Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Gold Jewelry - The Rest Of The Story

Gold is one of the metals taken from the earth and is probably the first metal known to man. Its first use has been traced back to 3600 B. C. and was probably originally obtained in Egypt, as the ancient methods of obtaining gold in Egypt are illustrated in early rock carvings. It is said in the book of Genesis that Abraham, in the twentieth century B. C., when he went out of Egypt, was very rich not only in cattle but in gold and silver both in dust and ingots. In Exodus xxv, 29, we read that Moses was commanded by the Lord to make spoons of gold for the Tabernacle. In the writings of Homer, Sophocles, Herodotus, Pliny and others, gold is frequently mentioned.

Gold is widely distributed in nature and is found in many ways and in all parts of the world. It is found in water, in the ice of Alaska, in the sand of South Africa, and in the quartz of Colorado, and is frequently found native, though usually alloyed with silver or iron. The purest specimens of native gold have yielded from 96 to 99 per cent, pure metal.

It is remarkable that all of the races of mankind have selected gold as the first and chief representative of value. In the earliest times it was used as a medium of exchange in the form of bars, spikes and rings; the rings could be opened and closed so that a chain could be made for convenience in carrying. Gold was also used at a very early period for the construction of personal ornaments, as the savage found it easy to beat out the pure ore into circlets to adorn his limbs. The universal use of gold in preference to all other metals is due to its many properties; its color and luster, its malleability and its indestructibility. Gold does not tarnish nor can it be destroyed. It may be reduced to a liquid and the liquid transferred to a powder, and the powder when melted in a crucible returns to its natural state. It is the most malleable of all metals and has been hammered into leaves 1-282,000th of an inch thick. An ounce of gold may be drawn out into a wire fifty miles long. The tenacity of gold is seven tons per square inch.

Pure gold, being too soft for all ordinary purposes, is generally alloyed with other metals. Silver and copper are the principal alloys used, although iron is used in small quantities for different purposes. Pure silver has a brilliant white color and is the whitest of all metals. No metal surpasses silver in its luster and hardness it ranges between pure gold and pure copper. It is more fusible than copper or gold, melting at a bright red heat or at 1873F. It is commonly used for the purpose of alloying gold in its pure state, but if too much is added it makes the gold pale. Pure copper is the only metal that has a reddish appearance. It is both malleable and ductile; hence it is very useful as an alloy for gold.

By: Sam Serio

Stand Out With A Gold Diamond Ring

Engagement is definitely one of the most important events in any couple’s life. Aside from being one of the crucial occasions to show your love, dedication, and commitment to your future spouse, engagement is the best time to shower your loved one the best forms of expressions you can afford. And, what could be the best way to show your affection but to give her an engagement ring?

One of the most preferred engagement rings out there are gold diamond rings. Most couple prefer the use of diamond as a stone because it reflects power, strength and everlasting love and commitment. Aside exuding brilliance and timeless beauty, diamonds appeal to most people because it is durable and quite elegant.

Precious diamonds are also known to fit perfectly in gold. Since time immemorial, gold has been known as a favorite option for engagement and wedding rings because it never goes out of fashion.

When gold and diamond collide

Because of the beauty and elegance of gold and diamonds, majority of soon-to-wed couples prefer this combination for their wedding or engagement ring. Because of the diversity of designs of gold diamond rings, couples are having a hard time choosing the perfect gold diamond ring for their momentous occasion. Here are some pieces of information that may help you in searching for that perfect gold diamond ring for your betrothal.

- Gold rings—with or without diamond—is the most popular choice for wedding and engagement rings long before until now.

- In looking for a gold mount or shank, bear in mind that there are three types of gold: white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.

- Gold are usually categorized according to its weight or karat (K). It can either be 24K, 18K, 14K, or 9K. The most preferable among these selections is the 18K gold because of its characteristics and qualities.

- Gold diamond rings have high value because the stone itself one of the most rare and expensive gem while the shank is one of the most durable because it can resist corrosion. And since it’s quite durable, gold diamond rings can withstand daily wear and tear.

- Examine the diamond well and consider the 4Cs—Carat, Color, Cut and Clarity. Also consider the amount of karats the gold ring gold ring has. You can do this by checking quality mark.

- Wearing a gold diamond ring for a long time can wash away its polish but don’t worry because the gold mount can be easily polished in many jewelry stores. Since gold and diamond are made up of high quality properties, you can assure that their radiance and luster can stand for a long time.

By: Low Jeremy