Gold

Basic Gold Knowledge

Karat:
24K=24 parts gold + 0 parts other metals=100% gold
18K=18 parts gold + 6 parts other metals=75% gold
14K=14 parts gold + 10 parts other metals=58.3% gold
10K=10 parts gold + 14 parts other metals=41.6% gold
10K is the legal minimum in the United States to be called plum gold. All gold merchandise is mandated by law to be stamped.
In the US most gold jewelry is 10k,14k, or 18K. In England most gold is 8k or 10k, and in Asia, India, and the Middle East gold is 18k, 20k, or 22k.

Colors of Gold:
Yellow Gold=copper + silver/nickel
White Gold=nickel + silver + zinc + copper
Green Gold=zinc + copper + silver/nickel
Rose Gold=copper

Gold Finishes:
High Polish: Shiny surface
Satin: Smooth and slightly grainy look
Filigree: Gold wires twisted and soldered into patterns
Diamond Cut: A sparkle look
Engraved: Patterns cut or hammering
Florentine: Strong parallel lines with lighter crosshatching
Brushed: Soft brush look

Gold Jewelry Pricing:
1) Karat: 18k is more expensive than 14k, and 14k is more expensive than 10k.
2) The gram or penny weight of the gold piece will determine part of the value.
3) The quality of the workmanship is a very important factor. The harder the style is to make and the artistic quality of how it is made helps determine the value.