Learn everything about gold, including appearance, purity, and price, to choose the ideal material for you.

Whether looking for that luminous yellow gold engagement ring, the gorgeous blush hues of a rose gold bracelet or the lustrous quality of 18K white gold stud earrings, there’s literally a gold to suit every modern woman. Here are a few reasons why gold is so incredibly special and some considerations to keep in mind when selecting your next golden treasure:

Gold is timeless.

A prized material for millennia and ever at the forefront of fashion trends, gold shows no signs of slowing down as the metal of choice for fine jewelry. Prized not only for its natural beauty, but gold is also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for all skin types. Additionally, it won’t change color, tarnish, rust, or corrode, and can always be worn and with every outfit, thanks to its versatility and variety of colors. For these reasons and so many more, Estella uses only the highest quality gold available.

How Do I Figure Out Gold Purity?

Not all golds are created equal, and when it comes to this precious metal, understanding karat is critical. Measured in karats, golds are often found in 10K, 14K, 22K, and 24K, with 24-karat gold being the purest of them all. So, 14K gold jewelry has a purity of 14 karats, meaning that it contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals, while an 18K gold bracelet has a purity of 18 karats, which translates into 18 parts gold and 6 parts added alloy, or other metals. Because pure gold is often too soft for everyday wear, it is alloyed with a mixture of other metals, promoting both strength and durability. At Estella, most of our timeless pieces are made with either 14K or 18K gold.

How Does Gold Come in Multiple Colors?

Because gold is rarely 100% pure, it can achieve a variety of ranges within the color spectrum. When two metals are dissolved into each other (as is the case with alloys), the color is often the result of that mixture. For example, white gold contains palladium and silver which helps it achieve that radiant brilliant shine. The color of gold jewelry can typically be attributed to the addition of different amounts of several metals including copper, zinc, silver, and others. 

How Can I Choose A Gold That Works Best with My Skin Tone?

First, make sure to look at your skin tone in natural light. Doing so will reveal veins around noticeable areas like the wrists. If your veins appear blue or purple, that means you have a cool skin tone. If, however, your veins appear green, then you have a warm skin tone. If you find that your veins appear blue in certain areas and green in others, then you have a neutral skin tone.

Keep in mind, that skin tone is not the same as skin color. People with darker skin can have a cool skin tone, and lighter skin can be warm in tone.

Once you've determined your skin tone, it's easy to find a metal color that will be flattering for you. Cooler skin tones tend to look great in light or white metals such as white gold, platinum, and silver, whereas warmer skin tones tend to look best in yellow and rose gold. If you have a neutral skin tone, then you're the luckiest of all, because you'll look beautiful in both white metals and yellow metals.

How is Gold Priced?

When it comes to pricing an elegant gold necklace or a radiant pair of gold earrings, several factors come into play. One factor is the changes in the market price of gold, while the other key factor is the karat - the amount of pure gold vs. the amount of alloys. The higher the karat, the purer it is, meaning the more expensive the gold jewelry piece will be. Gold jewelry cost also factors in design, weight, labor, factory costs, sales, marketing, and transportation. 

How to Care for Your Gold: 

Taking Care of Yellow Gold Jewelry

To best care for your yellow gold jewelry pieces, we recommend removing your jewelry when using chemicals such as household cleaners or when working out to reduce daily abrasions and prolong the luster. To clean, use a solution of warm water and detergent-free soap with a soft-bristled brush. When you’re not wearing your yellow gold pieces, be sure to store them in a soft cloth bag or in a jewelry original box to protect them from the elements of daily exposure.

Taking Care of White Gold Jewelry

White gold jewelry is plated with rhodium to provide a bright white finish which will wear off over time from everyday wear and exposure to household chemicals, exposing the natural, yellowish-white tone of metal underneath. You can continue to wear the piece as is or have your jewelry professionally re-plated as needed. For at-home cleaning, simply use a mild solution of six parts water to one-part ammonia and apply with a soft bristle brush. Gently rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

For simple at-home cleaning, simply use a mild solution of six parts water to one-part ammonia and apply with a soft bristle brush. Gently rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Be sure to not use any abrasive substances to scrub your white gold ring as it may damage its plating. 

Taking Care of Rose Gold Jewelry

For a simple-at home process, simply soak your rose gold piece in warm water with one tablespoon of salt, baking soda, and dish soap for 5-10 minutes. Remove and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. For more thorough cleaning, it's best to bring your pieces to a professional jeweler.