Yellow Gold Jewelry: A History
Who Can Wear Yellow Gold Jewelry?
Styling Yellow Gold Jewelry
Types of Gold Jewelry: Plated, 14k, 18k and 24k
Gold Jewelry FAQ
Yellow Gold Jewelry: A History
Our love of yellow gold dates back to ancient times. Ancient Egyptians were one of the earliest cultures to work with yellow gold, using it to craft intricate jewelry, figurines, and other adornments. Yellow gold symbolized wealth, power, and eternity. Its spiritual meaning was so great that the ancient Egyptians often buried their loved ones with gold items. Yellow gold held similar value in other ancient cultures, from the Arabian Peninsula to Central America.During the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, yellow gold leaf was commonly used in church altarpieces and other forms of European religious art. Gold tiles still shimmer in many old churches across Europe and the Middle East today.
Throughout the Renaissance and Victorian eras, yellow gold came to symbolize opulence. Yellow gold jewelry was worn by royalty and nobility, particularly in Europe. Styles became more intricate, with gemstone embellishments and complex filigree designs.
In the 20th Century, tastes began to shift toward white gold. People appreciated its sleek, understated and modern aesthetic. Though yellow gold was still coveted, it took a back seat to trending white metals for a few decades before making its 21st century comeback. Nowadays, everything from yellow gold engagement rings to yellow gold bangle bracelets are in fashion once again.
Who Can Wear Yellow Gold Jewelry?
You may have heard that only people with certain features can ‘pull off’ yellow gold, but that’s not the case. While it is particularly complementary to warm features, everyone looks gorgeous in yellow gold jewelry!Styling Yellow Gold Jewelry
If you’re wondering how to style your yellow gold jewelry, you’re in luck: yellow gold is one of the most versatile metals out there. The color has a soft, vintage charm but is still neutral enough to pair with just about anything.The first step in styling yellow gold jewelry is to make sure you have enough of it in the first place! Here are a few staple yellow gold pieces every jewelry lover should consider adding to their jewelry box:
- Hoop earrings
- Pendant necklace
- Chain necklace
- Dainty stacking rings
- Statement ring
These pieces are all classics for a reason. All are easy to incorporate into any look, whether formal, casual or somewhere in between. They also offer endless possibilities for mixing, matching and stacking with other pieces. While you can always layer yellow gold with more yellow gold, you can also feel free to mix metals for a trendy and eclectic look.
Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
If you’re looking for a piece to jumpstart your new jewelry collection, or add new life to your current style, here’s your answer. Few things have the transformative power of yellow gold earrings for women. A pair of hoop earrings will frame the face beautifully, while yellow gold will enhance your complexion with a subtle glow. These classic yellow gold hoop earrings have a polished finish and a timeless silhouette that will make them an instant favorite.
Yellow Gold Necklaces
A yellow gold chain necklace is a great basic piece to have on hand, whether that’s a chunky Cuban link or a paperclip chain crafted from elegant elongated links. It’s plenty on its own, but would also look great paired with other necklaces in a layered necklace stack. For your statement piece, consider something like this yellow gold necklace for women from Roberto Coin. It features a delicate diamond flower, a sparkly but subtle motif to serve as the centerpiece of your look.
Yellow Gold Rings
When looking for stacking rings, the key is to pick rings that are dainty enough to be paired up with others. You want them to complement, not overwhelm. Opt for plain gold bands or rings studded with subtle diamonds and gemstones.It’s always good to have some yellow gold stacking rings on hand. They can be as plain as you’d like, but there’s also plenty of room for subtle details, such as milgrain beads and small gemstones. For a pop of color, you can even add a gem-studded stacking ring.
For a statement ring, consider a signet or cocktail ring. You could also go for a wide band ring such as this Roberto Coin design. Pick something that will catch the eye and anchor your look.
Types of Gold Jewelry: Plated, 14k, 18k and 24k
If you’ve ever shopped for gold jewelry, you’ve come across plenty of terms and numbers you may not understand. In this section, we’ll break them down for you. First, it’s important to note that pure gold is a soft and malleable metal. It’s also very expensive. To make pure gold more durable and more affordable, it is combined with other metals to create gold alloys. Commonly used metals include copper, silver and zinc.
The term ‘karat’ refers to the purity of gold, where 24k indicates totally pure, unalloyed gold.
Gold Plated
Gold plated jewelry is not solid gold. Instead, it consists of a thin gold coating over another metal, such as brass, copper or stainless steel. Gold plated jewelry is more affordable than solid gold jewelry. However, it is less durable, and over time the gold layer may wear off.14k Gold
14k gold is 14 parts (58.3%) pure gold and 10 parts (41.7%) other metals. The alloying metals help increase the strength of the gold, while retaining gold’s value and appealing colors. It is more scratch-resistant and durable than higher-purity gold, making it a popular choice forengagement rings and wedding bands.
18K Gold
18k gold is 18 parts (75%) pure gold and 6 parts (25%) other metals. Thanks to its higher gold content, its colors are more vivid than those of 14k gold. It is also more resistant to tarnish and corrosion. On the other hand, it is somewhat softer and less durable than 14k gold. It will also come at a higher price tag. 18k gold is commonly used in fine fashion jewelry, but may also be used in bridal jewelry.24K Gold
24k gold jewelry is made entirely of gold, containing no other metals. Pure gold jewelry is hard to find because it is so prone to scratching or denting, and it must be handled very carefully. This is the most expensive type of gold.Gold Jewelry FAQ
Can I Wear Gold in the Shower?
It isn’t recommended to wear your gold jewelry in the shower. When it comes to solid gold jewelry, while water won’t damage the metal itself, it can cause it to lose its luster over time. Showering with gold plated jewelry is even more damaging, as water can wear away the gold layer altogether.
Does Gold Tarnish?
Pure, 24k gold does not tarnish. Gold alloys like 14k and 18k gold, however, can tarnish over time if not properly cared for. It is a good idea to take your gold jewelry off while performing the following activities:
- Doing household chores
- Gardening
- Applying lotions, hair care products or cosmetics
- Working out or playing sports
- Cooking or preparing food
- Swimming, bathing or showering
When you aren’t wearing your gold jewelry, be sure to store it properly in a jewelry box or pouch. Store it away from items that could potentially scratch it, including your other jewelry. Remember: the purer it is, the more delicate it is.
How Do I Clean Gold Jewelry?
You can clean your gold jewelry with warm water and a mild dish soap. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the jewelry with your soap and water solution, then rinse it in lukewarm water. You can let it air dry or carefully dry it with a towel.Find Your New Yellow Gold Favorites at Ware Jewelers
Yellow gold jewelry is a timeless and luxurious choice, one which has captivated people for centuries. Now that it’s roaring back to the top of the trend list, we hope this blog answered some of your biggest questions about how to wear, care for and style your yellow gold jewelry.When you’re ready to start shopping, we invite you to come pay us a visit at Ware Jewelers! We have four locations across Alabama: Opelika, Montgomery, Auburn and Spanish Fort. Our friendly and experienced staff is excited to meet you and help you find the perfect yellow gold pieces to add to your collection.