FEATURES – Spring/Summer 2009
The Gold Standard
Go for jewelry that gives off a glamorous look with all that glitters.
Behind every great looking bride is great bridal jewelry. A riveting necklace, stunning cocktail ring or dramatic earrings are ways to add signature style to your wedding day look and make you a bride to be remembered. You can be cool and sophisticated in white gold or platinum jewelry with diamonds, play the innocent ingénue in pearls, or pay homage to the past in a treasured family heirloom. But, if you prefer a warm, glamorous look, consider yellow gold.
When worn as bridal jewelry, yellow gold has a rich, regal look that other metals cant replicate, says Amy Elliott, senior editor for Brides Local Magazines. "If the jewelry displays a more Eastern aesthetic—a pair of gorgeous, jingling 24K gold chandelier earrings made in India—gold jewelry looks exotic," she says.
Elliott says that if your engagement ring is yellow gold, its nice if the rest of your bridal jewelry matches. She says jewelry industry insiders she has spoken to say that brides are showing more interest in yellow and rose gold engagement rings.
Another reason to consider yellow gold for your bridal jewelry is your wedding gown. If the gown is ivory, champagne or has gold accents, yellow gold jewelry is a striking match. "I wouldnt recommend gold with a stark, aspirin-white gown. Ivory gowns are the way to go, and so are champagne-colored gowns, which have a slightly golden cast," Elliott says.
She says that if your gown has a lot of crystals and beading, stick with white metals—these embellishments are "icy," and gold would be much too "warm." If your gown has gold embroidery, and many do, then you can pile on the gold jewelry. "The look is very sumptuous," Elliott says.
Also, think about the message you want to send when you walk down the aisle. Elliott says that, historically, brides in European countries such as Italy, and those in Eastern nations, like India and China, traditionally turn to yellow gold for bridal jewelry. "Gold has a very Old World pedigree. In a modern context, I think gold has an air of luxury and sophistication, especially when paired with diamonds or colored gems," Elliott says. "If youre marrying in a grand setting, like a cathedral with stained glass windows and soaring ceilings, gold jewelry will stand out more. You cant go wrong with a really exquisite strand of pearls, but Ill bet many brides these days find them a bit young and sweet 16ish and would prefer to wear more of a statement piece on their wedding day."
GOLD RUSH
Confused by karats? There is a lot more to gold that meets the eye. If you are planning on making an investment, here are some facts to get you glowing:
-Gold jewelry is marked with a number and the letter K to indicate how much pure gold you are getting. 24K is pure gold but generally is considered too "soft" for jewelry you will wear on a daily basis. Gold, one of the oldest metals known, is strong but also is malleable. The higher the number before the K, the more gold you have and the softer your item will be. For instance, something that is 24K will be softer than an item that is 14K.
-22K gold, 91.7 percent gold, also is considered too soft for jewelry that would be worn regularly.
-18K gold is considered the "right" karatage for fine jewelry. It is 75 percent pure gold alloyed with 25 percent other metals to make it stronger and better suited for daily use. Some metals typically alloyed with gold include nickel, copper, zinc and silver. Adding nickel or palladium produces "white gold," while copper gives a rose or "pink" gold.
-14K gold is recommended for jewelry and is about 58 percent gold. 14K is usually used where strength is most important, such as bracelet clasps and earring backs.
-12K gold is 50 percent gold and 50 percent other metals.
-10K gold is 41.7 percent gold. This is the minimum karat that can be called "gold" in the United States.
-The word "carat" refers to the weight of a gemstone, while "karat" represents the amount of gold.
-The color of gold is determined by how much and what kind of other metals are in your jewelry. An item that is 18K gold will have a richer gold color than an item with less gold, like 14K or 10K.
-If you have allergies to certain metals alloyed with gold, buy an item with more gold, such as 18k.
-Know your terms. Solid gold is the real deal. Jewelry that is "gold-filled," "gold plated" or "gold washed" has a layer of gold to it, but a different metal underneath.
Sources: www.bluenile.com/gold.asp and http://jewelry.about.com/od/jewelrymetals/a/gold_jewelry.htm
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