Jewelry Box

As we get older, we tend to become less selfish. That process really hits full stride when we have kids and they suddenly become the center of our affections and care. Parents inevitably pass on genetic traits to their kids, and they also share their wealth of knowledge and advice. Then there are the tangible objects – the prized possessions that flow from one generation to the next with great ceremonial meaning.

When I turned 16, my mother gave me a set of decorative jewelry boxes filled with heirloom earrings, rings and bracelets. Her own mother had brought them over from Italy around the turn of the century, and there was really no telling how old these priceless jewels might be. I would never think of selling them, and for the time being I’m keeping them safe in a bureau drawer. Some day it will be my turn to pass them on.

While the words carat and karat might SOUND indistinguishable, it’s often easy to tell the difference through context. For example, someone who mentions carats in the context of a diamond ring is most likely referring to the weight of the gemstones. Karats, on the other hand, are a measure of purity in precious metals such as white gold. Of course things become a bit tricky when you’re talking about a 14k white gold necklace with opulent diamonds.

It’s important to note that no piece of gold jewelry can be 100 percent pure, owing to the fact that solid gold is too soft and malleable by itself. Alloys such as zinc are often added to strengthen the gold and add a touch of color as well. White gold is the result of nickel or palladium alloys being added to the mix, while yellow gold is most likely the result of copper and zinc additives.