For those of you who are thinking about selling gold jewelry, it is crucial that you understand fully how to determine the price for gold jewelry. Not only this can help you to tell a good deal from a bad one, it also helps to analyze your competitors and understand the market better before you make any investment.

Gold price
The most important part of wholesale gold jewelry trading is to understand the breakdown of the cost of a piece of gold jewelry. Lets say the current good price is 500 per ounce. To calculate the cost of gold for a piece of 14 karat gold jewelry that weighs 3 gram without any stones, we first divide the price per ounce by 31.5, to get the price per gram, which is 15.87. This is the price of pure gold. To convert this to 14K gold, knowing that there are 24 karats in pure gold, we divide 15.87 by 24 and multiply the result by 14. The price per gram for 14k gold is roughly 9.26. Therefore, the total cost of the gold for a 3 gram ring would be 27.78.

Labor Cost
Another major part of the cost for a piece of gold jewelry is the cost for labor, especially for pieces set with precious stones. Gold jewelry generally requires some filing and polishing after it is cast out of the mold. The labor cost can sometime be as high as 2 per gram, depending on the origin of the jewelry and the style. In addition, the cost of setting any stones on a gold jewelry can be over one pound per stone. Certain advanced setting such as channel set and invisible set cost even more because of the high level of craftsmanship required.

Markup of Competitors
A good way to analyze if a certain style of gold jewelry is profitable and beneficial for a business is to understand your competitors prices. Since you already know how to calculate roughly the cost of a piece of jewelry, and therefore the price that you can get it, buy looking at the markups of your competitors, you may get an idea of how severe the competition is. For instance, if the competitors are marking up the jewelry three times of the cost, the competitiveness of that style is not really that high. On the other, if everyone has the same pricing and the markup is 50% above the cost, the style might have already saturated the market.

Volume trading
Another angle of looking at the pricing issue is that when the competitors are marking up at a low margin, the item is probably accepted by a lot of consumers. The justification behind it is that when the profit per piece is low, and people are trading them actively, there probably is a high demand for it. On short, the higher the profit margin, the low the volume of sales and the low the profit margin, the higher could be the volume of sales. Another point that is worth noting is that the volume theory also applies to jewelry vendors. If you buy in large quantity, pricing should go down automatically. Therefore, running a successfully business involves getting the balance between all the factors within the resources and infrastructure you have such as employees and capital.

Closeout Jewelry
Since jewelry business is highly time-sensitive, styles that were once popular several months ago may not sell at all couple months later. Therefore, when buying gold jewelry wholesale, you should estimate the monthly sales and stock according to the sale volume. For example, you may want to stock a certain style for two months worth of stock and restock it when it runs out in order to minimize the closeout items in the inventory, which is sometimes referred to as inventory shrinkage.

By understanding the market and your competitors before buy wholesale gold jewelry, you can reduce the mistakes during your entrepreneurial endeavor, thus increase the chance of succeeding tremendously.

Gold jewelry is a look that has never gone out of style and is as popular as ever. Purer gold jewelry does not cause staining or tarnishing like inferior alloy blends. Usually if someone has a problem with staining on their skin it is due to their body and not the gold.

Gold is very malleable and as such can be made into just about any shape including tiny hair like strands and thin sheets.

One of the main things most people look for when purchasing gold jewelry is the purity. The jewelry industry has a universal system for identifying this factor.
Chances are the ring on your finger is marked 18K, 14K, or 10K, with the K standing for karat, the system used to describe the percentage of pure gold an item contains.
The higher the karat number, the higher the percentage of gold in your gold jewelry.

24K gold is pure gold.
18K gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 75% gold.
14K gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 58.3% gold.
12K gold contains 12 parts gold and 12 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 50% gold.
10K gold contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 41.7% gold. 10K gold is the minimum karat that can be called “gold” in the United States.

European gold jewelry is marked with numbers that indicate their percentage of gold, such as:

18K gold is marked 750 to indicate 75% gold
14K gold is marked 585 for 58.5%
12K gold is marked 417 for 41.7%

The karat marking on your gold jewelry should be accompanied by a hallmark or trademark that identifies its maker. The item’s country of origin might also be included.
You’ll find examples of pure gold jewelry, but pure gold is soft and isn’t practical for daily wear. Other metals are mixed with it to make it more durable (and to lower its cost).
Solid gold is durable, so it is a better choice for jewelry you’ll wear regularly. If you have allergies to nickel or other metals, choose items that have high gold content, such as 18K or 22K gold jewelry.

Twelve Tips for Greater Enjoyment of your Gold and Silver Jewelry

Jewelry can be beautiful to look at, fun to buy, and can make bold and revealing statements about you. Hear are some tips for greater enjoyment of your favorite gold and silver jewelry.
1.Never swim in a chlorinated pool while wearing gold and silver jewelry.
2.Always apply make-up, perfumes, oils or colognes before you put on your gold and silver jewelry
3.Keep both your skin and your gold and silver jewelry clean and free of oil.
4.Using an absorbent, abrasive-free body powder on areas that your gold and silver jewelry touches your skin can help with skin discoloration.
5.If you do have any skin discoloration you may need to move to a higher gold content. Say, from 14K gold jewelry to 18K jewelry.
6.Are your gold and silver chains all tied-up in knots? If so, heres a nifty little trick for straightening them out. Dust your chain with a little talcum powder and then try to unknot it. If the knot is stubborn, place a small drop of baby oil on a sheet of wax paper. Lay the knot in the oil and work it out with two pins; then clean the chain as instructed below.
7.Don’t be afraid to wear gold and silver jewelry together. Artful use of accessories that use both metals provide an effective visual segue’ or bridge.
8.For daily cleaning it is recommended to use a simple jewelry polishing cloth that is impregnated with special jewelry cleaner. These are widely available and are very easy to use. Store your cloth in a plastic zip-lock bag, and keep in your jewelry drawer or armoire. It is a good idea to have one cleaning cloth for gold and one for silver.
9.For a Super Spring Cleaning of your gold and silver jewelry, mix 1cup of clean warm water with cup of ammonia. Soak your jewelry in this solution for about 15 minutes; gently scrub with a soft, clean toothbrush, then rinse in warm water. Air dry on an absorbent paper towel. When thoroughly dry, you may lightly buff with a soft flannel cloth.
10.If a ring gets stuck on your finger; spray the area surrounding the ring with Windex. Wiggle and twist the ring right off.
11.For a slightly more “in depth” cleaning you may want to use a liquid jewelry cleaner.
12.For cleaning badly tarnished silver, here’s a neat little trick.
A.Cover the inside bottom of a heat-proof glass dish on bowl with a piece of aluminum foil, shiny side up.
B.Place the tarnished silver in the bottom of the dish, contacting the aluminum foil.
C.Add 1 heaping tablespoon of baking soda, and then slowly pour boiling water to cover the piece. The tarnish will gradually collect on the aluminum foil.
D.Remove your silver, rinse thoroughly, and polish.

Either you are buying it as a gift or for yourself, there are many reasons why titanium jewelry can be a better choice than jewelry made in traditional precious metals like gold, silver and platinum.

Firstly, titanium is highly corrosion resistant and therefore does not tarnish easily. Especially for high-polish finished jewelry like gold and silver wedding band rings, it is expected that the jewelry will lose its color and shine over time. Even if they are stored properly in jewelry boxes or safe, the oxygen in the air reacts with the metals and turns the color. This process is of course accelerated if the jewelry is worn daily because the sweat combined with body temperature, acts as catalysts to the chemical process.

Also, titanium is hypoallergenic, which means that very few people have skin that is sensitive to it. People who are allergic to gold, silver or, more commonly, nickel, which is found in most gold and silver jewelry, dont have to worry about outbreak when wearing jewelry made from titanium and its alloys.

A widely known property about titanium is its durability. It is this attribute that makes it perfect for active individuals who frequently engage in outdoor activities, even water sports. It is not uncommon that people find their gold or silver jewelry damaged, or even lost, after a day of exciting outdoor events. These disappointments can easily be avoided if titanium jewelry is worn instead. In addition, titanium has a high strength to weight ratio. In other words, although it is much stronger than gold and silver jewelry, even steel, it is much lighter and hence more comfortable to wear.

Finally, it is fashionable and trendy to wear titanium jewelry. The metal is relatively new in the fashion industry with many new ideas being applied on it. Titanium is so versatile that it not only can be combined with gemstones, gold and silver, engraved and finished like traditional jewelry; it can also be anodized to create eye-catching colored titanium jewelry.

Common titanium jewelry includes wedding band ring, men’s titanium rings and men’s titanium bracelets. There is every reason to explore the vast possibilities and express your personality in a whole different way.

Three Things You Should Know About Gold Wedding Bands

When it comes to buying a gold wedding band, things can get confusing fast. What color gold do you want? What karat will suit your lifestyle?

Gold is the most popular choice for wedding bands, and very popular in dress rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches. Gold is easy to accessorize with, and it is durable. There are three things to consider when looking at gold wedding rings.

First, you should look at the karat number. A karat measures the proportion of pure gold mixed with other metal alloy to make up the final metal. There are several karats available for gold, but most mens wedding bands employ 9-karat, 14-karat and 18-karat. Since an 18-karat ring has a higher proportion of gold than a 14-karat, the 18- karat will be more expensive. Although there are higher karats than an 18-karat ring, it is generally agreed that 22-karat and 24-karat gold is too soft to make mens wedding rings.

Karat stamps do not indicate the durability and hardness of gold, however. When choosing your wedding band, it is important to consider your own lifestyle. How often will you wear the ring? Do you work with your hands? Could your ring be easily scratched or bent?

Metal hardness is measured by what is called the Vickers scale. The higher the Vickers score, the harder the metal. A 9-karat ring has a Vickers score of 120 and an 18-karat has a score of 125. The difference is so slight that 9-karat and 18-karat rings are much the same in terms of hardness.

Next, you should consider the color of the gold. Gold comes in several colors: yellow, white, rose, bronze, and lime. Wedding bands can also be made using two or three different tones of gold, creating a unique color.

Adding an alloy to the gold creates different colors. For example, rose gold is made using a mix of pure gold with alloys including copper. The copper provides the reddish color. Yellow gold forms from a mixture of pure gold and alloy metals such as copper and zinc, while white gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals (silver and palladium.)

Natural white gold has a gray tinge to it, which is covered up by adding a plating of rhodium. The rhodium also serves to make the jewelry harder, but it does wear off after about 12 to 18 months. You can get your jewelry re-rhodium plated at your local jeweler.

There are many options when it comes to choosing a wedding band, but ultimately you should be certain that the ring you choose is right for you and your lifestyle. After all, the ring is a symbol of your love and marriage, so it should suit you perfectly.

Amanda Trevino is a client account specialist with 10x Marketing-More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. To find more information about wedding bands, please visit International Jewelers.

Buying gold jewelry can be tricky because there are different types of karats, 14K cubic zirconia jewelry, and different colors of gold (based on other materials that the gold might be alloyed with to give added strength).

Ask Questions before Buying

The phrase “buy now, ask questions later” should never apply to gold jewelry, even cubic zirconia gold jewelry. You should ask plenty of questions before making such an elaborate purchase. A reputable jeweler will be able to answer all of your questions honestly and will provide you with helpful tips concerning your jewelry needs.

Here are some questions to ask:

*What is the actual karat of the gold? 10kt, 14kt, 18kt, or 24kt?
*Is it real gold or plated gold?
*Are the stones real or are they made of cubic zirconia?
*What factors were used to determine the gold jewelry’s price? Weight, ornamental detail, design or construction?
*What type of clasp is used? This is important with gold necklaces and bracelets. You need a strong, easy-to-use clasp.

What are Karats?

Pure gold is 24kt and offers a deep and rich color. Unfortunately, 24kt jewelry is very soft and can be damaged easily. Jewelry made with 24kt gold must have a special stamp of individuality.

Other karats of gold contain alloy metals to add strength. These alloy metals may be copper, zinc, silver, or nickel. These metals can also change the color of the gold to have a rose, white, or green coloration. Gold must be at least 10kt to be legally labeled and sold as real gold jewelry in the United States.

Trademark and Pricing of Gold Jewelry

All gold jewelry sold in the United States must have a manufacturer’s trademark. You might also see the name of the country where the jewelry was manufactured, and the manufacturer’s hallmark. The trademark tells the proper karat of the jewelry. It can be found on the inner part of the band on a diamond ring or any other gold-banded ring, or on the clasps of gold necklaces or bracelets. On earrings, the trademark might be found on the back of the earrings.

Types of Gold Jewelry

Gold jewelry is available in an assortment of styles and types. There are 14kt gold necklaces with or without pendants, attached stones such as sapphires and gemstones. A necklace may come in 14kt yellow gold or white gold. A pearl necklace can come in different styles as well such as a complete strand or partial strand of pearls on a 14kt yellow or white gold necklace.

There are also many types of 14kt gold earrings such as stone earrings, chandelier earrings, gemstone earrings, pearl earrings, semi-precious earrings, stud earrings, and even 14kt gold hoop earrings.

Diamond rings can be set on a 10kt or 14kt gold band in white or yellow gold. There’s the solitaire diamond ring and the diamond ring cluster, depending on the occasions. Solitaire diamond rings set on a 14kt gold band are still the most sought after for an engagement ring.

Other types of gold or diamond jewelry might include pendants, men’s rings, diamond or gold bracelets, and anklets.

Online Jewelry Shopping

The key to smart gold jewelry shopping online is to know your gold and know what types of jewelry are available. When shopping at a jewelry website, look for clarity as to what the jewelry is made of, its weight, and what types of stones are used in the jewelry. Also, be sure a Jewelry Certificate of Authenticity is provided with each purchase.

Go online to find an assortment of gold jewelry for gifts, a marriage proposal, or to buy your favorite jewelry for any occasion.

Throughout our lives, there are days that we know will remain etched in our memories forever. There are milestone birthdays, bat mitzvahs, and graduations, along with our wedding day and the days our children are born. For occasions large and small, handcrafted silver jewelry can commemorate special days and help to create lasting memories.

Lockets

Our grandmothers may have worn lockets on silver chains around their necks, but these memory-keepers are enjoying a resurgence today. Lockets make perfect gifts for new mothers and new grandmothers. For someone close to us who is experiencing a recent loss, a locket expresses heartfelt condolences in a way that honors a loved one.

Silver Chains

Artisans who specialize in handmade jewelry have access to silver chains in dozens of different designs. Moreover, because they solder the end caps and the rings connecting to the clasp, their bracelets, necklaces, and anklets won’t fall off and get lost – an ever-present danger with commercial produced chains. Because the chains are usually sold by the inch, you can purchase one in any size. That makes them perfect gifts for a variety of recipients, from babies to men, from plus-size women to little girls’ dolls.

Pendants and Earrings

Handmade pendants and earrings are made the old-fashioned way, with hand tools, one piece at a time. Set with gemstones, they make wonderful anniversary gifts, Mother’s Day gifts, and even bridesmaids’ gifts. Thematic pendants – like dragons, pentagrams, or Celtic symbols – are memorable birthday gifts.

Rings

In our society, rings convey an incredible sense of meaning. Depending upon the occasion, they signify commitment, hope, love, or eternity. Handmade silver wedding rings, which are available in a bright polish finish, a satin or brushed finish, or a hammered finish, can make a memorable day even more special.

But rings can also reflect your gift recipient’s interests, hobbies, or passions. From traditional Celtic rings and classic pentagram rings to biker rings and puzzle rings, jewelry artisans offer a dazzling array of gift-giving options.

And Much More….

Handcrafted silver jewelry can take many other forms, all of which can add meaning to special occasions. Barrettes are the perfect gift for a little girl on her first day of school, while charm bracelets and cufflinks make wonderful graduation gifts. Religious jewelry is appropriate for to commemorate milestones in virtually all faiths, while cuff bracelets are the perfect “just because” gift.

Finding Jewelry Online

While there are many online sources for jewelry, it’s important to select a company that has a long-standing tradition of creating handcrafted silver jewelry. The artisans can either guide you to pre-made pieces, or can work with you to create the perfect, customized gift that reflects your affection for the recipient.

Green amber is a form of natural Baltic amber that has a very dark, rich green color. Amber of any color is formed from fossilized resin produced by pine trees, and most amber is between forty and sixty million years old. The green occurs when organic material from plants is trapped within the natural amber, giving the green color. The various chemical compositions and variations on the plant materials that became covered with the thick and sticky resin provide the variations and patterns in green amber.

The tones and shades of green will vary within the amber, and the unique rich colors will captivate the eye and draw attention to the beauty of the gem itself. Green amber is considered to be more valuable than the more common brown amber, but the most valuable and rarest of ambers is the clear and completely transparent amber.

Amber and legend

In many ancient traditions and religions, amber is seen to have a special place. The ancient Chinese defined amber as tigers soul and wearing amber was believed to give the wearer the strength and courage of a tiger. The ancient Greeks believed that amber represented the tears of Apollos daughters, and considered the gems to ward off evil spirits.

Due to the ambers chemical composition, it first attracted mystics with its properties of transparency and the appearance of movement within the gem as the light hit from different directions. In addition amber would burn if heated in a fire, and this added to its qualities and uniqueness.

Amber jewelry has been found that dated to the Paleolithic area, around 12,000 B.C. Both the Celts and the Romans used amber as a rare commodity in trading. In the 1100s Gdansk was the major center of amber production, and the Baltic area continues to be the largest producer of amber to this day.

Green amber in jewelry

The beautiful rich colors of green amber make it a natural match for both silver and gold jewelry. Green amber (like all amber), while considered a gemstone, is one of the few gems that is not of mineral origin. The more colored and patterned the green amber is the more the jeweler can use these patterns to work into the setting of the gem. Green amber that also contains fossilized material is very rare and very valuable.

Green amber is a soft gem, and is very warm to both the touch and to wear. It is not cold against the skin like other gems, and amber collects and stores static electricity. Very lightweight, amber is an excellent gem for earrings as it adds little weight to the metal that it is set in.

Green amber is used in making bracelets, necklaces, rings and all other forms of jewelry. Green amber is easily cared for with simple polishing or buffing to remove the slight scratches that may occur on the surface of this soft gem.

Adorning the body with gold is a sensual experience. Gold jewelry for body piercing is extremely popular today, a revival from a long history from the earliest humans on earth. Whether your interest in body piercing stems from the desire to be fashionable, as a status symbol or to heighten your sexual enjoyment, popular demand has increased the number of piercing studios and choices in gold body jewelry.

Todays body piercing evolved from different cultures across the globe. This ancient art could well be the most widely practiced form of body adornment. It was also practiced by the Romans who saw nipple piercing as a sign of courage, in addition to using them to attach their cloaks. The Kama Sutra from classical India depicts scenes of genital piercing. We find evidence of ears, lips and hands being pierced in South America, Africa and Borneo.

Today body piercing artists have taken this heritage and combined it with modern hygiene and piercing techniques, creating new types of piercings such as the ‘diath and rook’ invented by Eric Dakota. The most notable change in the nature of body piercing came a few years ago when fashion world models strutted the catwalk with navel and eyebrow piercings, creating a new wave of general public interest. This opened up a new realm of possibilities for people and confirmed to those already in the know the wide extent of the practice.

Practical Guide to Body Piercing

When you decide to have any part of your body pierced, remember that this is more than fashion, it involves your health. It is wise to keep these points in mind:

The piercing studio should be registered, check for the appropriate permits and certificates.
The person who performs your body piercing should wear gloves, protective clothing, hair covering and should wash their hands before they pierce you.
All instruments should be sterilized and all surfaces, including the floor are smooth and wipe able.
Only disposable needles should be used, with all dressings (gauze, cotton pads) and gold body jewelry sterile packed.

Piercing Guns

The gold body jewelry used with ear piercing guns are not ideal for piercing for several reasons, first being that the guns cannot be sterilized because they are made of plastic and would melt in the sterilization unit. Second, they do not provide a clean, surgical cut, the jewelry is forced through the tissue, causing extensive trauma, because the ends are rounded, not sharp. Piercings done in this fashion are slow to heal and there is an increased risk of inflammation andor infection.

After Care

Piercings done with the proper equipment usually take from six to eight weeks to heal at which time the jewelry can be changed without any problem. Quality aftercare of your piercing has a great impact on the amount of time your body needs. Healing is one thing, it takes much more time for the pierced skin to adjust and be accepted by your body. After the initial change, is it s a good idea for the jewelry to be left in the piercing at all times for at least the first six months but a longer period is better.

Buying gold jewelry for your store can be a complicated business. It is important for you to do your research so that you can avoid the traps that await you as a wholesale gold jewelry buyer. It is to your advantage to take the time effort to know what your customers want and compare the different price points being offered.

Start by making a customer profile: what type of designs, styles and price points they prefer. It is wise to keep the current popular trends in mind when you are buying your inventory, this can help you to attract new customers as well as give your current customers new gold jewelry designs to consider. If you are new to the gold jewelry business, and do not have an established clientele, you can begin with a combination of classic and contemporary designs for broad market appeal. Selecting yellow, rose or white gold jewelry in 18kt, 14kt and 10kt grades will give you a range of sales opportunities.

In your pursuit, you will no doubt come across a gold jewelry vendor who uses the strategy of “wholesale to public”. This may sound tempting, but according to the Lanham Act, in the section that deals with federal trademarkunfair competition rules, those who make these types of claims by stating a false or misleading description of fact as to the origin of there goods can be held liable in a civil action.

In addition, gold jewelry vendors should be aware of the FTC Guideline that clearly states: “retailers should not advertise a retail price as a ‘wholesale’ price. In other words, they should not represent that they are selling at ‘factory’ prices when they are not selling at the prices paid by those purchasing directly from the manufacturer.”

Dealing with unethical vendors can also damage the reputation of your business, because you may sacrifice quality for a low price. But your customers rely on your judgments when making the selections that they eventually purchase and once a complaint of substandard goods from a dissatisfied customer is made, it can be very difficult to re-establish their trust.

By definition, a wholesaler is a person who deals directly with the manufacturer. This assures you of quality; you will be able to get the information and support your need because they are in constant contact with the gold jewelry source. A reputable gold jewelry wholesale business also has a reputation to protect and will work with you until you are satisfied. When your select your gold jewelry wisely from a reputable source, it is easier to set your price point reasonably. Using this practice can win over the most skeptical customers, even those who may feel that retail gold jewelry is overpriced.

Another point to remember is that your main competition for the gold jewelry customer can be found in abundance on the Internet. When a customer enters your store it offers you the opportunity to make their real-world buying experience unique, satisfying and rewarding in a way that the Internet cannot offer.