Yellow gold is beautiful. Not only is yellow gold the traditional choice for wedding and engagement bands, it’s also a beautiful and practical setting for gemstones. Yellow gold jewelry never goes out of style.

One of the reasons yellow gold is so widely cherished and appreciated is because it can be worked into almost any shape. From thin and delicate strands to very thin sheets, yellow gold can be manipulated into nearly any shape the jewelry artist desires. Because of this, there is great potential for yellow gold in the creation of truly beautiful and unique jewelry designs.

Furthermore, pure yellow gold does not tarnish and rarely causes problems for people with skin irritations.

The Purity of Yellow Gold Jewelry

If you look at your favorite yellow gold ring you’ll notice it’s marked 18K, 14K, or 10K. The K stands for karat. This system is used to describe the percentage of pure gold in any given item.

24K yellow gold is 100% gold. 24K gold is not appropriate for jewelry making because it is too soft. A better option for yellow gold jewelry is 18K gold. 18K yellow gold, marked ‘750’ in Europe, is made of 18 parts gold and 6 parts of one or more additional metals. This makes 18K yellow gold 75% gold.

14K yellow gold, marked 585 in Europe, contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts additional metals, making it 58.3% gold. 12K yellow gold is 12 parts gold and 12 parts additional metals, making it 50% gold and 10K yellow gold, marked 417 in Europe, contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts of additional metals, making it 41.7% gold. In the United States, 10K gold is the minimum karat that can be called “gold.” In the United States, the term ‘solid gold’ can be used to describe an item that’s at least 10K gold all the way through.

The difference between an 18K yellow gold ring and a 10K gold ring is obvious. Whereas an 18K gold ring will be rich in color and shine, a 10K yellow gold ring will not have the color or luster as a ring made of a purer yellow gold.

Besides being the overindulged adopted daughter of famed Lionel Richie and ex-best friend of Hollywood’s favorite brat-to-hate Paris Hilton, this celebrity watcher/despiser can’t think of a thing that Nicole Richie has actually done.

Sure there was that failed Simple Life sitcom attempt, but again, we all know that if Nicole Richie didn’t have the daddy that she has and Paris Hilton didn’t have the daddy that she has, they’d both probably be hooking down on Hollywood Blvd as we speak.

Of course, recently, poor Nicole Richie’s claim to fame has apparently become anorexia. Not that this is a good thing, but the pop princess has at least made such a spectacle of herself (and taken such a beating in the media) that maybe she will be an example to girls and teens of what not to become….too skinny.

Again I’m blown away by the fact that people like Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton have become famous simply because they come from filthy rich stock. Since when does being a spoiled brat earn a person fame?

Sure a lot of the movie and rock stars are horrible, self-centered, over-indulged snots, but at least they worked for their fame. At least some of those people came from humble beginnings. At least some of them have a vague memory of what it’s like not to have anything and everything you want whenever you want it.

Frankly I’m tired of seeing these Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton lazing at some exotic beach or attending some high powered party. Who the heck are they anyways?

A Hand-Blown Murano Glass Gold Pendant Necklace, would’ve been lovely, by the way. Psst, it’s just $21.99!

Gold is pricey. In fact, it’s getting more expensive everyday. If you just don’t have the budget or the inclination to spend lots of money on solid gold jewelry, 14k gold filled jewelry is a wonderful alternative to pure 14k gold.

14k gold filled jewelry is a solid layer of 14k gold bonded to the outside of a base metal such as brass. What’s the difference between 14k gold filled jewelry and 14k gold plate? 14k gold filled has significantly more gold than the few microns of gold in gold plate. Actually, 14k gold filled jewelry has a hundred or more times gold than gold plate.

Under the normal wear and with the care you would give any precious metal jewelry, 14K gold filled jewelry will not flake or peel. 14k gold filled jewelry can be treasured for years.

Like solid 14k gold, 14k gold filled jewelry is tarnish-resistant and safe for most people with sensitive skin. In the end, 14k gold filled jewelry is a beautiful and economical alternative to solid 14k gold.

You can’t go wrong with 14k gold filled jewelry!

Jewelry which is termed ‘vintage’ includes many decades or eras. Each era has many different designs. These eras include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro.

Georgian Jewelry (1714-1837)
Georgian jewelry is handmade, making the quality of each piece variable. Needless to say, Georgian jewelry is very rare. Often featuring nature-inspired designs such as leaves and birds, Georgian jewelry frequently includes precious stones.

Early Victorian, Romantic Jewelry (1837-1850)
Like jewelry of the Georgian era, early Victorian jewelry features nature-inspired designs. Frequently, these designs would be delicately and intricately etched into gold. Lockets and brooches were popular everyday jewelry during the early Victorian era whereas colored gemstones and diamonds were worn during the evening.

Mid-Victorian, Grand Jewelry (1860-1880)
Because the Grand or Mid-Victorian era corresponded with the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, many jewelry pieces have solemn, grave designs. Known as mourning jewelry, the pieces feature heavy, dark stones. Jet, onyx, amethyst, and garnet are frequently found in jewelry from this period. The jewelry also became especially creative during this period. More colorful designs were born featuring shells, mosaics and colorful gemstones.

Late Victorian, Aesthetic Jewelry (1885-1900)
During the Late Victorian or Aesthetic period, jewelers used diamonds and feminine, bright gemstones such as sapphire, peridot, and spinel. Star and crescent designs as well as elaborate hat pins were also popular.

Arts and Crafts Jewelry (1894-1923)
Due to the Industrial Revolution, many jewelry designers rebelled during the Arts and Crafts era, returning to intricate jewelry designs and handmade craftsmanship. It was common for jewelry of this era to be simple in pattern, made of colorful, uncut stones.

Art Nouveau Jewelry (1895-1915)
Designed by Rene Jules Lalique in France and other jewelers in America, Art Nouveau jewelry features natural designs such as flowers and butterflies.

Edwardian Jewelry (1901-1910)
The Edwardian era was born when Queen Victoria died and her son Edward became king. During this period, expensive gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies and elaborate designs were the fashion.

Art Deco Jewelry (1920-1935)
Influenced by African, Egyptian and Japanese themes, Art Deco jewelry is famous for its geometric designs, sharp lines, and bright colors. Bakelite, celluloid, enamel and doublets were used frequently during this era. Necklaces were long and bracelets were worn many at a time. Amber, Venetian and glass beads, and amber were worn as well as chokers.

Retro Jewelry (1940s)
Inspired by Hollywood, Retro jewelry is colorful, bold and elaborate. Commonly worn were large cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and charm bracelets.

Whatever vintage jewelry you choose, whatever era you prefer. Vintage jewelry is a great way to spice up your style and get creative!

Recently my friend Julie announced she was getting married.  Of course I was over the moon.  Her fiancé is a great guy and it seems they’ve been together forever.  It was time!

A couple weeks later she called me up with a jewelry question.  All my friends know that I know a lot about jewelry (as I should).  Anyways, Julie wanted to know what kind of precious metal I thought she should get for her wedding ring.  Julie was torn.   On the one hand, she felt pressured to get a traditional yellow gold ring but on the other she’s always been a silver kind of girl.  This is true.  In all the years I’ve known her, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Julie wear gold jewelry.  Of course, Julie went on, sterling silver would be inappropriate.  She was disheartened.  She thought her hands were tied.  She thought she was going to be stuck with a yellow gold wedding ring.  Of course, I knew better.

Let me begin by saying that in my opinion, I don’t think anyone should feel pressured to buy any particular type of ring for their wedding ring.  In my opinion, if a couple wants to buy quarter machine rings to represent their eternal love then that’s what they should get.  That said, I thought it was worth mentioning to Julie that if she wanted a silver ring then she should get a silver ring.  Julie though, did not take to the idea.  Although she didn’t want a yellow gold ring, she did want to stick to some tradition.

Given all this information, I did have some suggestions.  Because it’s so hardy, I’ve always thought platinum is the way to go when buying a silvery-white metal.  However, platinum is pricey.  Both Julie and her husband to be work, but they are on a budget and let’s face it, weddings are expensive.  Taking all this into consideration, I suggested Julie choose a white gold ring. 

Now it’s not as though white gold is a new phenomena, but it’s really only been recently that people have been choosing white gold or platinum for wedding and engagement rings.  Thirty years ago it would have been a real rarity.  These days, even though white gold is becoming more popular, I still don’t think many people consider white gold straight away.  People have to be reminded about white gold.  Suffice to say, I reminded Julie about white gold.
  
Well Julie and her fiancé bought their white gold engagement rings and I’m delighted to say the white gold rings are beautiful!  Both Julie and her fiancée are thrilled.  They love the white gold.

What is White Gold

White gold is an alloy of gold and other white metals including silver and palladium. Like yellow gold, white gold can be 18kt, 14kt, 9kt or any karat.

Just like 18kt yellow gold which is 75% gold mixed with 25% of other metals like copper and zinc, 18kt white gold is 75% gold mixed with 25% other metals such as silver and palladium.

What Constitutes White Gold

The properties of the white gold vary dependant metals and proportions used. As a result, white gold alloys can be used for different purposes. Whereas a white gold, nickel* alloy is hard, strong and great for rings and pins, white gold palladium alloys are soft, pliable and great for gemstone settings.

*Although nickel was traditionally used in white gold, it can cause skin reactions. Now white gold is commonly made with other white metals.

White Gold Jewelry

You can find all sorts of white gold jewelry. From pins and brooches to necklaces, chains, bracelets and rings, beautiful white gold jewelry is easy to find. White gold wedding bands and engagement rings are also becoming increasingly popular.

Taking Care of White Gold

White gold rings are coated with Rhodium. Rhodium is similar to platinum and shares many its properties including its white color. Because the natural color of white gold is light grey, rhodium plating makes white gold whiter. Since rhodium eventually wears away, white gold should be re-rhodium plated every 12 to 18 months.
Whatever white gold you choose, however you choose to buy it, white gold is beautiful. Get what you want and enjoy!