Gold jewelry has always had quite a broad and distinctive appeal for both women and men. Whether you are shopping for a piece of jewelry for yourself, your special someone, or a family member, it is easy to see why gold jewelry has an almost gravitational pull for most people.
Gold jewelry has a warm luster, and the color is complementary to nearly every complexion. Gold jewelry also catches the light well and shimmers in sunlight, candlelight, and lamplight. It is interesting to highlight that there has been an increasing demand, amongst savvy shoppers, for jewelry that is made of 22 karat gold.
22 karat– or 22k — gold jewelry is quite distinctive because it shines brightly due to its more intense yellow hue. This jewelry is made of 22 parts gold and 2 parts alloys, such as silver, copper, zinc, and/or nickel. The higher amount of gold, in 22 karat gold jewelry, refers to the measure of gold purity out of a total of 24 karats. The alloys are also important because they enhance the durability and the strength, of the pure gold, and make it a better–and a more attractive–choice for jewelry.
22 karat gold is also a slightly harder version of pure gold–it contains 91.6 percent pure gold and 8.33 percent of other metals. Furthermore, 22 karat gold is usually between the range of 2.5 and 2.75 on the Moh’s scale. The Moh’s scale is a standardized scale, for minerals and metals, which measures how they are resistant to scratching against other substances whose levels are known. 24 karat gold–which is 99.99 percent pure gold–is usually graded 2.5 on the Moh’s scale–the same level as a fingernail. While 24 karat gold is the purest gold available, on the market, it is too soft, too delicate, and too impractical for jewelry. 24 karat gold it is also too easy to scratch, bend, and warp, so it is usually purchased as an investment in the form of bars and coins. In contrast, 14 karat gold is harder than pure gold. It contains 58.3 percent pure gold and measures 3.5 – 4 on the Moh’s scale–the same hardness as platinum.
22 karat gold is a superb choice for high-end jewelry and statement pieces. The heavier gold, and the richer, more vibrant yellow color, provide the perfect base for diamonds and other precious gemstones, such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. 22 karat gold is also a bit softer, and more malleable, which makes it the perfect choice for a wide range of stunning jewelry designs. Whether you are searching for a pair of earrings, a bracelet, a necklace, a ring or a wedding band, or a pair of cufflinks, 22 karat gold makes the perfect choice for a dazzling piece of jewelry.
A talented jeweler will be happy to educate you about 22 karat gold jewelry and spend time, with you, to find the piece that best reflects your style. A gifted jeweler can also design and create a truly unique piece of jewelry that will incorporate your wishes.
