Fabulous Opulent Gold
The most popular precious metal around the world is gold. With
gold prices hovering around the 1,000 dollar mark, it is also a most valuable
commodity in this depressed economy.
Today's gold and gold plated jewelry commonly available
for sale in major department stores is mostly machine made with some more or
less elaborate manual work
being done to finish the piece. Finishing consists of attaching clasps or
fasteners as well as the setting of genuine or simulated gemstones such as
diamonds, sapphires, rubies, opals and others.
This type of jewelry is most often manufactured
using 14 karat gold
which has a 58% pure gold base and the balance made up of other precious metals. However 10
karat gold (41.7% pure) is widely used for cheaper costume jewelry such as chains and bangles.
Besides beautiful jewelry, there are many other uses for gold. Although not as
popular as it once was, mostly because the price of gold has skyrocketed,
dentists still use gold in their work such as crowns and bridges. Fine
porcelain, stemware and china is often embellished with gold designs. Picture
frames, mirrors and accessories are often accented with
gold leaf to add beauty and value to the item.
Another useful and decorative application is gold plating which makes the item look like it is solid gold.
This method is often used on jewelry as well as larger metal items. Some
popular examples are award statues, trophies, fountain pens, flatware and utensils, serving trays and tea sets, goblets, as well
as cigarette lighters, belt buckles, money clips and all manner of other
everyday objects. You can even purchase gold plated plumbing fixtures,
emblems and hood ornaments for your car.
Depending on the general design and ultimate use, the fineness of gold plating
can be from 10 to 24 karat gold. Because 10 karat gold is stronger and does not
scratch easily, it is usually used where some wear is expected. For instance, a
spoon or knife would normally be plated with 10 karat gold for practical
reasons, whereas 18 or even 24 karat gold plating would be appropriate on a small
trinket that is not handled often.
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