Jan 30th 2024
Why Choose Real Gold?
By Charmco
The Real Deal
The world of jewelry is full of sparkling baubles, but, as the phrase goes, not all that glitters is gold. When there are seemingly endless options, from brass, gold plated, vermeil, gold filled, sterling silver, and more - and many at very appealing price points - why choose real gold? When it comes to longevity, durability, and reliability, solid gold is, for lack of a better phrase, the gold standard for everyday wear. One of the most common questions we get at Charmco is if are our charms are “real gold”. We’re thrilled to answer, yes, all the charms you can find at Charmco, whether new or vintage, are made from real gold. Now let us tell you why.
Shop Gold CharmsGood as Gold
To understand why gold is the best choice for jewelry, one must first understand what makes gold so special. The purity of gold is measured by karat (not to be confused with "carat," which measures the weight of diamonds and gemstones). Gold, in its purest form, is 24 karats. 24 karat gold is naturally vibrant yellow in hue and also quite malleable, meaning it is not commonly used in jewelry. For this reason, other metal alloys are mixed in to make gold more durable for wear (it also makes it less expensive). The number you find stamped on jewelry and referenced in descriptions refers to the purity of gold in the piece. For example, typical purities are 18 karat (75% pure gold), 14 karat (just under 60% pure gold), and 10 karat (roughly 42% gold). 14 karat gold is the industry standard, as it offers the durability necessary for everyday wear while maintaining a high gold-to-alloy ratio.
When 'Fine' Means 'Best'
To be considered "fine jewelry," the piece must be made of gold. Some crafty marketers have coined the terms "demi-fine" and "semi-fine" in an attempt to make gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry more appealing, but rest assured, these pieces are not solid gold and are not fine jewelry. Gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry both refer to the process of coating another metal, often base metals like brass, in a thick layer of gold. The term "vermeil" exclusively refers to gold plated over sterling silver. Gold-filled jewelry is a much thicker coat than gold-plated, but, nonetheless, is not solid gold. Over time, this plating will wear off. While these options are tempting due to their low price tags, they do not stand the test of time like solid gold.
Investing in Gold: The Charmco Way
At Charmco, we're all about the lasting value of real gold. As the price of gold has soared over the years, each charm you've purchased from us has become more than just a beautiful accessory; it's an investment that has likely appreciated in value. While we do occasionally adjust our prices to reflect the climbing gold market, we're committed to offering you the best possible deal. We offer our products directly to you with no wholesale partners, and we steer clear of hidden markups, ensuring you get timeless treasures at fair prices. Unlike when purchasing a car, for example, when you add a gold charm to your collection, your purchase will not only hold its value but likely appreciate.
Charmed by Gold
Charms are most often worn on charm bracelets and, therefore, are more subject to the bumps and wear of everyday life than, say, earrings or necklaces. As demonstrated by our vast Vintage Vault full of charms 20, 50, and even 100+ years old, the longevity solid gold provides is undeniable. We design and craft our new charms in 14 karat gold because time has proven again and again gold is the ideal metal for jewelry worn daily.
Charms for the Ages
Just as a car is an investment that needs oil changes and regular maintenance, the best way to ensure your fine jewelry and charm collection lasts is with a little TLC. Normal wear and tear is expected for jewelry you wear daily, but there are several ways to keep your jewelry in great shape. Firstly, we recommend removing your jewelry when swimming, showering, exercising, or anywhere it might get knocked around or come into contact with harsh chemicals, like those found in pools. Regular cleaning will also help your pieces stay sparkling and shining. You only need a little dish soap, warm water, and a soft brush to clean your gold charms at home.
A Memorable Vintage
Vintage charms may show more signs of wear and tear since they are, well, vintage and at least 20 years old. The beauty of well-made and well-cared-for gold fine jewelry is that it can last multiple lifetimes. For example, all the vintage charms available at Charmco have been checked and inspected for quality and condition before they leave us for their next life with you. That said, vintage charms might need a bit more care and attention than their modern counterparts. We advise you to entrust your charm jewelry only to a reputable jewelry store or jeweler for maintenance.
While the market is overflowing with seemingly endless options, there is no better choice than real, solid gold fine jewelry. At Charmco, we believe in designed jewelry you will cherish now, that will become future heirlooms cherished by your loved ones when you pass them down. Gold jewelry offers you the chance to wear your pieces for the rest of your life and then some. The durability, versatility, and ageless appeal of gold charms will stand the test of time and trends.
