22k Gold Jewelry

What is 22k gold jewelry? The term 22kt or 22k gold jewelry refers to the
fact that that particular piece of jewelry is a balance of 22 parts gold and
2 parts of some other metal(s). In other words, 22k jewelry is 92% pure
gold. Pure gold (24k) is too soft to be used in jewelry, so jewelers often
use 22k gold to make jewelry that is studded with diamonds, sapphires,
emeralds, rubies, and pearls. Pure 24k gold is a rich yellow in color, and
when the purity of the gold is lowered by adding different alloys, the
color of the gold changes to reflect the color of the alloy. Since 22k gold
jewelry is mostly composed with pure gold, so it retains a rich yellow
brilliance that is almost identical to 24k gold jewelry. Also, if you have
allergies to nickel or other metals, a 22k gold jewelry item would be ideal
for you because it contains less of the metals that you may be allergic
to.

A brief warning about white 22k gold jewelry:
22k gold jewelry that your eye sees as white is actually 22k gold jewelry
that has been dipped in a liquid composed of a white metal's alloy. This
give the normally yellow 22k gold jewelry a white appearance-and hence
the name "white gold." Certainly this white appearance is beautiful, but
one must be warned that the white alloy may wear off over a period of
time, and in doing so, reveal the yellow gold hidden beneath the white
surface. The amount of time that passes before this occurs varies from
a few months to a few years and depends upon the type of process
that is used to coat the finish and also upon the jewelry's design.

Throughout the ages, 22k gold jewelry containing 92% pure gold was
cherished and worn by a variety of civilizations to increase vitality,
prosperity, and to bring good luck. Gold jewelry made in 22k purity was
especially popular in India, China, the Far East, the Middle East, most of
Africa. Today, ancient 22k gold jewelry can only be found in museums
and is largely from Greece and India. Many of those ancient pieces are
literally "priceless" in value.

Although the term "priceless" cannot be attached to 22k gold jewelry
made today, much of it is extremely expensive. But, if you want a piece
of jewelry that is sure to catch the eye and jealousy any viewer, 22k
gold jewelry is a guaranteed success.