Long before the invention of the American Dollar, the Indian Rupee, or the British Pound, another form of currency was used by people around the world. Do you know what it was? It was gold, and it was a timeless way to denote how rich and powerful a person was. It\’s both heavy and rare, and it has been used as a status symbol throughout the years. This is our free gold guide to beautiful heart jewelry. We hope that you enjoy this journey into the incorporation of gold into our beautiful jewelry items.

Most of us already know that gold is one of the world\’s most precious and valuable metals. It is also very soft and malleable. Did you know that? A mere ounce of it can be stretched and stretched until it forms a long string of wire over 5 miles long. If you would rather pound it, it can be pounded so thin that it forms a sheet of gold that will cover 100 square feet. It won\’t rust or corrode either, meaning that it can last indefinitely. It\’s also all around us. It\’s in the crust of the earth beneath our feet, it\’s in our seas and rives, and it\’s also in our plants as well. Because it is so difficult to find and extract, it\’s also very expensive. It takes 1.5 – 3 tons of gold ore to make 1oz of pure gold.

Jewelry\’s Most Popular Metal is…

Do you happen to know what metal is the most popular in our modern day jewelry? Gold is the answer, and you can find many different forms of heart jewelry that use gold. In terms of a single jewelry item, it is without a doubt the simple gold wedding band. Since gold is so malleable and soft, it can\’t really be utilized in its pure form. It must be mixed with other metals in order to make it more durable and strong. Do you know what combining two or more metals is called? The result is called an alloy, and most of the gold that we use in our jewelry is found in the form of an alloy. What types of gold jewelry are there you ask? How about: (1) White gold jewelry, (2) Gold jewelry, (3) 24k gold jewelry, (4) Wholesale gold jewelry, (5) 22k gold jewelry, (6) 18k gold jewelry, (7) 14k gold jewelry, (8) Indian gold jewelry, (9) Rose gold jewelry, (10) Gold body jewelry, (11) Gold horse jewelry, (12) Gold plated jewelry, (13) Gold charm jewelry, (14) Other fine gold jewelry items.

Do you know where the word karat comes from? It is derived from the word for the fruit of the carob tree. Here are some derivations: in Arabic we have qirat, in Greek we have keration, and in Italian the word carato. You see, the seeds of the carob tree\’s fruit were used in ancient times for measuring precious gems. Since the pure gold Byzantine coin (called the solidus by the way) weighed 24 karats, the 24 karat mark (24 KT or 24K) became the symbol used to indicate that an item was pure gold.

Carats or Karats?

When we talk about gold we often refer to the term carat (or karat). Bugs bunny preferred to be paid in carrots (the vegetable), but that\’s another topic all together. When you are paid in carats, well, then you are really talking about getting paid in $$$. In jewelry terms, the carat has a double meaning. It is used to refer to a measurement of weight for gemstones (one carat is usually equivalent to 1/5 gram), but in some countries it can also be used to indicate the amount of pure gold in a piece of gold jewelry. In the U.S., when we want to indicate the gold content rather than the weight, we use a \”k\” (coming from \”karat\”), to avoid any confusion that may arise.

24K gold (in most instances) is too soft to be used in jewelry. In some areas of the world they prefer to use 18K or 20K because of its brighter yellow color and for the simple fact that it is closer to being pure 24K gold. In the United States 14K or 18K is preferred above the rest because it is more durable.

What is Gold 990?

A new alloy is on the way that we should mention. It\’s called Gold 990, and it is an alloy of pure gold and only a small amount of titanium. What does this mean? This means you have \”almost\” pure gold, with greatly increased durability. This \”straw colored\” alloy is similar to the look of 14K gold, so those looking for that 24K gold look should look a bit further. If color is not that important, and if you are looking for a way to have \”almost pure\” gold and better durability, this alloy may be just what you need.

Can you answer the following question? In order for something to be called gold, how many carats must the item be? The rules calling something \”gold\” vary from country to country. In the United States of America, in order for something to be called \”gold\” it has to be at least 10K gold. In Canada and England the number is 9K. In France and Italy it must be 18K.

Does Gold Have To Be Yellow?

Many think that gold\’s only color is yellow. Well, they are partly correct. Pure 24K gold is always yellow in color. Since pure gold is too soft and malleable for jewelry use, and since countries have different standards for what \”gold\” means, you can change the color of \”gold\” by the alloys that you happen to add to it. Yellow gold is made up of gold, silver and copper. White gold is comprised of gold, zinc, nickel, silver, palladium and platinum. Green gold is made up of gold, silver, copper, and zinc. Pink (or red) gold is composed of gold, copper, and sometimes a small amount of silver.

What is Underkarating?

There is one more thing that we should talk about before we leave this subject of carats and karats. When you are purchasing a piece of jewelry you should be concerned about underkarating. This is a serious problem in many areas around the world, so be sure to purchase your jewelry from a reliable jewelry store or reliable jewelry outlet. Underkarating means that although the jewelry item is marked to indicate a certain amount of jewelry content it can contain less than the amount indicated. Jewelers who sell underkarated jewelry will sometimes boast about the fact that you are \”getting a bargain\” In actuality you are not getting anything of the sort. Since the jewelry item they are selling you contains less gold and more alloy than what is indicated, what kind of a bargain is that? As always, the buyer must beware. Only purchase jewelry items from reliable sources.

What is the Manufacturer\’s Registered Trademark?

Before you purchase any jewelry item you should always look for a manufacturer\’s registered trademark. You will find it near the karat mark. Manufacturers take this trademark very seriously. Lately, more jewelers are getting concerned about being held liable, so they are willing to only purchase jewelry items from manufacturers who are willing to stand by what they sell. This particular trademark can be traced back to those who made this jewelry, so their reputation is on the line. They won\’t dare mess up in this particular area of the process.

How To Resolve Skin Discoloration

Did you know what causes your skin discoloration with some forms of gold jewelry? It\’s not the pure gold that is doing this. Pure gold does not tarnish, and will not discolor the skin. It\’s the alloys that are added to the pure gold that are causing this effect. This happens mostly under damp or moist conditions. These alloys, along with the fatty acids that are present in your perspiration, can set up a corrosive reaction. This problem can be even worse in areas where there is salt in the air, so if you plan a trip to the beach…beware.

Oh and one more thing. Metallic abrasion that is caused by some makeup is another common cause of discoloration. Did you know that some makeup contains compounds that are actually harder than the jewelry in which they are coming into contact with? This is a true fact. As these compounds rub against the jewelry you are wearing they can cause some of the gold to flake off. This forms a dark looking \”dust\”. When this \”dust\” makes contact with your sweaty skin, a black smudge is the result.

And The Solution Is?

Now that we have identified the problem, what is the solution to discoloration resulting from jewelry? You need to get into the habit of removing the jewelry often and washing the skin that it is coming into contact with. Plain soap and water is the preferred solution. Oh and remember to keep your jewelry clean as well. You should wipe the jewelry periodically with a nice soft cloth to remove any tarnish that may \”build up\”. It might also be a good idea to use a body powder that is free of abrasions on all areas of your skin that will be in contact with the jewelry you wish to wear.

If you happen to like a certain piece of jewelry, why not see if a similar piece is available from another manufacturer? You may find that one piece causes discoloration while another does not. This doesn\’t mean that one piece is inferior to another. Jewelry manufacturers often use different alloys, or different combinations of alloys. This means that although the look may be the same, one piece of jewelry will cause discoloration while another may not.

You know, you can always switch to a more pure form of gold jewelry. This could resolve the problem. After all, it is these alloys that are causing the problem, and if you move more in the direction of pure gold…problem solved.

The Conclusion of the Matter

We hope you enjoyed our Free Gold Guide Tour into the World of Gold Jewelry and Skin Discoloration. If you would like to learn a bit more, please visit our blog on www.BeautifulHeartJewelry.com. We do focus on heart jewelry primarily, but we also provide general information regarding the history of jewelry, and where you can purchase other great jewelry items.

Betsy Johnson has some great deals for you at: open heart jewelry and heart jewelry. Check them out!

In this article we will be exploring the world of the diamond. We will explore some of the myths that have been associated with this gemstone throughout the years, some of the properties of this fine gemstone.

The diamond has been coveted and lusted after since the early years of man. In the Middle Ages, the uncut version of the diamond adorned the armor of knights. Their “cut” counterparts were used to adorn the crowns of both kings and queens. Today, the diamond is renowned as the international symbol of love and romance. Investors are interested in these gemstones as well…they are great investments to anyone’s portfolio.

Magical powers have been a subject of much interest over the years. Years ago it was thought that the diamond was endowed with magical powers. The holder of this precious gemstone (it was believed), would possess bravery, courage, and superior strength. Is there any wonder that knights wore this gem on their armor? It was also believed that the diamond could ward off evil creatures of the night, and the devil as well.

Over the years the diamond has been attributed to many different things. Here’s the short list of answers: (1) Invincibility, (3) Sleepwalking, (2) Spiritual Ecstasy, and (4) Sexual Prowess. Did you know that there is a catch to this list? The person would have to have found the diamond in the wild, its natural setting. If the diamond was purchased from someone else this “contract” would not apply, but if the diamond was offered as a symbol of love or friendship (such as a setting in an engagement ring), these magical powers may return to the owner of the object.

The Hindus classified diamonds into four separate castes. These castes were: (1) The Vasiya, a diamond the color of the “kodali flower” which brought success. (2) The Brahmin diamond, a colorless diamond that provided friends, riches, power, and good luck. (3) The Kshatiya, a champagne/brown colored diamond that prevented old age. (4) The Sudra, a diamond that was gray or black and glistened like a polished piece of metal, which brought about good fortune. In addition we have the red and yellow diamonds, which were gems exclusively for kings.

Let’s examine the diamond from a chemical prospective. From this prospective it is the simplest of all gemstones. It is just plain ole’ crystallized carbon, chemically the same as the substance that is used to make a lead pencil. It is the crystallized pattern of the diamond that makes it different, and the reason that it is so highly prized.

While the diamond is the hardest known substance, it can be chipped if it is hit from a certain angle. It is this principle that permits a gemologist to create the beautiful “cut” versions that we love so much.

Did you know that diamonds come in every color of the rainbow? This is true, but the white diamond is definitely the most popular version of the gem. Irregardless, diamonds of any color make a perfect addition to any fine piece of jewelry.

Looking to find the best deal on open heart jewelry? If so, then visit www.BeautifulHeartJewelry.com. They offer the best advice on jewelry with a heart design for every day of the year.