Easy Answers to the Most Asked Questions

Why are there such price differences between similar looking pieces of gold jewlery?

• Karatage: other things being equal, 18k cost more than 14k because it contains more pure gold.

• Weight in grams: heavier pieces contain more gold.

• Design and construction: unique design, ornamental details or an unusual clasp can add to the price.

• Craftsmanship: Gold jewelry is primarily made by machine: any handwork increases the price.

What's the difference between real gold, fine gold, and karat gold?
They all mean the same thing: honest-to-goodness gold. Gold jewelry comes in several degrees of purity, but it's all real gold. (Note that pure 100% gold is generally considered too soft for jewlery.)

What's a karat? A measure of gold's purity. Gold used in jewlery is mixed with harder metals for strength and durability. The higher the percentage of pure gold, the higher the karat.

Is 18 karat gold better than 14 karat? They both look great and wear beautifully. 18k is more valuable because it contains a higher percentage of pure gold. It's like comparing good Chardonnay to fine Champagne.

Isn't this piece too light to be solid gold? Large pieces in solid gold are heavy and expensive. Modern goldsmithing methods can make big, dramatic all-gold jewelry that's light, comfortable and well-priced.


What do the markings on the back mean? If a karat mark appears, by law you should see the manufacturer's registered trademark to assure you that the karat marking is accurate. The country of origin should also appear.


What about colored gold? Is it real gold too? Definitely. The metals that are added to gold for strength and durability can also be used to change its color, giving it a fashionable rose or white tint, or "tweaking" the natural yellow tone to lighten or darken it. It's all real gold.