Gold Earrings

Gold by itself is far too soft to create jewelry. To toughen the gold, alloys are mixed with it. The purity of gold, measured in karats, is a measurement of the percentage of gold in comparison to the percentage of alloy metal. The most common alloys used in gold earrings are copper, silver, nickel and zinc. Pure gold is measured at 24 karats. Gold earrings come in 14, 18 and 24 karat gold. Those measuring 18k give the appearance of pure gold with the added benefits of strength. However, most gold earrings are backed with 14k pieces.

For those interested in white gold, be aware that the lower grade gold the more yellow the color will be. For this reason, some white gold earrings and other jewelry types are plated in a white metal called rhodium. This gives the jewelry added strength. For an option that is more unique than classic yellow or white gold, try rose gold. Red or rose-colored gold is created when there is a higher amount of copper mixed with the gold. This pink-tinted color can often be found in tri-colored pieces but is increasingly being sold on its own. For everything from hoop earrings to chandelier styles, rose gold is one of the most exciting options.