Buying Gold JewelryThe word gold can refer both to (24K) gold and gold in general. 24 carat gold is usually too soft in order to use by itself. It is almost always mixed along with other materials to offer durability. All traditional gold jewelry must have a carat notice on it - 14k, 16k, 18 carat etc .The k quality tells a person the blend of precious metal to base metal. For example, 14K jewelry contains 14 parts of rare metal mixed with 10 components of base. Typically the higher the k, the more rare metal it contains.You should see a k quality mark on all real rare metal jewelry. Although not necessarily required by regulation, it is accepted practice. Be skeptical of anyone showing you the necklaces you are purchasing is real without a carat marking. Additionally , the trademark in the company should be within the marking thus you know who to deal with in case your jewelry does not live up to it's proposed karat quality. Echtschmuck Gold means that the inside is not hollow and typically the item is made of gold. Instead like the chocolate rabbits at Easter, always go regarding solid gold!Rare metal plated jewelry is unique. Plating refers to the mechanical process by which an item has gold followed it. Eventually, the plating will wear away to typically the base metal. Exactly how long that will take depends upon wear, thickness of the particular plating and pores and skin chemistry.