Gold Hoop Earrings

Simple and inexpensive accessories, small yellow gold hoop earrings can be wisely purchased just about anywhere with only a little bit of know-how. It takes only a touch of this valuable metal, either white or yellow, to add something special to any ensemble. No matter if they're large or small hoops, such earrings can be a fun way to create one's own personal style. These are just a few reasons why many jewelry lovers like to add a pair of hoops to their collection. Before making a purchase, though, shoppers need to know what this metal is, the two types, and what is involved in the price of yellow or white gold hoop earrings.

Like gemstones, the measurement for gold is in karats. In its purest form, this soft metal totals at 24 karats. As other metals are added to make it more durable, the number of karats drops. A 14-karat bracelet is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals. Depending on where a piece is made, the karat weight could be 10-karat, 14-karat, 18-karat, 22-karat, or 24-karat. Anyone desiring 24-karat small yellow gold hoop earrings may want to reconsider such a purchase. Compared to other metals used in jewelry, 24K is not hard. It can be more easily bent or damaged, making it less durable than a piece with a lower karat. For earrings, it's safe to wear as much as 18 karats. Because they are more prone to damage, rings are better off at a lower karat than 18 but definitely nothing higher. For white, 24-karat doesn't even exist since the white hue doesn't occur naturally.

Jewelry shoppers may wonder what the difference is between yellow and white gold hoop earrings besides color. The difference is also in how the colors are created. 24K can be mixed with any number of metals, but particular alloys, or combinations of metals, produce particular colors. The white style is often created by adding silver, nickel, or palladium. Nickel is used less often today due to more allergic reactions to the metal. People with allergies to nickel should be sure to find out exactly what the earrings are made of before making the purchase. Otherwise, serious problems could occur, and it may be too late for a refund. The yellow style includes a combination with zinc or copper. The rose style gets its pinkish hue from copper and other metals.

After deciding between yellow or white gold hoop earrings, the shopper must consider in what way they prefer the jewelry to be made. The best on quality and durability would be a solid piece. Some pairs of earrings could be gold-filled, have an overlay, or be plated. Rather than forming the hoop with gold alone, the jeweler forms the hoop with another metal and then bonds an outer layer of gold to it. Shoppers should know that plated jewelry is more susceptible to wear, and if they still choose to buy it, it's best to make sure the plate is at least .175 microns thick with 10K. Shoppers should always confirm with the seller every detail of what the pair is made of. If the seller or store can't offer those details, walk away.

Shopping locally can help any jewelry buyer get a feel for what's available and the price ranges. Local malls with nationally known jewelers and mom-and-pop jewelry stores will allow shoppers to handle and try on small yellow gold hoop earrings before making the purchase, something that Internet stores can't offer. Talking with a local jeweler about one's needs is a simple yet effective step to take. An experienced jeweler can recommend the right color, karat weight, and even suggest other vendors who may offer something closer to what the shopper is looking for. With these ideas and even some prices in hand, the shopper can work on making Internet store comparisons.

The Internet is home to thousands of jewelers, both official and unofficial alike. This is where shopping for white gold hoop earrings gets tricky. It's easy for anyone to create a reputable-looking website and promise to offer genuine jewelry. Shoppers have to be cautious and do research. Internet jewelers should offer a fair refund policy that is easy to access on their website. Read this carefully. If the store offers no refunds, this is a red flag. Stores should also include complete contact information on their website, including a way to make contact via email, mail, and by phone. Check store rating websites for any positive reviews from customers, but be especially on the lookout for negative reviews. By following this advice, shoppers can avoid being taken advantage of. "As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear" (Proverbs 25:12).

There are many different styles of hoops out there, including hoops with animals, words, and gemstones with various textures. However, what's most important about purchasing small yellow gold hoop earrings is that the buyer loves her purchase and pays a fair price. Prices can vary from only $25 for a little girl's pair of hoops to over a thousand dollars for hoops that include diamonds or other gemstones. This is why it's so important for customers to be wary. Too many jewelry shoppers find themselves left with fake or cheaply-made earrings because caution and care wasn't taken in the purchase process. Shoppers need to be sure to ask as many questions as possible. Understanding the markings on the piece, the differences in how the jewelry is made, and the karat weight will help the buyer make a smart purchase.

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