| When buying a gold ring, size will be a determining | | | | 24-karat. Being the purest, it is also the softest |
| factor, but there are many other things to keep | | | | and the most expensive. |
| in mind. Durability, style, and price are also | | | | Slightly lower in price is 18-karat gold, which is |
| important, but how do you know if you are | | | | about 75% pure and 25% alloy. It is still soft |
| getting the best deal? Learning more about the | | | | enough to create a detailed design for a gold ring, |
| way gold jewelry is made, classified, and priced, | | | | but it is also somewhat stronger and less |
| will help ensure that the gold ring you choose is | | | | expensive than 24-karat gold. |
| the ideal one for you. | | | | The most popular quality of gold used in jewelry |
| First, it helps to understand that other metals are | | | | making is 14-karat gold, which is perfect for rings. |
| alloyed with gold, such as copper, iron, nickel, | | | | It is slightly over half-pure, and is priced |
| platinum, steel, silver, and zinc. Alloying gold with | | | | accordingly. It is very strong and is a good choice |
| different metals makes it easier to work with as | | | | for frequently worn jewelry, especially a gold ring, |
| well as more affordable. Different alloys can also | | | | such as an engagement ring or wedding ring, |
| be used to give gold a different color. For | | | | which is worn on a daily basis. |
| example, nickel or platinum can be used to create | | | | For jewelry to be advertised as gold in the U.S., it |
| white gold and copper is used to create a golden | | | | must be at least 40% pure, which is classified as |
| rosy tone. | | | | 10-karat gold. This is the strongest quality for gold |
| Another issue that determines cost is the amount | | | | jewelry and is also the most affordable. |
| of skill and difficulty that goes into the creation of | | | | Once you choose a gold ring, learning to care for |
| a gold ring. Since gold is a considered a soft metal, | | | | it properly is also important. Washing it with a soft |
| it is fairly easy to work with, but it can quickly | | | | towel and warm soapy water, rinsing it |
| loose its shape or become scratched. The purer | | | | completely, and allowing it to dry thoroughly |
| the gold, the softer it is, which is why alloys play | | | | before putting it away will help your gold ring |
| an important part in the making of a gold ring. | | | | remain beautiful. It is also a good idea to keep |
| An everyday ring should be made from lower | | | | special pieces separate from other jewelry. You |
| karat gold or from metal that is gold-plated. | | | | might want to keep your gold ring in the box it |
| Delicate rings with intricate designs that are not | | | | came in when not wearing it, or wrap it in cloth |
| intended to be worn everyday can safely be | | | | before putting it into your jewelry box. |
| made from the purest quality of gold, which is | | | | |