Hello. My name is Erik Martin, freelance writer for The Costco Connection (the consumer magazine for members of Costco stores). I am seeking to interview jewelers, jewelry fashion professionals, and other experts, as well as consumers who have purchased gold jewelry, on the following topic:

THE GOLD STANDARD: HOW TO SHOP FOR AND MAINTAIN GOLD JEWELRY. This article would explore why it’s important to shop for gold jewelry carefully (such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, pendants, etc.), what to look for (including karat purity, markings or trademarks, color, and construction – such as the integrity/strength of clasps, fasteners and earring posts), why gold is a timeless good investment, and how to clean and maintain gold jewelry (via suggested chemicals/cleaning methods). For this story, I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, you can type up responses to my questions below and email them to me). My deadline to complete all interviews is Tuesday, June 28 by noon central time.

QUESTIONS:
1. (FOR CONSUMERS):
a. What gold jewelry piece(s) did you recently purchase or receive and for what occasion, if any?
b. What are the salient characteristics/features of this gold jewelry piece? What was the approximate price paid for this gold jewelry?
c. What do you like about gold jewelry, especially compared to silver or other jewelry options? Do you believe that gold jewelry is timeless and classic?
d. What is your full name, and city and state location?
e. Are you a Costco member, and if so, for how many years?
2. (FOR JEWELERS AND JEWELRY/FASHION EXPERTS): Why is gold a timeless good investment when it comes to jewelry, especially compared to silver or other jewelry options?
3. What is gold jewelry worn best with (other types of jewelry, certain types of clothes/colors/fabrics), and what does gold clash with or not match well with?
4. Why is it important to shop for gold jewelry carefully – such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants, etc. – and from a reputable jeweler?
5. What should consumers look for to ensure that they are buying a quality gold jewelry piece? What should they be looking for regarding karat purity, markings or trademarks, color, and construction – such as the integrity/strength of clasps fasteners and earring posts? Please provide tips and recommendations here.
6. What do you recommend readers do to best clean and maintain their gold jewelry? Should gold jewelry be cleaned/inspected by a professional jeweler? Should the consumer invest in a self-cleaning kit/device – if so, what do you recommend here?
7. Any other thoughts, comments, or tips you wanted to offer on this topic?
8. What is your full name, degrees, title, institution/company (if you’re a business), and city/state location?
9. Are you a Costco member (this is not required), and if so, for how many years?