Welcome Guest
|
Login
|
Shopping Basket
0 item
About Us
|
Free Shipping
|
30 Days Return
|
Testimonials
|
FAQ's
|
Contact Us
|
Engagement Rings
Diamond Rings
Wedding Rings
Multi Stone Rings
Eternity Rings
Diamond Earrings
Pendants & Necklaces
Diamond Bracelets
Men's Jewellery
Gemstone Jewellery
Black Diamond Jewellery
About Us
Free Shipping
30 Days Return
Lowest UK Price Guaranteed
Testimonials
Price Match Guarantee
FAQ's
Hallmarking
Insurance
Diamonds Education
Gold Education
Platinum Education
Ring Size Guide
Jewellery Care
Conflict Free Diamonds
Privacy Policy
Contact Us
Customer Service
Monday-Friday:9.30am to 5.30pm
Saturday: 11am to 4pm
Queries? Reach us:
0800 072 1170 (Toll Free)
Outside UK? Call:
+ 44 207 138 3672
Email:
service@diamondsfactory.co.uk
Sign Up for exclusive offers,
promotions and more.
Home
Gold Education
Gold Education
There are two most important aspects to be considered when buying gold. First, which
Gold Karat
to choose and second, the
Gold Color
or the combination of gold colors available.
Gold Karat
Karat is the gold content of the metal. The Karat measures the proportion of pure gold mixed with other metal alloy to make up the final metal. The Karat of gold is represented in many countries by the abbreviation Kt or K. Karat can also be called Carat, represented by Ct. You may notice that carat or ct is also used to measure the weight of diamonds and gemstones. Although the same name is used, the two measurements are measuring different characteristics of jewellery.
Purity & Value
The higher the proportion of gold used in the final metal, the more valuable and expensive the metal will be. So all other things being the same, an 18K ring will be more expensive than a 14K ring and a 14K ring will be more expensive than a 9K ring.
9K
gold denotes 37.5% gold purity. 9K is the minimum standard used in UK and is widely used for making profound jewellery to minimize the cost.
14K
gold denotes 58.3% gold purity and it often comes stamped with 585.
18k
gold denotes 75.0% gold purity. 18K is highly recommended for fine jewellery.
22K
gold denotes 91.7% gold purity. Gold in 22K is very soft and is not suitable for manufacturing studded jewellery. It can be used for plain gold jewellery.
24K
gold denotes 100% gold purity. Gold in this form is extremely soft and cannot be used for any type of Jewellery making.
The stamps only indicate the carat of metal and its purity. They do not indicate the color of the metal. So for example an 18K yellow gold ring would have a stamp of 750 as would an 18kt white gold ring.
Gold Colors
The next question that pops up is that which color to go for Gold Colors: Gold is available in several different colors. The most popular is
White gold
, followed by
Yellow gold
.
Jewellery can also be made using a combination of different gold colors. These jewellery items are sometimes called
two-tone
or
multi-colored gold
.
The difference in color between yellow and white is determined by the metals used in the alloy mix.
Yellow gold
is made by mixing pure gold with alloy metals such as copper and zinc.
White gold
is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as silver and palladium.
Rhodium Plating:
White gold is essentially yellow gold that has been mixed with other metals to whiten it but it does not become complete white but remains off white (Cream White) and is often plated with rhodium, which in time wears off so regular re-plating is often required to maintain its whiteness.
Selecting Gold Quality & Colors
When trying to decide between the gold Karat & Color there are three things to consider.
The metal performance with every day wear
The difference in color between the 9K, and 18K gold
The difference in price between the gold Karats & Color.
Other important factors to consider are the jewellery's construction and design. The techniques of construction can make a piece more durable and flexible for added comfort. A well-made piece in a classic design will give you years of wear and enjoyment and, if cared for properly, will last a lifetime. Unique design, intricate details, gemstones or a special clasp may add to the price.
We at
Diamonds Factory
recommend 18K for heavy and daily wear jewellery.
Care for your Gold
To get a lifetime of enjoyment from your jewellery, be sure to keep it clean and safe.
Do not wear jewellery during rough work or when handling harsh chemicals. Store it in a box away from other pieces to preserve it from getting scratched.
Finally, check the diamond settings periodically for any damage to the gold prongs or bezels. If you see a loose prong, or if the setting looks out of line, bring it to us or any other professional jewellers for repair at once.
About Us
|
Free Shipping Worldwide
|
30 Days Return
|
Privacy Policy
|
Terms & Conditions
|
Contact Us
|
FAQ's
|
Sitemap
Engagement Rings
Antique Engagement Rings
Diamonds on Shoulders
Diamond Rings
Designer Diamond Rings
Full Eternity
Half Eternity
Multistone Rings
Three Stone Rings
Five Stone Rings
Seven Stone Rings
Diamond Earrings
Stud Earrings
Hoop Earrings
Pendant & Necklaces
Single Stone
Heart Pendant
Cross Pendants
Multistone Pendants
Diamond Bracelets
Tennis Bracelets
Delicate Bracelets
Wedding Rings
Mens Jewellery
Mens Rings
© 2009-2010 Diamonds Factory. All Rights Reserved.
Neve Jewels Ltd--Registered in England & Wales - 06453160
VAT Registration Number - GB 925 0805 36