If you're a jewelry lover, gold has probably always held a special place in your heart. Not only does its gleaming beauty capture the eye, but it also has an intriguing history. As one of the most sought-after precious metals on Earth, it's no surprise that many people turn to gold when looking for stylish yet timeless pieces of jewelry. Let's explore some of the captivating history behind this treasured metal, as well as some of the unique qualities that make it truly shine.
All That Glitters Is Gold
Gold has been valued for thousands of years. It’s one of the only metals to be recognized by almost every culture, nation, religion and government as a valuable item. Going back all the way to the first coin ever recorded, the shekel, which was created in ancient Egypt. The shekel was made of electrum or ⅔ gold and ⅓ silver. In ancient Egypt gold also represented the sun, plus the flesh and bones of the gods themselves. The Pharaoh adorned with gold had the ability to say he was a living representative of the gods. To this day, gold is considered a luxury item, often worn by the rich and famous.
Tri-Color Beauty
There are three types of gold: yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. Gold by itself is a rich yellow color. Due to the fact that it is a soft metal, it has to be mixed with different metals to create stronger alloys. To craft yellow gold, silver and copper are added, resulting in a lovely golden hue. Rose gold is made up of gold and copper, giving it a pinkish tone. White gold is gold and palladium mixed together. Palladium is far more expensive than the other alloys and when combined with gold turns it into a dashing champagne color.
Knowing Your Karats
“Karat” is not to be confused with “carat”, which refers to the weight of gemstones. Karat with a “K” measures the amount of gold in an item. 24-karat gold is 100 percent gold, which is actually different from what is often preferred. Because gold itself is a very soft metal it is easily dented and scratched. Since anything that is not 24-karat is mixed with other metals, this makes your piece stronger and keeps that brilliant gold shine. So, if you have a more active lifestyle, 18-karat and 14-karat gold are usually recommended.
Get Your Glittering Gold at Whidby Jewelers
Like gold, we have a long and glittering history at Whidby Jewelers. We've served the folks of Madison Georgia for over 100 years with top-notch customer care, high-quality selections and competitive pricing. So, when you want to discover your own shining gold treasures, visit us at 177 West Jefferson Street. We'll be happy to guide you in discovering the perfect pieces to make you absolutely shimmer.
All That Glitters Is Gold
Gold has been valued for thousands of years. It’s one of the only metals to be recognized by almost every culture, nation, religion and government as a valuable item. Going back all the way to the first coin ever recorded, the shekel, which was created in ancient Egypt. The shekel was made of electrum or ⅔ gold and ⅓ silver. In ancient Egypt gold also represented the sun, plus the flesh and bones of the gods themselves. The Pharaoh adorned with gold had the ability to say he was a living representative of the gods. To this day, gold is considered a luxury item, often worn by the rich and famous.
Tri-Color Beauty
There are three types of gold: yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. Gold by itself is a rich yellow color. Due to the fact that it is a soft metal, it has to be mixed with different metals to create stronger alloys. To craft yellow gold, silver and copper are added, resulting in a lovely golden hue. Rose gold is made up of gold and copper, giving it a pinkish tone. White gold is gold and palladium mixed together. Palladium is far more expensive than the other alloys and when combined with gold turns it into a dashing champagne color.
Knowing Your Karats
“Karat” is not to be confused with “carat”, which refers to the weight of gemstones. Karat with a “K” measures the amount of gold in an item. 24-karat gold is 100 percent gold, which is actually different from what is often preferred. Because gold itself is a very soft metal it is easily dented and scratched. Since anything that is not 24-karat is mixed with other metals, this makes your piece stronger and keeps that brilliant gold shine. So, if you have a more active lifestyle, 18-karat and 14-karat gold are usually recommended.
Get Your Glittering Gold at Whidby Jewelers
Like gold, we have a long and glittering history at Whidby Jewelers. We've served the folks of Madison Georgia for over 100 years with top-notch customer care, high-quality selections and competitive pricing. So, when you want to discover your own shining gold treasures, visit us at 177 West Jefferson Street. We'll be happy to guide you in discovering the perfect pieces to make you absolutely shimmer.