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The Discount Gold Exchange
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The following information is provided to assist our Client's in becoming more knowledgeable when purchasing 14k gold jewelry, 14 karat gold chain, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, bangles, religious medals, and zodiac pendants, and to help ensure that they will always receive better value for their hard earned dollars.
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GOLD CHOICES. 24 karat gold (24/24 = 100.0% gold) is very soft, highly susceptible to scratching, easily bendable, and wears away very rapidly with ordinary use; consequently, it is rarely used for making chain necklaces, bracelets, and other gold jewelry items. 22 karat gold (22/24 = 91.7% gold) is also of poor durability and is therefore less suitable for making gold jewelry than harder alloys. To be legally marketed as "gold" in the United States, gold jewelry items must be at least 10 karat gold and be clearly marked (e.g. 18k, 14k, 10k, etc.).
1. Popular alloys that offer increased strength (hardness) and extended wearability are 18k (18/24 = 75.0%), 14 karat gold jewelry (14/24 = 58.3%), and 10k (10/24 = 41.7%), with such designations usually being stamped on the clasp or inside edge or rim of the gold jewelry item. Gold jewelry items may also be stamped .999 (24k), .917 (22k), .750 (18k), .583 (14k), or .417 (10k) as another way of indicating their karat rating fineness (common in Europe). Though it is unusual today, older items may also be stamped "p" or plumb (e.g. 14kp), indicating that they are exactly the 24k, 22k, 18k, 14k, or 10 karat designation. Also, 18, 14, or 10 karat gold items may exhibit slight variations in gold color from manufacturer to manufacturer due to differences in their gold alloy formulas.
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2. Gold filled, bonded, overlay, vermeil, or plated jewelry must be at least 10k gold over a base metal consisting of brass, copper, sterling silver, or a cupronickel alloy. Such items are highly prone to surface wear and can quickly become unsightly with everyday use. Whereas, 18k, 10k, or 14k gold jewelry items are of uniform color throughout, and maintain their color consistency as they wear without depreciating in appearance or "pealing" as mechanically plated gold jewelry may tend to do over time.
a. Gold Filled or Gold Overlay jewelry must be at least 10k gold which is mechanically bonded to the base metal with the gold content being no less than 1/20th of its total weight. Marked 1/20 10KGF, 1/10 14KGF, etc.
b. Gold Plated or Rolled Gold Plated jewelry must also be at least 10k gold which is mechanically bonded to the base metal, but the gold content can be less than 1/20 of its total weight. Marked 1/40 12k RGP, 1/50 14k RGP, etc.
c. Gold Electro Plated gold jewelry must be a minimum of 10k gold applied to the base metal at no less than 7 millionths on an inch thick.
d. Vermeil gold jewelry must be a minimum of 10k gold applied to sterling silver at no less than 120 millionths of an inch thick.
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3. Price Comparisons, everything else being directly comparable (e.g. link shape, mm or gauge size, gram weight, and length) 18 karat gold will be approximately 30% more expensive than 14 karat gold jewelry and 80% more expensive than 10 karat gold; and 14k gold jewelry will be approximately 40% more expensive than 10 karat gold. Price comparisons to gold plated jewelry are meaningless, as the purchaser is primarily paying for appearance and comparative gold values are always far lower on these items.
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4. Multi-colored gold (yellow, white, pink, green, etc.) is produced by combining different percentages of alloy metals (primarily copper, silver, nickel, palladium, and zinc) with gold, but still retains its full 18, 10, or 14 karat gold rating. Multicolored gold is available in a large variety of 14k gold chains, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings, religious medals, and zodiac pendants.
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5. Country of Origin & Trademarks. The country where the gold jewelry item was manufactured must be clearly indicated on all jewelry marketed as 10 karat gold or better in the US. The manufacturer's trademark is also frequently stamped on the gold jewelry item as either a symbol or combination of letters.
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6. Scratch Tests. The actual karat rating of a gold jewelry item can be tested by a qualified jeweler by the use of a simple scratch/acid test, whereby the jewelry item is rubbed on a stone surface and treated with the designated acid for that karat rating. If the scratch mark survives the acid (rather than dissolving), the gold content of the item meets or exceeds its karat rating. And, if a buyer has any doubt at all about the karat rating of an item purchased, this test can conclusively determine the gold content of the item and put such reservations to rest.
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GOLD WEIGHT. 24k, 22k, 18k, 10k, or 14 karat gold is weighed in grams, pennyweights (1 dwt = 1.5552 grams), and troy ounces (31.1033 grams, or 20.0 dwt.) not Avoirdupois ounces (1 oz.= 28.3495 grams), and though it is becoming more popular, it is still relatively unusual for retail merchants to sell gold jewelry by the gram. The item's karat rating has nothing at all to do with its actual weight, and higher karat ratings do not mean that the item weighs more than lower karat items. While the karat fineness is always well marked, the Client is often left in the dark as to the gold jewelry item's weight, making an informed decision as to the value offered nearly impossible. As a general rule, if the merchant can't or won't state the weight of a gold jewelry item, purchasers should exercise greater caution when buying from that merchant. And, while it may be possible for someone to determine which item is heavier by holding it in their hand, it is impossible to determine with any degree of accuracy, the item's actual weight in grams by "feel." For further information on millimeter sizes and gram weights, Click Here.
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DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS. An item's design (e.g. solid, concave, hollow, link shape, etc.) can make some lighter gold chain necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings, religious medals, or zodiac pendants appear to be larger than similar looking items which are actually much heavier, making the visual millimeter size or gauge of a 14 karat gold jewelry item and its shape (style) an inconsistent indication of weight or value, thus further adding to the purchaser's confusion. Also note, that the item's link design and shape are often a better indication of the 14k gold chains' strength and durability than its actual weight. For further information on which chains are most suitable for various purposes, contact your customer service representative, Click Here.
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COMMON TERMS. Understanding certain common terms will be helpful when comparing values.
(1) "Solid" means that the chain link, wire, or structure of the gold jewelry item is solid gold. Solid gold items are significantly heavier than similarly appearing hollow items and offer the greatest durability.
(2) "Concave" design refers to the surface of the link in which the item's appearance (width) is maximized in relation to its weight. Concave items are also solid gold and have excellent durability with the concave design often adding to their aesthetic appeal.
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(3) "Hollow" links maximize the items size and appearance in relation to its weight, however its durability is measurably reduced, making hollow link items less suitable for everyday wear.
(4) "Light" chain is a design technique by which the classic link shape is altered by making the links slightly longer, and offers greater "glitter-bang" (TM) (weight to appearance ratio) for the buck. These items are usually solid gold and of reasonable durability, but weigh less than the traditional link design of similar appearance. However, Clients are advised to ascertain whether the merchant actually means hollow when describing the item as "light."
(5) "Hollow-light" stretches "glitter-bang" (TM) to its outer limits at the expense of durability and is only recommended for occasional or very limited use.
(6) "Diamond cut" refers to the mirror like facets cut into the surface of the gold jewelry item to reflect additional light and add to its sparkling appearance.
(7) "Satin" finished items, usually yellow or white gold, appear to have a different color tone than highly polished gold surfaces due to their less reflective, brush-finish surface.
(8) "Laser Cut" items have a rough, nearly non reflective finish cut into the item's surface as part of their design.
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(9) "High-Polish" gold jewelry has a mirror like highly reflective finish.
(10) "Etched or Engraved" jewelry has a design cut into the finished surface mechanically.
(11) "Filigree" refers to the delicate "lacy" or ornamental work often surrounding the solid gold center of a pendant.
(12) "Rhodium Plated" jewelry has the same appearance as white gold and is sometimes used to produce a two-tone effect. Though rhodium (a precious metal twice as expensive as gold)is very hard the thin coating will eventually wear off. It is also used to plate sterling silver and will reduce tarnishing at least until it begins to wear.
(13) "Flash Plated" usually refers to the 18k gold finish that is put on 14k gold jewelry to protect its surface before it is purchased. Commonly found on chain link jewelry imported from Italy.
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PROCEED WITH CAUTION: Buyers are advised to exercise caution in the following areas:
1. Unknown Gram Weights. Clients should be especially cautious when buying from any retailer who does not indicate the gram weights of the items offered for sale, as the value received may be questionable.
2. Shipping & Handling Charges are never free. They must either be absorbed in the item's price or charged out separately. Therefore, Clients should always include S&H costs when calculating their total cost for any purchase.
3. A Mall is a Mall. Whether shopping at a virtual mall on the internet or at your local brick and mortar regional emporium, it is highly unlikely that you will receive as good a value from a mall merchant or brand name retailer than from an independent retailer, as a result of their higher overhead expenses (typically sales commissions or percentage rent). And, simply shopping on the internet is no greater guarantee that you will receive better value without comparative shopping than if you were shopping at your local retail stores.
4. Paid Postion Search Engines. Buyers should bear in mind that internet merchants paying exorbinate position fees (i.e. greater than $0.50 per click through) must recover these costs, as with any other advertising costs, through their merchandise prices.
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5. Internet Auctions. While many internet auction sites are well supervised and the greater majority of sellers are legitimate, buyers are wise to exercise increased caution when buying from auction merchants. Buyers should also be very cautious when buying auction items using a personal check, money order, or internet purchasing service rather than placing the purchase directly on their credit card, as they relinquish the built-in consumer protections usually included in their credit card agreement by the credit card provider. Product descriptions and specifications should clearly identify the item listed, especially whether the item offered is new or used merchandise, whether total satisfaction is guaranteed, or whether the item can be returned for a full refund or it can only be exchanged. Good deals are possible, but require that purchasers exercise continued diligience during the purchasing process.
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COMPARATIVE SHOPPING. To make an informed decision as to which merchant offers the best value, the Client must compare similar gold jewelry karat ratings (e.g. 18k, 14k, or 10k), link styles (as discussed above), item weights in grams, and prices. The item's total price, including shipping and handling charges, divided by its weight in grams will provide the Client with the cost per gram, and is the most sound basis for determining comparative values. For example: Merchant A offers hollow-link, 14k gold, puff-anchor bracelets weighing 10 grams for $200. Merchant B offers solid-link, 14 karat gold, puff-anchor bracelets of similar size (mm width) and length weighing 16 grams for $288. The cost per gram from merchant A is $20 while the cost per gram from merchant B is $18. Merchant B offers the better value, though on first appearances the "glitter-bang(TM)" for the buck appears to be better from merchant A. The Client would be best advised to buy the the hollow-link, 14k gold, puff-anchor bracelet (if desired) from merchant B, if it is offered at the same $18 per gram price for a savings of $20 (20-18=2x10=$20).
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DEEP DISCOUNT OFFERS. Deep discounted sales prices (25-70% off) are a strong indication of the poor value normally offered by the merchant's everyday pricing. As it is highly unlikely that these merchants are losing money even at the discounted sales price, it is easy to understand why most customers are skeptical as to the value they are actually receiving. In addition, once customers have become aware of the merchant's periodic discount sales, they are unlikely to ever feel comfortable about paying the merchant's full retail price at any time. Clients are far better off purchasing from merchants who offer everyday value pricing, and comparing the values offered to those "to good to be true" discount sales prices.
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WHOLESALE PRICE OFFERS. Only the product manufacturer can truly sell at or below the wholesale price, and no distributor or subsequent retailer can sell below wholesale without somebody suffering a loss on the items sold. As it is highly unlikely that any retailer will consistently sell at a loss and impossible to make up the difference with high volume, nearly all claims for selling at wholesale prices actually mean that the item is sold at a discount. Therefore, buyers should not be lured into feeling that they are getting a good value simply because the retailer claims to be selling at or below wholesale prices.
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MANUFACTURERS' LIST PRICES. Manufacturers' list prices or suggested retail prices (MSRP) are usually highly inflated in relation to what the item can actually be purchased for. Full price, retail merchants normally charge the MSRP and periodically advertise discount sales at significantly reduced prices. Comparing prices to the MSRP is an unreliable indicator of value, and it is highly recommended that all such comparisons or claims be completely ignored. The only true measure of relative value is comparing apples to apples (in this case, karat grades and gram weights) and actual sales prices to actual sales prices (including shipping & handling) from various merchants.
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INTEREST FREE INSTALLMENT PURCHASES. As it is highly unlikely that the merchant's own money has no investment value or that a bank will lend money to the merchant on an interest free basis, the implied financing costs associated with "interest free" installment purchases (i.e. "90 days same as cash" purchases) must be incorporated into the item's selling price. Interest free installment offers are often made to encourage the purchaser to be less diligent when analyzing the value offered and focus their attention on their initial out-of-pocket costs. However, if two merchants are offering the same item at the same price and one merchant is including an interest free installment plan, the one including the installment plan is offering the better value.
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SELECTION DIFFERENCES. Design popularity, manufacturing techniques (e.g. machine v. handmade, cast v. die-stamped, finishing methods, etc.), and country of origin also effect the 14k gold chain, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings, religious medals, or zodiac pendant's cost per gram, and a perfect match for price comparison purposes may not always be possible. While there are some relatively standard styles in 14 karat gold chain, similar items from different manufacturers will vary slightly in both design and weight. Merchant profit margins also tend to be higher on lighter, lower karat items as compared to heavier, higher karat items (e.g. a twenty gram, 14k gold necklace will usually represent a better value to the customer on a cost per gram basis than a six gram, 14 karat gold necklace even though it will be priced considerably higher, or a similarly sized 14 karat gold bracelet will generally be a better value based on its gold content than a 10k gold bracelet).
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SELECT WHAT YOU LIKE FIRST. We advise our Clients to select a style or shape they like and then calculate the comparative cost per gram (cost of the item divided by its weight in grams) of basically similar items and karat ratings from different merchants to determine who offers the best value. In addition, the merchant's shipping and handling charges may add significantly to the item's total cost and should therefore be included in the cost per gram calculation. For instance, if the Client is making purchases totalling 35 grams for $18.55 per gram from merchant A who waives S&H charges on orders over $300.00, he or she is better off than purchasing the same items from merchant B who though selling for $18.20 per gram charges $19.95 for shipping and handling, which in effect adds $0.57 per gram for a total cost of $18.77 per gram.
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MAKING YOUR SELECTION. 14k gold chain comes in a large variety of link styles, lengths, and millimeter sizes or gauges, with such preferences being highly personal to the wearer.
1. Name Brands. While some manufacturers may produce 14k gold chain jewelry of slightly better quality than others, the practical benefit to the purchaser is negligible, generally making designer or brand name items of similar style a needless extravagance.
2. Special Purpose. If a 14 karat gold necklace is to be worn with a pendant, smooth round-edge styles are strongly recommended for the best wear. The millimeter size or gauge of the gold chain must also be in proportion to the pendant's weight to protect against unusual wear at the point of contact and subsequent breakage.
3. Durability. Link style, design, and shape will also determine the item's durability, as some links will wear out more quickly than others with prolonged use. Typically: (i) hollow links are the most susceptible to wear and are recommended for occasional use only, (ii) solid, concave-link chain depending on style may be slightly more prone to wear than round solid-link chain, but both are generally far more durable than hollow-link, (iii) solid-link, rope, or wheat chains are highly recommended as being the best for everyday wear, (iv) larger millimeter link chain generally lasts longer than smaller millimeter sizes, and (v) solid, light-link chain is also comparatively more durable than hollow-link, while also offering greater "glitter-bang(TM)" for the buck. For further information, CONTACT your customer sales representative.
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4. Link Size. The millimeter size (larger is heavier) purchased is most often determined by the budget of the purchaser. Regardless of size, 14k gold jewelry is always an elegant and ideal gift. However, heavier millimeter sizes are not necessarily better, with the choice usually being determined by the personal preference of the wearer.
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5. Final Choice. Make your selection based on style preference, wearability, and budget, and then compare prices. We're confident you will find that our prices will offer you greater value for your dollar.
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PRICE SHOP. We encourage our Clients to compare the values we offer to those of any other merchant. If you can find a better deal, buy from that merchant, but please call us immediately and let us know. It is our expectation that you will find our prices to be at or below the best prices offered on the internet, and that our prices will also be lower than the "best" discounted sales price offered by nearly all local jewelry merchants, department stores, discount stores, television retailers, or warehouse outlets.
ITEMS PRICED BY WEIGHT. All the items we offer are sold by weight to the nearest "tenth" of a gram, and though the actual cost per gram (See Price Category Chart) may vary according to the type, style, millimeter size, and weight of the item, our Clients will always be able to determine what they are paying per gram for comparative price shopping purposes.
WEIGHT VARIATIONS. Actual item weights may vary slightly from the stated average weight of the items offered. However, our Client's will always be charged the stated price per gram times the delivered item's actual weight rounded to the nearest tenth (1/10th) of a gram. In the event of a price chart error, the item's actual weight times the category price per gram will be controlling.
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HIGHER WEIGHTS, GREATER VALUE. More expensively priced chain, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings, religious medals, and zodiac pendants will generally represent a better overall value based on price per gram than lighter, lower priced items. Our prices will also vary with market fluctuations in the price of gold. And, certain forms of 14k gold jewelry (e.g. some bracelets, chain styles, charms, die-stamped items, etc.) incur higher manufacturing costs and therefore our prices must reflect a higher cost per gram for those item categories (See Price Category Chart).
SHIPPING & HANDLING EXPENSES. S&H is never free. It must either be included in the item's overall cost or charged separately, but either way the customer is paying for S&H. Clients should always include S&H charges in their total cost calculation when making their purchasing decision. We charge our approximate actual shipping and handling costs (including insurance), with such costs being gradually absorbed by us within the pricing structure as the total dollar amount of the purchase increases. (See S&H Policies.)
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For more information:
The Discount Gold Exchange
26 North Avenue
Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 US
Email: help@discountgoldexchange.com
(845) 527-7980
(800) 634-0930
Custom Web Site Design & Ecommerce
© Copyright 2009 The Discount Gold Exchange. All Rights Reserved.
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