| Gold can create frenzy among people. It was | | | | gold threader earrings. These actually thread through |
| discovered in California in 1848 and, once news spread, | | | | the piercing and, because of the long dangling back, |
| it spawned a huge migration of people moving West in | | | | there is no need for a backing. A "fob" in the form of a |
| search of this buttery-colored metal that would make | | | | charm, gemstone or bead is utilized to keep the piece |
| them rich. Of course, people knew about this precious | | | | from threading all the way through. |
| metal long before this and were wearing jewelry like | | | | Classic trends that have withstood the test of time are |
| hoop earrings and other pieces as a status symbol. | | | | gold dangle earrings, drops and hoops. These can be |
| What do the different karats mean? This metal is | | | | simple or elaborate. Chandelier style, a variety of |
| measured in karat weight, but what does this mean? | | | | dangle, is often dressed up with diamond cuts or |
| 10, 14, 18, 22 and 24 K refers to the actual amount | | | | gemstones that make it really sparkle and shine. Plain |
| found in the piece with 24K being pure. While it may | | | | hoops can be casual or dressy, but they can also be |
| seem that the more the better, for jewelry purposes | | | | fun with the addition of designs or charms in the center |
| like delicate gold chandelier earrings, the lower numbers | | | | of the hoop. |
| are better. This is because, in its pure form, the metal is | | | | It is easy to clean. Soak pieces in warm soapy water |
| very soft. If a piece is going to keep its shape and be | | | | and gently scrub with a brush for intricate pieces. A |
| durable enough for daily wear, it must be stronger. To | | | | quick polish with a soft cloth brings them back to their |
| do this, other metals like nickel, zinc and copper are | | | | luscious yellow shine. For filigree designs, be careful not |
| added to the mix. 10K is 25% gold and the strongest | | | | to pick or bend the cut-out parts with the cloth. Though |
| of the levels as well as the most affordable | | | | 10K and 14K is fairly strong, some designs are delicate |
| The addition of other metals also causes variations in | | | | and thin and can still be damaged. |
| the color. White ones obtain their color from the | | | | The wonderful thing about this precious metal is that it |
| addition of nickel and zinc. The rose-colored variety is | | | | doesn't need anything else to make it special. Yes, |
| influenced by copper additives. There are so many | | | | gemstones and other decorations add to the appeal, |
| styles to choose from. Because of the practice of | | | | but plain drop earrings and other styles say plenty on |
| strengthening the metal with other alloys, jewelry | | | | their own. As a gift, giving a piece like gold dangle |
| designers can let their imaginations run wild when | | | | earrings tells her that she is valued and special. |
| creating new pieces. The latest in jewelry trends is | | | | |