K GP for gold plated.
Also Check: How Much Is 1000 Grams Of Gold Worth
Selling Gold Bullion Coins Or Bars Online
If you have gold bullion a type of gold coins or bars sold primarily for investment selling to a buyer that specializes in gold jewelry isnt a good idea, as youll generally receive less than you would get by selling to a dealer that specializes in gold bullion.
If you contact Abe Mor directly, they are willing to give a better rate for larger purchases of gold like bullion or coins. These days, online gold bullion buyers will usually provide a quote based on the weight of gold that you want to sell, then provide an address for you to send the gold via an insured, track and trace delivery service. Some also work with local partners at which you can drop off the gold.
Note that these companies generally wont buy old gold jewelry instead, they only deal in gold bullion.
Be Wary Of Extra Costs
The cost of purchasing gold jewelry goes far beyond the purity of gold and varies from seller to seller. If youre looking to cut costs, you should get familiar with a few services that hike prices:
– The gold bullion rate. This is the market price of gold, which changes every day. A good online jeweler has a section on the homepage displaying the daily bullion rates of 24kt pure gold. Non-pure gold is typically measured in grams.
– Designer stores: You may wonder why gold sellers affiliated with Bulgari, Cartier, or other top-tier brands sell gold pieces at exaggerated rates. Well, designer pieces fetch price tags up to ten times higher than normal gold jewelry. This is because the other costs cover the products quality, designers attribute, and the brand name.
– Custom pieces: Unless stated, most online sellers have extra charges for custom pieces since youll not just be paying for the jewelry, but the design too.
– Sales Tax: Jewelry is expensive, and most states levy a sales tax. We offer guides on how to avoid sales tax on Blue Nile and how to save sales tax on James Allen jewelry. Check those out to save a bit of money.
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Gold Jewelry For Men And Women
At Frost NYC, we make our gold jewelry for those who appreciate the blingtastic things in life. Our gold jewelry is tailor-made fans of blinged-out pieces that are crafted with the top-notch quality that you deserve. When it comes to hip-hop jewelry, Frost NYC believes in providing pieces that everyone will be able to rock with all their threads in their closet. Let us introduce you to a variety of fresh to death jewelry, including a gold cross collection that will make the perfect complement to your wardrobe.
All of our pieces in our gold jewelry collection are made with high-quality gold in your choice of colors that suit your baller tastes. Whether youd like to keep your look simple in a white gold chain for men or upgrade it for something flashy like our yellow gold knuckle ring, youll find everything you need when you check out our selection at Frost NYC. Choose between 10-karat, 14-karat, and 18-karat urban jewelry pieces that will certainly complement your tastes.
Gold jewelry lovers know that Frost NYC is the spot for the best quality of bling that youll ever find online. For those who love to roll out in style, youll find hundreds of iced-out joints such as our gold nugget ring for you to flaunt for any occasion. Dress to impress by investing in one of our hot to death pieces from our collection.
Learn More About Our Jewellery
Shop jewellery online with our wide range at Michael Hill Canada. Our jewellery is crafted with the highest quality in mind, made from precious metals including yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and sterling silver. You can also discover a range of beautiful diamond jewellery, or find the perfect piece featuring your favourite coloured gemstone such as ruby, sapphire, or pearl.
Whether you are shopping for a new favourite to add to your own jewellery collection, or something special to gift a loved one, you are sure to discover the perfect item from our range of chains, necklaces and pendants, rings, earrings, bracelets and bangles, and mens jewellery.
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Pawn Shops Near You That Buy Gold
Many pawn shops purchase gold jewelry, coins and bullion. Selling locally to a pawn shop is an easy way to sell your gold for cash quickly. However, youll almost always get a lower price than you would by selling to a reputable online gold buyer.
As weve explained in more detail in our guide to selling gold jewelry to a pawn shop, pawn shops usually offer significantly lower prices for jewelry than online buyers. In every secret shopping we tried, Abe Mor offered at least 10% more than the local pawn shop. Often much more.
The reason for this is that pawn shops make the majority of their revenue by loaning money to their customers. In order to get a good return on investment by buying gold, the pawn shop will need to buy it for a low enough price to be able to sell it with a reasonable profit margin.
There are also several other disadvantages to selling at a pawn shop, from employees that may not know much about gold to the occasional high-pressure sales process. Weve listed these a little further down the page.
Advantages of selling gold to a pawn shop include:
- Instant payment. When you sell gold jewelry, coins or other gold items at a pawn shop, youll usually be paid right away. This can be a huge advantage if you need to get cash right now and cant afford to wait for several days.
Disadvantages of selling gold to a pawn shop include:
Bottom Line Recommendation:
Auvere: Best For High
Tester: Rio Viera-Newton, writer
Note: Auvere does not loan out jewelry for testing, so Rios review is based on a visit to their studio.
About the brand: Auvere is a New Yorkbased, modern, sculptural jewelry line created by Caribbean-American designer Gina Feldman. Their aesthetic includes both chunky statement pieces and thin and delicate jewelry , all of which are handcrafted by a goldsmith with 22-karat or 24-karat gold. That quality is reflected in the price tag, which ranges from $200 to a whopping $20,000.
What we think: With such a diverse aesthetic, its easy to find something suitable for just about any jewelry lover. Their petite gold huggie hoops are an excellent everyday earring they add a delicate touch of luster to your look without being fussy or complicated. Their thin, elegant, dangling Celestia earrings are relaxed and sophisticated. They screamed perfect for mom. Interestingly, I found that the brands chunkier pieces looked more subdued and natural on the hand than I had predicted. I fell in love with their XOXO diamond-lined band instantly. Its beautiful enough to make for a great engagement or wedding ring if youre planning on popping the question. Truthfully, I wasnt a fan of their more intricate, sculptural pieces , but if it is your kind of thing, they certainly have a high-end look. Each piece of jewelry arrives in its own pillow-lined, sliding purple box with Auveres logo inscribed on the front.
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Selling Gold For Cash Calculator
As we mentioned above, the gold spot prices you can find online refer to pure 24k gold, not the 10k, 14k and 18k gold thats commonly used to manufacture jewelry.
The pure gold content of 10k gold is approximately 41.7%. 14k gold has a 58.3% gold content, while 18k gold has a 75% gold content. This means that you cant accurately use the gold spot price quoted online to calculate the value of most gold jewelry based on its own.
Some gold selling websites provide calculators that allow you to quickly and easily work out the pure gold content of a gold ring or other jewelry, then calculate an approximate price for the gold used to make the item.
You can use this gold price calculator. To use it, type in an items weight, then select its karatage. The calculator will provide an estimate for the items value should you decide to send it in for appraisal.
What Should You Look For When Buying Real Gold Jewelry Online
While it’s pretty easy to pop online and see a multitude of different white gold jewelry, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right white gold jewelry for you.
Gold Content
Personally, I don’t recommend 18K for engagement rings or bracelets and bangles, there’s not too much of a threat with a pair of gold diamond earrings. Unless you’re not taking care of them, it shouldn’t be hard to keep the slightly more delicate 18K diamond stud earrings in good shape.
With chains, I’d be careful the higher karat you go. Gold chains are not 100% durable and usually will break at some point. Throw in some softer gold, and it will be even less protected. Also keep in mind that 18K white gold will need rhodium plating more often than 14K because the natural gold color is increased.
Knowing how much gold content you need or don’t need for your purposes will make your quest for gold jewelry easier to narrow down options.
Allergies
When it comes to precious metal in general, many people don’t know that it’s possible to be allergic to them. We’ve all probably heard a story or two about how someone purchased a cocktail ring from a department store like Walmart or Kohls and it turned their finger green.
Many people automatically assume this is due to the gold not being real.
This also means that the less gold in the piece of jewelry, the more exposed you are to nickel allergies, so this should always be a consideration in purchasing real gold jewelry.
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Real Gold Pendants And Rings
Frost NYC is the go-to source for rappers, style icons and tastemakers looking for one-of-a-kind gold pendants that turn heads. Shop animal pendants, marijuana leaf pendants, money sign pendants and classic cross pendants in your choice of white, yellow or rose gold. Weve also got one of the best selections of gold Jesus head pendants so you can rock the classic Jesus piece like a boss.
Love the look of icy hip-hop jewelry and want to expand your collection? Dont forget to explore our variety of expertly designed gold rings that give you that next-level look on your fingers. Check out our diamond rings, gold nugget rings, gemstone rings, pinky rings and mens two-finger rings to get a style thats all you or your favorite guy.
Weve also got a huge assortment of gold earrings that help you complete that iced-out look from head to toe. Shop simple stud earrings with premium diamonds or find elaborate angel wings, crowns and more studded top to bottom in ice.
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Aurate: Best For A Variety Of Styles
Tester: Liza Corsillo, writer
About the brand: Aurate designs and makes all of their jewelry in New York City and sells directly to customers, so there are no crazy markups or costly import taxes baked into the prices you pay. Each necklace, ring, bracelet, and pair of earrings is produced using ethically sourced and sustainably made 14k gold, 18k gold, or 14k gold-plated vermeil. The company has four retail locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Washington, D.C., where you can try things on. Or you can try them at home for free and keep what you like. Each piece in their broad range of styles from everyday basics like gold hoops and pearl studs to more unique pieces like Art Deco fan rings and collar necklaces is made to order, but they do carry some limited stock to cut down on delivery time. For every piece of jewelry purchased, Aurate donates a book to a charter-school network in Philadelphia.
What we think: I genuinely like 99 percent of the jewelry Aurate sells, so it took awhile for me to pick just one pair of earrings and a necklace. In the end, I chose two somewhat basic pieces, knowing they would fit in with the jewelry I already own: a pair of medium hoops and a gold necklace with a small pearl-drop pendant. Both arrived in a few days, housed in a beautiful teal-green box that included two suede-like pouches for storage and traveling.
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