Since ancient times people have recognised and cherished gold as a precious commodity. Gold jewellery never goes out of fashion. Unlike many other metals pure gold does not react with other elements to create a residue that accumulates on some of them before transferring to your skin as stain. There are people who are allergic or have staining problems with metals combined with gold, but gold itself is rarely a problem. Gold can be worked into any shape you want even into tiny strands and it does not break easily. One ounce of gold can be hammered and flatten into an ultra thin sheet that is ten feet square.

In the past, gold jewellery was worn only by wealthy people. But during the industrialisation period people of lower social classes became able to afford more than a gold wedding band. Today, people many people around the world are wearing beautiful gold jewellery pieces that their ancestors would have never dreamt of ever owning.

Today gold jewellery is considered to be an important investment for some people. Gold has different types and varieties, thus, it is vital to know how to distinguish between them. What is it with gold jewellery that differentiate a piece from another and why is it so much cheaper similar than similar items? Let us all begin with caratage. Gold carat weight is not the actual weight of gold such as it is with gemstones but the proportion of gold in gold jewellery.

24 carat gold is 100% pure gold and it has a very rich gold colour. Gold jewellery is almost never made from 24 carat gold for one simple reason- 24 carat gold is far too soft and will dent and scratch easily. Often 24 carat gold is used in decorating tableware and wine glasses.

On the other hand 9 carat gold is only 37.5% gold and it contains other metals such as silver and copper that makes up the rest 62.5%. Thus, 9 carat gold looks a little lighter in colour and much less expensive.

Mixing different metals with gold can give it different colours and shades as well. Rich yellow is the original colour of gold. When mixed with white metals such as rhodium and titanium gold jewellery has a white gleam which is similar to platinum. Gold and copper mix turns gold into pinkish hue that is known as rose gold. Traditionally, only yellow gold and rose gold (Eastern Europe) was used but in recent times white gold has become very popular.

When buying gold jewellery, look for the Hallmark stamp of authenticity. This is different from the stamp of the jeweller or manufacturer and it is globally accepted gold authentication stamp that certifies the caratage of gold in jewellery piece.

And while shopping for gold jewellery it is important to choose a jeweller that you can trust. Check the gold prices on different stores before purchasing to establish an average prices of gold item you are after. You might see a gold jewellery piece in another store having almost the same style and type but with less or more expensive. It is important to remember that the price should complement the quality. You cannot get the highest quality piece of gold jewellery at a very cheap price.

Buying gold jewellery online can be great idea too if you have verified the details of the online seller, and it is best if you have already made a purchase from them. It is one way that you can trust the jeweller. In case of online gold purchase look for trust seals on the website and to be sure you might want to contact the certifying organizations.