Gold Necklaces

Wearing beautiful gold necklaces has been a symbol of beauty and status since at least 2500 BC. They look gorgeous and are a treasured special gift. Often gold necklaces are worn with gemstones for that extra special look.

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Gold has been the preferred metal for crafting necklaces for both men and women throughout history. Alloys can alter the color and appearance of gold, from that of a true yellow-gold with a polished shine, to a rose tint that has been brushed for a subdued effect.

Custom gold necklaces can easily be created by choosing a length and weight desired by the wearer -- and adding special touches, such as gemstones, according to the wearer's preference.

The purity of jeweler's gold is measured in karats, which are expressed in units of 24ths. Therefore, pure gold is 24-karat or 100 percent gold, 18-karat gold is 75 percent gold, 14-karat gold is 58.5 percent gold, and so on.

Gold jewelry is usually priced according to its purity, or karat weight. A karat, or carat, is 1/24th part of pure gold. It is usual for gold to be mixed with other metals (copper, silver, zinc, nickel) to increase its hardness and durability -- and lower its price.

Naturally occurring rose, white or green gold does not exist. Pure gold metal is yellow. All of other "shades" of gold are a mixture of pure 24K yellow gold with a variety of other metals. The percentage of the other metals (copper, silver, zinc, nickel) produces the different colors of gold. Any karat other than 24K gold (pure gold) is called an "alloy".

Rose gold is produced by increasing the copper-colored alloys and decreasing the any silver-colored additives. By increasing lighter alloys of zinc, silver, nickel and copper tone down the yellow gold. The resulting 14K white gold contains the same amount of gold as 14K yellow gold but is nearly white in color, though it still carries diminutive yellowish hint.

With its subtle, natural appearance, green gold combines well when used with yellow, white and pink gold. An alloy of pure yellow gold and pure silver produces the green tint. For durability, harder metals such as nickel or zinc can be used. To create true 14K green gold, jewelers use 14 parts yellow gold and ten parts silver.