Overview: Gold is serious business in this part of the world and the dazzling souk near the Hyatt Regency stands testimony for this. The gold souk, or gold market, is a truely dazzling sight to behold. It has earned Dubai a reputation for being the 'City of Gold'. The market offers earrings, rings,

necklaces, bracelets and pendants. To entice you further, many different shades of gold are also available. You can choose from modern to traditional items and if that doesn't suit your taste you can get your own piece exclusively designed for you. Craftsmen can alter the composition of alloys in the gold to create pink, white, yellow or green hues in one piece.

This souq is aggressively promoted during the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, which both rocket gold sales into orbit.

What is White Gold?
Is it a special form of gold? Does it contain gold?
These are typical questions often asked. White gold is not a special form of gold (which is why you cannot get 24 karat white gold). Actually, it is true karat gold, just like yellow or red karat gold jewellery. They are gold alloys that look white rather than yellow. The white color is achieved by careful choice of the alloying metals, which bleach the deep yellow of pure gold.
It is interesting to note that white gold for jewellery was originally developed in the 1920's as a substitute for platinum.

Nowadays, white gold is a jewellery metal in its own right and currently very fashionable and desirable, particularly among the younger age groups. White gold is available up to 21 karat. White gold bridal jewellery is increasingly popular.

Check for Clasp When buying a gold necklace or bracelet, make sure you examine the clasp to see if it is strong enough to support the chain. Run your hand over the chain and look for any rough edges. If you take the time to choose carefully, you will have pieces that, with good care, last a lifetime.