All That Glitters Is Definitely Not Gold

Why would a gold necklace a friend purchased overseas at a well-established store turn green when she got home? A goldsmith, diamond setter and co-owner of a Diamond Certified Jewelry company, says something can look like gold but only be gold-plated or filled. The necklace was probably made of brass and coated with a thin layer of gold that's worn off. The markings for gold-plated jewelry are 14k h.g.e. and gold-filled jewelry should be marked 1/20 12K k.g.f. Both types should cost a lot less than gold that's gold to the core.

It's not wise to buy expensive jewelry when you're out of town on a holiday unless you know what you're doing. If you want a souvenir from another country, Mr. Jordan suggests you stick with the souvenirs!