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The locket of this 14-karat gold-filled necklace features an engraved swirling border pattern of flowers and scrolls surrounding an inner heart with stitch-pattern edge for a sweet and romantic effect. Perfect for carrying a picture of a special someone or a small memento, the heart-shaped locket measures 1.2x.82 inches.
The necklace's 20-inch gold rope chain with lobster-claw clasp allows the wearer to easily peek inside at the locket's contents or just let the locket rest near the heart. This elegant little locket is pretty enough to wear with a special occasion dress, yet subtle enough to wear every day as a heartwarming keepsake.
About Gold-Filled Jewelry
Gold-filled jewelry is composed of a solid layer of gold, bonded with heat and pressure to a base metal such as brass. Some high quality gold-filled pieces have the look, luster, and beauty of 14 karat (58 percent) gold. By definition, the minimum layer of karat gold in an item stamped GF must equal at least 1/20 the weight of the total item. The most common stamp you will find on gold-filled jewelry is 1/20 12kt GF.
Gold Purity
The purity of gold is measured in karats. Pure gold measures 24 karats but is too soft in this state to be used effectively in jewelry. So it is alloyed with other metals--silver, copper, nickel, and zinc--to increase its strength and durability. Common measurements once the alloy is added are 18 karat (75% gold), 14 karat (58%), and 10 karat (47.7%). In the United States, the legal karat limit for the metal to still be considered gold is 10 karats. A higher karat measurement in gold content indicates a greater value of the jewelry piece. Gold jewelry should always be stamped with the karat mark, either 18k, 750 (European marking for 18k), 14k, 585 (European marking for 14k), or 10k. In addition, to assure its quality, the piece should be stamped with the manufacturer's trademark or country of origin.
Gold Color
The color of gold may vary based off of the type of metal alloy included and the percentage of the metal alloy used. Most commonly, gold is available in yellow, white and rose coloring.
Yellow gold is the most common color and is usually alloyed with silver and copper. Yellow and white gold are similar in strength and malleability, making them perfect for jewelry that is worn daily.
White gold is alloyed with nickel, copper, and zinc--and while it looks similar to platinum, it has vastly different properties.
Rose-colored gold is alloyed with copper and is often used to accent white or yellow gold. The saturation of color varies from piece to piece and according to gold content.
Caring For Your Gold Jewelry
To keep gold shining and scratch-free, avoid contact with chlorine and other harsh chemicals. Do not wear jewelry during rough work and be sure to store it in a fabric-lined jewelry box or pouch. To clean gold jewelry, use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft bristled brush, if needed.
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