Gold Necklace Tips
There is just something special about wearing a gold necklace that makes you feel elegant and exceptional. Gold necklaces are versatile and add a certain flair when worn with the just the right outfit. There are some things that you should know when you are contemplating the purchase of gold jewelry. When you are going to make a new gold jewelry purchase it is always good to know how to select, clean and care for the new piece.
Choosing a Gold Necklace
When choosing a new gold necklace knowing the type of occasions it will be worn for is always a good place to start. For example evening wear is usually a bit showier and often times a larger piece; whereas casual wear is centered more on comfort with some style. Most of us are on a tight budget so where ever possible it is nice to get a piece that works well with several outfits in your wardrobe.
Try on several different lengths and types of necklaces just for the purpose of seeing what looks best with your type of neck. A necklace may look beautiful on a display but it may not always be suited for your length of neck; try each piece on till you find exactly what looks the best on you.
Sometimes people get confused when they see the karat weight and become unsure as to what the ideal weight should be for them. Some typical gold karat weights are 24k, 18k, 14k and 10k. The higher the number such as 24k then the purer the gold which may be good as an investment.
The higher the number the softer it is because it has not been mixed with other metal properties to give it additional strength. So ideally for jewelry you should look for 14k. This will provide a good looking shiny gold appearance and yet have enough firmness to the gold jewelry so it cannot be damaged as easily as a softer gold.
Be sure and check for the trademark which indicates the manufacturer’s karat-mark to verify what you are really purchasing. The clasp is really an important feature of a gold necklace. It is the part that is going to get the most wear and ear; make sure it is not rough around the edges. Also look carefully to see that it is well attached to the chain; if it is not attached properly you could lose your entire investment.
Cleaning and Care
Enjoy your gold necklace but be sure and take it off in the shower or any place where it will come in contact with strong detergents or soap.
Wearing gold jewelry in a swimming pool with exposure to chlorine is absolutely one of the worst things you can do. Chlorine will begin to degrade and deteriorate the structure of the piece.
Gold jewelry should not be stored in a tangled pile of other jewelry; causes scratching and wear.
A mild cleaning solution of dish soap and warm water used with a soft brush keeps it clean and shiny.
Buyer Beware Tips
It is so easy to get excited when shopping for beautiful gold jewelry; just remember to pay attention to quality. Unfortunately today there are still people passing off fakes or closing up shop never to be heard from again. Deal with reputable dealers that you are familiar with and you should come home with a beautiful gold necklace.