If you’re in the market for some new jewelry, you may want to consider buying something heavy and gold. Gold is a valuable material that has been used for jewelry for centuries, and it’s still popular today.
But what exactly is heavy gold jewelry? And where can you buy it?
In this article, we’ll tell you where to find the heaviest gold jewelry out there.
So if you’re looking for something that really makes a statement, then you need to check out where the heavy gold jewelry is available!
Table of Contents
What Is Heavy Gold Jewelry
First of all, what is considered heavy?
In most cases, anything that weighs more than 15 grams and made out of 18k gold is considered heavyweight. However, this can vary depending on the style and design of the piece.
Is it a ring or is it a bracelet?
A bracelet is considered rather light at 15 grams, but a ring is getting some heft to it at that weight.
See?
The average weight of gold jewelry ranges from 2-12 grams, but there are plenty of pieces that weigh much more than that, and those are the ones you want.
Heavy gold jewelry does not mean big chunky gold jewelry although it can be that too.
It means weight.
If you buy 18K gold, then it will weigh more than 10K or 14K because it is more pure than lower carat gold is.
The same goes for 22K gold.
Consider anything that weighs a minimum of 15 grams, or ½ an ounce, to be heavy if it is a ring, and the heavier, the better. If it is a bracelet, make sure it weighs at least 30 to 60 grams of gold.
Necklaces should weigh 30 to 60 grams of gold or more.
If you buy a gold coin necklace, it should weigh 45 grams if the coin is one ounce set into a bezel.
Skip buying the lightweight items weighing 5-12 grams unless it is in the form of multiple small pure gold coins.
Why You Should Consider Buying Heavy Gold Jewelry
While we are not huge fans of holding all our investments in the form of jewelry, we do want to point out that you can have your cake and eat it too by holding a percentage of your investments in gold.
When it comes to diversifying, there is nothing more fun than wearing some of your investment portfolio rather than just having it all on paper or floating somewhere out in cyberspace.
We would suggest having about half of your gold investment in bullion coins, but the other half in heavy gold jewelry that you can wear and enjoy at the same time as watching the market.
If this idea appeals to you, then the rule of thumb would be to buy heavier pieces of jewelry rather than lightweight ones.
Also, we would suggest keeping the carat at 14K to 18K purity.
Any higher purity is fine, but it becomes softer and more prone to showing wear and tear.
When it comes to finding heavy gold jewelry, there will be a few things you need to keep in mind.
Consider It An Investment
Why should the guys have all the fun?
It seems as though it’s the thing to buy gold bullion, coins and gold nuggets because guys love the stuff and think it’s cool, but what about the ladies?
If you men think that investing in gold coins is a great idea then loosen up a bit!
Chances are that women would be rushing in to help you build up your gold investment if there were something in it for their enjoyment also, like wearing heavy gold jewelry instead of just wearing white gloves counting coins a couple times a year.
We would bet that you would see your portfolio double in a short period of time if the women were encouraged to go out and buy the right kind of jewelry.
Choose Stylish Statement Pieces
There is a market for gold jewelry that goes beyond the karat and weight of the gold content. Jewelry has a mark up that far supersedes the value of any gold coin bearing the same weight and purity.
Jewelry also speaks a language of its own too.
While wearing the right combination of elegant and stylish pieces, you can command a certain amount of attention that makes what you say or propose seemingly more authentic (even if you are dumb as a box of rocks).
There is something to be said for the presence and perception of someone well adorned in heavy gold jewelry.
Buy Rare Coins/Jewelry, Not Bullion
Bet you didn’t know this, but gold coins and bullion can be confiscated by the Federal Government in times of national crisis by Executive order 6102.
Nowadays, everything seems likely to turn into a national crisis.
But rare coins and gold jewelry do not fall into this scheme.
Where To Buy Heavy Gold Jewelry
Now that we have given you some things to think about, where is the best place to buy heavy gold jewelry?
We would suggest that you find a reputable dealer who specializes in estate and period jewelry. These are the people who will have the good stuff, but they will also charge a premium for it.
In our 15+ years experience in the industry, we have learned a thing or two about the best places to buy gold jewelry. Consider the following:
Pawn Shops
Do not be shy about going to a local pawn shop to see what might be in their cases.
If you let them know that you are interested in buying the heavier gold, they will set items aside for you and call you as things become available.
Watch that you are not overcharged by knowing the spot price for the gold market when you go.
Know how much a gram of gold is worth per karat of the purity you want to buy.
If you think that their price is high, then offer less.
You have nothing to lose by trying.
Online Auctions
Go on eBay and put “18K heavy gold” in the search bar.
Look for “Make Offer” options when you see something you like.
You can probably get the best deals on eBay, hands down.
There are many people selling their items for just 25% above spot price.
Make sure that the seller has a return policy and that they are showing the weight on a gram scale as well as the hallmark.
You may find spectacular designer pieces of heavy jewelry that will cost more, or you can stick to the funky 1970’s era jewelry with the chunky look.
Anyway you buy it, wear it and have some fun!
Local Auctions
You will find some good deals at local auctions, but you may have to go to a few before you get lucky. Check the newspapers or online auction sites for upcoming sales in your area.
In many cases, you will get the opportunity to view the items the day before the sale. You can then make your decision on what you want to bid on and how much you are willing to spend.
Jewelry Stores
Jewelry stores will buy or have used estate gold jewelry because they usually buy gold from people on a regular basis, but they often have no intention of keeping the really heavy items because of the higher cost.
These items are the first to go to the refinery.
They may also have or buy gold coins that you can use to make bracelets and necklaces. Jewelry stores will have the gold pocket watches, heavy gold nuggets that you can make into jewelry and heavy gold chains.
Again, if they know that you want to buy, they will want to sell for a tad above spot price.
Make offers!
Consignment Stores
Pop into high end consignment stores every now and again. There are usually cases that have older pieces of jewelry that you might find to be gold. Bring your loupe to see hallmarks and check it out.
What To Look For When Buying Heavy Gold Jewelry
When looking to buy heavier pieces of gold jewelry, go for the 18K if possible. 14K is also okay to buy, but either way, make certain that the gold is hallmarked and tested if it is antique or vintage and has no hallmarks.
If you are going for higher karat gold such as 22K, then be advised that it will be softer and would be best worn as necklaces, unless you don’t mind dents and scratches.
- Consider buying pure gold coins as bracelets and necklaces also.
- Omega choker collars are very elegant and they come in heavy weights.
- Buy cuff style bracelets that are thick and heavy as well as bracelets that have heavy links.
- Do not buy heavy earrings because you will regret trying to wear them.
- Stay away from hollow gold unless it is super chunky style and has good weight.
- Men’s antique pocket watches, with the gold cases, and pocket watch chains that are higher karat gold.
- Consider buying antique gold brooches that have high karat and good weight.
- Buy heavy gold pendants and chains.
- Stay away from buying gold filled anything.
FAQ’s About Heavy Gold Jewelry
Can you buy 24K gold jewelry?
You can buy 24K gold jewelry if you know where to find it.
Your local jewelry store sometimes will buy from the public, and they can order for you from the dealers that they know.
You should try eBay first and foremost, because this is a worldwide ecommerce business that will be sure to have what you want.
Is buying solid gold jewelry worth it?
While solid 24k gold is worth owning, it is not great for wearing as jewelry because it is easy to mar, break, scratch and dent due to how soft pure gold is.
Necklaces would be the better choice for this high karat.
Is 24k gold better than 18k gold?
24k is the highest purity that can be found, so it is also the most costly. 18K gold is better for making jewelry that would be worn regularly, because the higher karat gold is softer than 18k.
What karat gold is best for chains?
The best karat of gold for chains is either 14K or 18K.Most people can wear 14k without having any problem with alloys, whereas the 18K is going to generally be heavier and more expensive to buy.
What is a 916 gold?
When you see a hallmark that is stamped “916” it simply is the representation of the amount of parts per 100% pure. In this case, 916 means 22K gold and is 91.6% pure.
Final Thoughts
If you love the look of gold, whether it is the yellow gold or the white gold, maybe you should not shy away from owning some nice heavy pieces of jewelry as part of your investment portfolio.
You can even have your gold jewelry fully insured which is something to consider because as the market goes up, so does the value of your jewelry.
Happy hunting!