Since the beginning of time, gold has fascinated humankind.
Egyptians were the largest users of gold. They equated gold to the sun and kept it for the pharaohs. Whether purchased as a gift or for yourself, gold jewelry is a lasting representation of life’s important events, emotions, and accomplishments.
But is gold the best jewelry to invest in? Portofino Jewelry is here to cover all the things you need to know about gold and whether or not it is worth your money.
Buying Gold Jewelry: Is It a Good Investment?
People still love to wear gold as lovely ornaments even today, and jewelers have developed various colors for it to use in jewelry. However, some see gold as more than just an accessory; they see it more as an asset.
Could buying pure gold jewelry be a great form of investment? A piece of gold’s value is based on the metal’s rarity and how it was refined, cut, or shaped. Their uniqueness increases gold’s value and causes a rise and fall in demand for this rare commodity.
Is gold the best jewelry to invest in? Gold increases in value over time and is sold for more in some cases. To make it equal substantial cash in the future, you will need to invest more money in a high-priced piece of gold.
While investing in gold helps diversify your portfolio, it is not the most effective form of gold investing. It is still a wise decision to have gold jewelry in your collection; you can still use a collection of gold jewelry pieces as an emergency stash for when you need it.
Gold is a great way to hedge against market volatility; however, it is an untraceable asset when you don’t have any cash.
These are some of the benefits of purchasing quality jewelry for investment:
- Gold is in high demand and has a worldwide market.
- Gold is tarnish-resistant.
- You can wear your investment to boost your social status.
Some of the drawbacks of gold jewelry as an investment include:
- When you aren’t using it, you must store it safely.
- Selling it for more than you originally paid is challenging.
- It doesn’t yield passive revenue.
All About Gold Purity and Quality Marks: What You Should Know
Karat measures how pure a piece of gold is. Pure gold, also known as 24-karat, is too soft to use in jewelry. Therefore, gold is usually mixed with other metals for strength. The most widely used alloy for jewelry in the United States is 14 karat.
Although jewelers can now sell gold below 10K under current guidelines, it is vital to remember that pieces under 10K do not contain as much gold. They will not last as long or be of the same quality as gold jewelry pieces over 10K.
A “GP” marking is commonly used for gold-plated jewelry. When buying gold jewelry, always look out for quality marks on gold pieces of jewelry, especially from resellers. These will have the karatage information engraved or stamped on them.
10-Karat
- Percent Pure Gold: 41.7%
- Karat Mark: 10K
- European Mark: 417
14-Karat
- Percent Pure Gold: 58.3%
- Karat Mark: 14K
- European Mark: 585
18-Karat
- Percent Pure Gold: 75.0%
- Karat Mark: 18K
- European Mark: 750
24-Karat
- Percent Pure Gold: 99.99%
- Karat Mark: 24K
- European Mark: 999
What Are the Different Types of Gold Alloys?
Gold is often associated with its yellowish shiny appearance. But gold comes in many different colors. Understanding the characteristics of different gold types is essential when purchasing pure gold jewelry.
You’ll hear the term alloy a lot when discussing metals. A metal alloy is made by combining two or more different metals to increase the base metal’s resistance to corrosion or strength.
Here are some of the gold alloys:
1. White Gold
White gold is a popular gold alloy made by combining gold with palladium, copper, nickel, and zinc. It is a fashionable and affordable white metal option. However, they can never be truly white, so most white jewelry is plated using rhodium.
The rhodium plating of white gold jewelry may show signs of wear and require more care over its lifetime. Don’t worry; it’s easy to restore their brilliant white color by replating them at your local jewel shop.
2. Green Gold
Green gold is undoubtedly one of the rarer colors. It is almost emerald and tough to find in traditional shops. As you might have guessed, green gold jewelry is costly and can only be made in laboratories.
3. Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is a common type of gold and has a honey-like appearance. It is used to make bracelets, necklaces, rings, and other jewelry. However, many jewelry pieces look like yellow gold but don’t have any.
4. Rose Gold
Rose gold has become a popular choice in recent years. This gold is pinkish and is often used for engagement rings. Rose gold is an alloy of copper and pure gold. The mixture of the two metals affects the final product’s appearance and karat.
5. Gold-Plated, Gold-Filled, and Vermeil
Vermeil, gold-filled, and gold-plated jewelry are affordable alternatives. These pieces look like solid gold but are much less durable and valuable. These pieces are great for anyone looking to save money but still wants to look fashionable.
Where Can You Buy Gold Pieces?
Once you know what type of gold you want, it’s time to find a reliable vendor. There may be a trusted gold shop in your area, or you might visit large commercial suppliers for 100% assurance of genuine gold. However, these commercial vendors often charge much higher premiums.
You might find independent dealers. Always check their customer reviews before purchasing or selling your gold. Every legitimate shop will have clear policies and charge fair premiums.
Get Quality Jewelry Pieces From Portofino Jewelry
If you don’t know where to buy gold jewelry, visit us!
We house beautifully-curated jewelry collections. Find your next investment piece in our shop. Portofino Jewelry also provides custom jewelry in Avon, CO. Own jewelry made just for you.
