Planning to buy gold this Diwali? Here's what you need to know

Always remember to choose gold jewellery for your collection with utmost care. It has to reflect your taste

Caratage is an important factor in buying gold jewellery. It indicates the percentage of real gold in any piece of jewellery. In most cases, the caratage of the piece of jewellery is mentioned on it, apart from the hallmark of the jeweller. This is genuine proof that it is indeed real gold.
Twenty-four-carat gold is pure gold. It is soft, almost flexible and easy to break. That is why it is not always used in the making of modern jewellery that features delicate designs. Other metals like silver, copper, nickel or zinc are added to gold in small quantities to make it workable, durable and even colourful. In choosing gold jewellery, the primary aim should be to build up a collection of the first five essential pieces, which are: necklace, bracelets, long earrings, big round earrings, and different pendants. Always remember to choose gold jewellery for your collection with utmost care. It has to reflect your taste.
While care must be taken to pick up the caratage you desire from a good jeweller, you should be equally certain that the jewellery you choose will look good on you. If you are buying a new style in gold jewellery for the first time, it is advisable to get someone, who understands gold jewellery fashions and trends, to go with you. Most times, the counter staff will satisfactorily provide all the details that you need to know.
Many other factors also need to be considered when deciding on what gold jewellery to buy. The shape of your face, your height, the colour of your skin, your complexion, your hairstyle, the slenderness and length of your neck, the slenderness of the limbs, the kind of make-up you wear, your overall personality and even your taste in dress should be carefully considered, if you want your gold jewellery to really look beautiful on you.
Safety for your jewellery 
One smart thing to do is to photograph your jewellery, especially when you are wearing it.
It is very important to insure your gold jewellery, so that you can recover its value if it is ever misplaced or stolen. Getting a small safe installed is a good idea if you choose to keep your expensive gold jewellery at home. It is also advisable to maintain a list of everything that you put in and take out of your safe. Your jeweller's guarantee card should also be kept safely with your jewellery, inside the safe. For added security, it is best to deposit your jewellery in the safe deposit vault of a bank.
One smart thing to do is to photograph your jewellery, especially when you are wearing it. This is an inexpensive yet effective way to ensure that your jewellery is traceable, should you ever lose it. This is also a vital evidence for those helping you to locate your lost or stolen jewellery. Remember to inform the police immediately if your jewellery is ever stolen.
 

• India