Gold, glittering Gold!

Gold is one of the most coveted materials on Earth! It never loses its value and throughout millennia until today, it is used as the international currency. An element, in its pure form, it is found in rocks as sheets, nuggets and veins. It very rarely forms actual crystals. It is often washed out of host rocks due to erosion and can be found in rivers and streams as placer deposits. Often found together with native silver and platinum. It is sourced all over the world. The largest deposits today are in Africa and America although it is mined here on a small scale. Famously, it can be found in Wales but also in other areas of the UK, such as Cornwall. In its natural state, gold is soft and ductile, so other metals are added to give it strength and durability. Purity of gold is measured in an ancient weight system called carats. 24 carat gold is pure gold. 18 carat gold is 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts other metals, such as copper or silver. Other precious metals are also used to strengthen it. Other metals, when added to pure gold can also affect its colour. Larger amounts of copper in the 'mix' leads to Rose Gold. White gold is produced using higher amounts of silver or other white precious metals. Here are some examples of gold items to be found on Folksy. Please do click on the pictures to be taken to the item in the designers shops... ............................................................................................................................................................. Gold: Feminine 9ct yellow gold charm bracelet featuring pearls, by Teresa Chambers Gorgeous little heart studs in 18ct yellow gold, by Deborah Jones Classic Citrine stud earrings in 14ct yellow gold, by Jacqueline Austen Beautiful 18ct White gold snowflake necklace by Huiyi Tan Brecciated Mookaite, Smoky Quartz and 9ct yellow gold necklace by Jacqueline Austen Modern opal ring in 9ct yellow gold, by Hannah Morris-Knowles Natural ruby set in 14ct yellow gold - a ring by Jacqueline Austen. .......................................................................................................................................................... Gold filled jewellery is made from gold, usually 14 carat or 9 carat, where the gold forms a sort of thick sandwich layer round an inner core or 'filling' of other metal. This is usually silver in the better quality gold filled pieces. The gold finish lasts a lifetime of normal wear and is superior to vermeil or plating. It gives the look of gold for a reduced price. It is popular with jewellery makers. Please see a selection of gold filled designs from folksy artisans below... Gold Filled: Simple Pearl and opal earrings by Jacqueline Austen Gorgeous chainmaille design gold filled bracelet, by Faith Bowman Petite 14K gold filled pearl drop earrings by Celtic Shore. ................................................................................................................................................................. Gold vermeil is also a very popular way of getting the look of gold, but with a lower price tag. Gold vermeil is usually 14carat, 18carat or 22carat gold bonded to a core of sterling silver - much like gold filled. The only difference being the thickness of the gold is less and the sterling silver core is of a higher ratio. Quality gold vermeil is very durable and will last a lifetime of normal wear, again making it very popular with jewellery makers. Pieces made from sterling vermeil are usually stamped 925 for sterling silver as the content of the silver is so high in comparison to the gold. Please click on the photos below to be directed to the Folksy designers shops..... Gold Vermeil: Unusual and modern 14K Gold vermeil ring by Nikki Stark Garnet and 24K gold vermeil necklace by THERESA HING Gold vermeil and silver leaf necklace, by Susan Orchard This simple and elegant design is by Angela O'Regan I work in Gold vermeil often. These smoky quartz earrings feature rose gold vermeil. By Jacqueline Austen ............................................................................................................................................................ Less expensive options for the gold look is gold plated, where very thin amounts of gold can be plated onto silver or other metals. This is not always very durable and the plating can be lost after a period of wear. Gold tone piece feature base metals with a gold effect finish. These are not gold, but can be a very cost effective way to achieve the look of gold. Jewellery made from gold tone metals is suitable for occasional wear as the gold finish may not be durable in the long term. Please do go and have a browse on Folksy for the most gorgeous gold items - there is something for every taste and budget, making perfect gifts for loved ones or treats for yourself! Jacqueline x