If you’re thinking of purchasing gold jewellery, you might be wondering how to choose the best kind. Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide you with the purchasing information you need when buying gold and silver jewellery, including spotting a fake.
Generally, gold and silver jewellery are the most common investments. They’re an excellent way to spoil yourself or a loved one. You can invest in any precious metal, but if you want to invest for the long haul, it’s preferable to stick with gold or silver.
Guide to Buying Gold and Silver Jewellery
First-time jewellery purchases of gold or silver can occasionally appear difficult. However, all you need to start adding precious physical metals to your collection or investing portfolio is a basic understanding of a few concepts. Below are some basic things to consider when buying gold or silver jewellery.
1. Purity Check
When you’re buying gold or silver jewellery, the purity of your precious metals is incredibly important. To ensure that your jewellery contains at least 90% pure gold or silver (and usually more), you must look for a stamp on the piece stating what percentage of each metal it contains. The number of carats is used to gauge the quality of your gold jewellery.
Generally, the purity of gold drops as the number of karats decreases from 14kt, 18kt, 22kt, etc. A piece of 24kt gold is considered 99.9% pure. Therefore the higher this number is, the better and purer it is.
Silver does not use karats. In jewellery where a minimum level of hardness is necessary, 999 silver, which is pure silver, is not utilized. When it comes to acquiring exquisite jewelry that balances both elegance and durability, consider exploring the stunning range of sterling silver rings for sale.
2. Locate a Reliable Jeweler
A competent salesperson will always be comforting and accommodating no matter how many questions you ask. The faith of their consumers is a jeweler’s most prized possession. Therefore, look for indicators of dependable services, such as membership in the National Association of Jewellers to ensure they’re authentic.
3. Spotting Hallmarks
Hallmarks are a legal guarantee of the precious metal content of your jewellery. A hallmark is stamped on the jewellery and indicates what precious metals were used to create it. With it, you can be sure that what you’re buying is real gold or silver. These hallmarks will be extremely small and discreetly placed on your jewellery. You’ll need a magnifying lens and bright lighting to look for them.
According to Dr. Susan Harper, a renowned gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), “Hallmarks serve as a consumer’s assurance of quality and authenticity. They not only indicate the type of precious metal used but also often include information about the manufacturer and the year of production.” (GIA Journal, 2022).
Additionally, a study conducted by the Assay Office London in 2021 found that 85% of consumers feel more confident in their purchase when jewellery includes a hallmark. This study highlights the importance of hallmarking in the jewellery industry and its role in ensuring consumer trust and satisfaction.
4. The Price Factor
The quality, the type of alloy it is mixed with, and how much labor goes into producing the piece contribute to how much the jewellery costs. Before purchasing, it’s wise to check prices, but purchasing from reputable jewelers or known brands is also advisable.
Consider finding independent sellers who sell exceptional items at reasonable prices if you want to make a budget-friendly purchase. Just be cautious when vetting who to buy from. By examining their credentials and certificates, you can make sure you are dealing with a respectable dealer.
Also, avoid purchasing the first piece of jewellery you see. Comparing prices at different jewelers is a good idea because you might find the same jewellery item at a lower price elsewhere. For instance, online stores are typically less expensive because they don’t have the same overhead costs as physical stores.
5. Avoid Jewellery Filled With Nickel
Nickel is a common allergen that can cause rashes, skin irritations, and allergic reactions in people with nickel sensitivity. It’s particularly concerning because nickel is often used as an alloy in some jewelry. As Dr. Emily Garner, a dermatologist from the Skin Health Institute, notes, “Nickel allergies are one of the most prevalent contact allergies, affecting nearly 10-20% of the population.” (Source: Skin Health Institute).
Given how widespread nickel sensitivity is, it’s sensible to avoid nickel-containing products. If you’re unsure whether a piece of jewelry contains nickel, don’t hesitate to ask your jeweler if their jewelry is nickel-free.
Supporting this concern, a study published in the *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology* found that nickel was the most common allergen identified in patch tests conducted on individuals with contact dermatitis. This underscores the importance of being vigilant about the materials in the jewelry you wear.
By being informed and cautious, you can minimize the risk of skin irritation and enjoy your jewelry worry-free.
6. Read the Fine Print And Keep the Receipt
When buying gold and silver jewellery, it’s important to read the fine print on your receipt. This will tell you what type of metals are used in a piece and whether or not it’s conflict-free. “Ensuring your jewellery is conflict-free not only supports ethical practices but also adds value to your purchase,” says Sarah Jones, a gemologist from Ethical Jewellery Magazine. You should also keep your receipt so that if you have any questions later or there is an issue with the piece, you can take it up with the seller.
The receipt will serve as proof of purchase and assistance in contacting the appropriate authorities in case of fraud or a claim.
Conclusion
It’s a great time to be a gold or silver buyer, lucky for you, any options are available. While buying jewellery can be tricky, it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. If you want to treat yourself or someone else, invest in some good quality pieces, and remember to keep receipts for any purchases made!
