Gold Bracelets: A Guide for the Uninitiated

Bracelets are the second most popular kind of jewelry in the world, but many of us don’t know the basics of choosing gold bracelets, or even caring for them once we have them. This guide is meant to address this need in a timely way.

Gold Bracelets: the Basics

Gold bracelets typically range from 14 karat to 20 karat gold due to the softness of the higher karat golds and the low shine of the lower karat golds. These mid-range karat pieces allow for durability necessary with bracelet wear and for beauty in the shininess of the accessory. The range of percentage is from 58.3% gold to more than 75% gold with more than 18 karats. The alloy combination determines the resulting color of the gold and often relates to the price of the piece.

White gold bracelets can be worn as a substitute for sterling silver bracelets or the traditional yellow gold bracelets, and are usually available in the same styles. The standards for karats are considered using the same scale regarding purity. White gold is an alloy where the mix includes one or more white metals such as palladium or nickel.

Taking Care of Gold Bracelets

Gold bracelets do not tarnish like silver, but they are often more susceptible to denting since the material is soft. Be sure to remove gold bracelets whenever working near machinery or in the yard where it could easily snag or be damaged. A jeweler can remove minor scratches and dents and can professionally clean and polish the bracelet without risk of damaging the material with home cleaning. White gold has an advantage here because it's tougher and will not dent so easily as traditional gold.

Care for bracelets includes proper storage as well as caution regarding hazards while being worn. Be sure to store each piece of jewelry in a drawer, case, or bag by itself so that it is not scratched by other pieces. Wrapping the bracelet in a cloth or placing it in a zippered plastic bag will suffice when a storage container or cabinet designed for jewelry is not an option. Keeping the jewelry cool, dry and air tight are usually considered the most important factors.

Standard styles are available in gold designs including bangles, link, chain, charm and cuff bracelets. Let’s look at each one because these are the most popular styles usually displayed at jewelry counters.

Most Popular Varieties of Gold Bracelets

Gold bangles are available in smooth and textured designs and range from simple bands to knot-work or detailed pieces with gemstones along the outer band. Some of these designs will have clasp closures and others are solid pieces that slide over the hand. A popular design is to have a gemstone with the clasp attaching on one side, which separates the stone from the bracelet slightly and highlights it's setting.

Link bracelets can be very simple or very intricate depending on the design. Either way gold bracelets of this style are classic beauties sure to be enjoyed.

Chain bracelets come in the widest variety since the variations possible include gauges of chain, size of links, detail, and adornments such as gemstones and charms.

Charm bracelets have been around for centuries and are traditionally seen with dangle charms including gemstones. The newer Italian charm bracelets use modular stainless-steel backings attached to a gold-plated or 18 karat gold charm face on a stretchy band. The sizing is standardized for these styles so that the charms are interchangeable and the bracelet can show the current mood or interests of the wearer.

Cuff bracelets may be simple designs or extravagant with gemstones attached to the large bracelet. These are larger pieces and usually more susceptible to visible damage from scratching or marring; therefore, the finishes with texture are often more popular to disguise the results of daily wear.

Gone are the days where we learn everything about jewelry from mom or grandmother. I hope this quick guide to gold bracelets has made a dent, so to speak, in your gold bracelet know-how.