This is the best gold jewellery to invest in this summer (and wear forever)

The type of jewellery you choose - whether that’s gold jewellery or silver - is highly divisive. People often pick a shade when they first start to experiment with fashion and then, BAM. That’s it. Every birthday, Christmas or self-gifting opportunity will add population: one to the single-metal collection.

Gold jewellery is a minimalist staple, celebrated for its simplicity and with the ability to make even your most unconsidered jeans and white t-shirt combo feel ultra-styled. And the hottest jewellery designers have given it a glow-up of late. Baroque styles are a thing of the past, and we’re now seeing influencers opt for demi-fine gold jewellery in abstract shapes, pendant necklaces with clean lines and simple, layered gold chains.

And there’s another reason for the resurgence of gold jewellery: quality gold vermeil pieces, from chokers to drop earrings and earcuffs. Think: excellent quality without fine jewellery prices.

If you’re going for gold, it makes sense to choose outfits that showcase what you’ve chosen. Chosen a pair of statement gold earrings? Sweep your hair back. Complement long gold necklaces with an unbuttoned shirt. Roll up your sleeves to show off a stack of gold bangles and charm bracelets, and choose cropped jeans that reveal a shimmering gold anklet.

29 best initial necklaces for a timeless outfit upgrade

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By Georgia Trodd and Harriet Davey

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What does the gold karat system mean?

If it’s real gold that you’re after – that’s guaranteed to last a lifetime – you’re likely wondering what the gold karat system means. At brands like Tiffany & Co, and Cartier, numbers next to your gold jewellery describe the percentage of pure gold present in the metal mix. So, 24kt gold is pure gold with no other metals mixed in. 18-karat gold has a ratio of 18:6 pure gold to alloy metal (such as silver, nickel, titanium or copper), and the percentages decrease down through 14 carat and 10 carat.