Gold Necklaces, Rings and Earrings

Because of the softness of pure gold (pure gold is graded as 24k), it is usually alloyed with other base metals for use in jewelry increasing its hardness. The choice of the alloy metal changes the carat description and also changes the color of the gold. The most common caratage values for gold used in jewelry are typically 22k, 18k, 14k or 10k. The smaller the caratage value means the alloy contains a higher percentages of copper, silver or other base metals.

Copper is the most common base metal that is mixed with pure gold, although silver, and iron are also sometimes used. White gold alloys can be made with palladium, silver or nickel.

Gold is often used as the base for rings, necklaces and bracelets that are adorned with precious or semi-precious stones. Gold by itself is also an excellent and popular jewelry medium for all types of jewelry for both men and women. Check out the variety of gold jewelry items in the following from on-line retailers such as Stauer, SuperJeweller and Jewellers Direct, for some unique necklaces. These retailers feature both white gold necklaces and the more traditional yellow gold.