Gold Basics

The word Gold, used by itself, means all gold or 24 karat (24K) gold. Because 24K gold is soft, it’s usually mixed with other metals to increase its hardness and durability. If a piece of jewelry is not 24 karat gold, the karat quality should accompany any claim that the item is gold.

The karat quality marking tells you what proportion of gold is mixed with the other metals. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry contains 14 parts of gold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of base metal. The higher the karat rating, the higher the proportion of gold in the piece of jewelry.

Most jewelry is marked with its karat quality, although marking is not required by law. Near the karat quality mark, you should see the name of the U.S. registered trademark of the company that will stand behind the mark. The trademark may be in the form of a name, symbol or initials. If you don’t see a trademark accompanying a quality mark on a piece of jewelry, look for another piece.

Solid gold refers to an item made of any karat gold, if the inside of the item is not hollow. The proportion of gold in the piece of jewelry still is determined by the karat mark.

Jewelry can be plated with gold in a variety of ways. Gold plate refers to items that are either mechanically plated, electroplated, or plated by any other means with gold to a base metal. Eventually, gold plating wears away, but how soon will depend on how often the item is worn and how thick the plating is.

Gold-filled, gold overlay and rolled gold plate are terms used to describe jewelry that has a layer of at least 10 karat gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. If the jewelry is marked with one of these terms, the term or abbreviation should follow the karat quality of the gold used (for example, 14K Gold Overlay or 12K RGP). If the layer of karat gold is less than 1/20th of the total weight of the item, any marking must state the actual percentage of karat gold, such as 1/40 14K Gold Overlay.

Gold electroplate describes jewelry that has a layer (at least .175 microns thick) of a minimum of 10 karat gold deposited on a base metal by an electrolytic process. The terms gold flashed or gold washed describe products that have an extremely thin electroplating of gold (less than .175 microns thick). This will wear away more quickly than gold plate, gold-filled or gold electroplate.

Vermeil (ver-may), a special type of gold plated product, consists of a base of sterling silver that is coated or plated with gold.

• It is important to have basic information regarding fabrics and clothing because these are the main objects that you would be working on.

• Keep practicing your designs and market them on a lower level when you are a beginner. The best way to do that is to wear them and appear in parties and other social events where people get to see your dressing. Moreover, your friends and family members can also help you in this regard.

• Additionally, you also need to make a portfolio of all of your designs. It would help you if you ever plan to apply in some fashion design school or work on an internship job. Besides a portfolio, you can also market your designs online.

• You need to have a fashion design degree if you want to enter a big industry. They require professionals with certifications and experience because they have a lot of work to do, which leaves them with no time to teach you and help you sharpen your skills. It is a fact that practical work is very different as compared to theoretical studies. Therefore, you must apply gain a work experience by doing internship in any fashion designing firm. It will polish your skills and increase your chances for getting a better job.

• Once you finish your high school, you must apply for a fashion design degree. There are several well known institutes for fashion designing that can help you in this regard. Doing so will brighten up your fashion designing career and you will get to learn about numerous tips and techniques that are essential for becoming a fashion designer.

• You can also pursue an online fashion design degree from any of the accredited online universities. Online fashion design degree allows you to study from your home and take your classes in flexible timings. Moreover, online fashion design degree costs much lower as compared to regular degrees, which makes it feasible for majority of students who cannot afford big universities.

Following all these steps from your school life will give you useful knowledge to utilize your creative skills in an efficient manner. Moreover, the professional work experience and practical knowledge of carrying out several important projects will help you understand this field, which would make it possible for you to start your own business on a bigger level than doing a job as a fashion designer in an industry. Independent fashion designers earn a lot more and having a good reputation is always very meaningful.

All these designers create magnificent, one-of-a-kind jewellery articles made of pure gold, platinum and sterling silver and complemented with diamonds, gemstones, moissanites and pearls. Countless designs and intricate works of art can be found in the designer category. Some jewellery designers also make replica antique rings and necklaces. In addition to these, vintage and estate jewellery articles are also offered by a number of renowned designers all over the world. Contemporary and modern jewellery designs are not hard to locate because of the growing number of talented and skillful designers entering the scene.

Pierre Lang offers a unique and extraordinary range of designer jewellery for women. You can find in this collection beautiful gemstone pendants in exotic colors as well as three-section gold-plated pendant which can be worn in a variety of ways. The exclusive silver collection by Pierre Lang is something you wouldn’t want to miss out on. There are lovely necklaces to be explored along with truly magnificent rings and pendants in lovely colors. All these jewellery articles are skillfully and delicately handcrafted. You can also find bracelets, clips and brooches in Pierre Lang’s signature collection.

Sarah Sheridan is one of the most renowned contemporary jewellery designers in the world. Her beautiful designer jewellery collection encompasses unique corset rings, elegant jewellery articles for men, stunning silver jewellery including necklaces and rings, and one-of-a-kind leather bracelets with rotating silver plates. In addition to these, you can also find classic designs by this brilliant designer which is commonly known as the “ampersand” assortment. From sophisticated and modern rings to lovely and bold bracelets and necklaces, there is something for everybody in this collection.

Talking of modern and up to date designs, the name of Saori C. is worth mentioning. You can find remarkably designed wedding jewellery as well as beautiful chokers and gemstone earrings in this collection of designer jewellery. Necklaces by Saori C. are made by using handmade silver chains and they are truly wonderful. If you are looking for stunning and extraordinary bridal jewellery, do check out the Angel Bridal Pearl & Aquamarine necklace, and Acorn Bridal Pearl Pendant necklace by Saoro C. In addition to these, this popular designer also offers lovely and cute bracelets and baby spoons to be given as memorable and special gifts to expectant mothers.

Many of the jewellery designers also offer custom-designed jewellery articles to be made according to your own specifications. Check out their exclusive collection to select a piece that catches your eye.