Elite Gifts

Gold jewelry is the standard by which all other varieties are measured. As one of the most precious metals on earth, gold is coveted by collectors and fashionistas alike. The substance pairs well with diamonds and other gemstones, and it’s an indicator of one’s status in the world. Before you purchase some glamorous gold jewelry of your very own, you should understand way its purity is measured.

The purity of gold is labeled in terms of karats. No piece of gold jewelry will be 100 percent pure as the metal is too soft to stand alone. Nickel, palladium and titanium are often used as alloys. A 24k piece is at least 99 percent pure, while 14k gold earrings must be 58.5 percent pure to meet domestic standards. You might find a karat rating as low as 10 in the U.S., which only amounts to 41.7 percent purity.