Gold
Beautiful, durable gold is the world’s original artifact and the perfect heirloom. It has been revered in every human culture and has been associated with gods, immortality and the earliest notions of personal adornment. King Tutankhamen’s tomb contained the largest collection of gold in the world. Finally, because gold is portable, private and permanent, the world’s first currency, created in 700 B.C., was made of gold coins. This marked the beginning of a monetary standard that made the world’s economy possible.

Gold is an ideal metal for the fabrication of jewellery, not just because of its natural beauty and lustre, but because of its resistance to oxidation and corrosion. As the most maleable and ductile of the known metals, gold is easily worked, using techniques that range from simple hammering and carving to filigreeing, granulation and millgraining.

A gift of gold has become established as an important custom throughout the world, marking occasions such as anniversaries, weddings, Valentine’s day, Christmas and birthdays. And, of course, it is an essential part of every woman’s wardrobe.

Karat Values
Pure gold, known as 24 karat gold, has a bright yellow color. It is 100% gold. But pure gold, while extremely malleable, is too soft to withstand everyday wear. In order to harden it, gold is mixed with other metals, called alloys, including silver, copper and zinc.

18 karat gold is 75% gold and 25% alloys.
14 karat gold is 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloys.
10 karat gold is 41.7% gold and 58.3% alloys.
9 karat gold is 37.5% gold and 62.5 alloys.

Colours
Alloys can also serve to alter the color of gold. Gleaming white gold is a favorite for bridal jewellery, and is created by using whitening alloys such as nickel, silver or Palladium. Because white gold retains a yellowish color, it is usually coated with rhodium, which might wear off over time. Periodic replating will restore your jewellery’s whiteness.

Rose gold, traditionally used for special-edition watches and now an emerging trend in fine jewellery, is created by increasing the amount of copper. Depending on the amount used, rose gold can range from a light pink to a rich, reddish or even a brownish color.