With a little TLC, your beautiful, new jewelry should last you a lifetime. Ensure that it does by following our simple jewelry care tips.
Bright yellow and very soft in its pure 24k form, gold is often alloyed (combined with other metals) to strengthen it and change its color. All 14k gold is 58.5% pure 24k gold (you might see 14k stamped with a 585 to represent this karat type). For example, rose gold is created by adding copper to the 24k gold, and white gold is made by alloying it with silver or palladium.
Containing no oxides, gold is the only precious metal that will not tarnish. Having said this, it is a relatively soft metal and care should always be taken with your gold jewelry. Generally, the higher the carat weight, the softer the metal (14kt is more scratch resistant than 18kt or 22kt).
Gold should be cleaned regularly in order to maintain its beauty and patina. A soft, lint-free polishing cloth is an effective way to keep gold jewelry looking its best.