All about Gold
It's been a while! Let's chat about gold: what is the difference in karats (k), how to determine what is a fair price in gold jewelry, and why bother with real gold instead of gold-plated or gold look-alike for that matter?
What is this karat business?
A karat (k) is just a measure of the purity of gold. Most countries will not sell less than 10k gold, and 24k is 100% pure gold. We measure the purity because gold is an extremely rare metal, and like all things rare and hard to mine, it costs to obtain it and mold it. The more rare (= more pure gold, more karats) a gold item is, the more expensive it tends to be. To make it last longer and more affordable, it is mixed with other metals while retaining its strength and look, lowering the karats.
What is the difference in the karats of gold jewelry I see online?
24k is 100% pure gold - the most expensive, brightest gold, but usually means it is the least wearable. Because it is pure, it tends to bend and scratch easily and be easily malleable. We offer it, but we don't recommend it. The most common karats sold are 14k followed by 18k. This typically means that the jewelry is a little more than half made of pure gold, the remaining components being other metals. 14k is extremely durable and long-lasting, and not easily scratched thanks to the other metals mixed into the gold. 18k tends to show brighter and is made of purer gold but tends to be a little weaker.
Why bother with buying real gold when I can get cheaper fake gold jewelry (costume jewelry) online?
There's a time and a place for all types of jewelry, including costume. There are some places or travel we need to do that we may want to leave "the good stuff" at home, where it will be kept safe. However, if you're interested in timeless investment pieces, gold is a great way to go. First, it doesn't turn your skin green or black (like costume jewelry likely will) or deteriorate over time. Second, it holds its value. Rare is rare, and the real will always outlast (in value and quality) the fake. You can get it repaired with gold (unlike costume jewelry that cannot be repaired because to repair it costs more than the item itself), get it resized easily, and customize it with engravings, gemstones, diamonds, and more. Gold gets passed on through generations and generations, holding and increasing its value, good both in a crisis to sell for money, or to hold onto for memories and change it slowly over time without losing any of its value.
How do I know if I am being overcharged?
Good question! First - for your typical 14k jewelry, know that any major chain or department store is upselling you their jewelry for 200% or more what it is worth - it is usually incredibly overpriced. And that isn't us being biased; it's the truth! Same as any major name brand for jewelry, purses, shoes, art, etc. - usually, you can get the same quality for a fraction of a price with small businesses, creators, and artists. Second - you can google the price of gold on any given day. As I write this today, gold is nearing $94 a gram. You can ask for the weight of any jewelry item and do the calculation yourself to see if you're being overcharged!
That being said, as a small business, we're only trying to do fair sales that leave our customers happy and coming back for more for their special occasions. We're your neighbors. Hard to upcharge when we'll see you next in line at the grocery store! That's why if you visit us in-person this spring, we're offering any 14k gold jewelry (plain or with gemstones) at $69 a gram -- now that is a fair deal!
Got more questions? Email us or dm us on any of our socials!
Talk sooner than later,
Priscilla