Gold

Jewellery

Gold earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings, and bracelets: the choice is endless.

For the Hot Diamonds 9ct Gold Collection, click here to visit the Hot Diamonds website.

What Is Gold Made Of?

Pure gold is too soft for everyday use, so for durability, the gold used for jewellery is mixed or alloyed with other metals. The amount of pure gold in a particular piece of jewellery is measured in carats (ct) - 24 carats being pure (fine) gold.

Many people are unaware that gold need not be the familiar golden colour. By adding different metals to the alloy mix, it is possible to create gold in a variety of different colours and shades of colours, ie. pink, green, etc.

In addition to the hallmark, on some pieces of fine quality 18ct and 22ct gold jewellery you will also find a mark shaped like a small sun. This is the 'solar mark', the trademark of EmaGold, the pan-European quality gold jewellery manufacturers' organisation. Entry to Emagold is strictly controlled and only jewellery producers meeting the strictest quality criteria are accepted. The 'solar mark' is your guarantee of quality.

White Gold

Silver and palladium are alloyed with gold to create white gold. The use of alloys means white gold is not a bright white. White gold is usually plated with Rhodium to give a bright appearance, but as it is only plating it will wear through to show the natural colour. This of course can be restored by re-plating after a thorough polish and clean.

Platinum

Platinum is more precious than gold due to its rarity, which is reflected in its price being much higher than gold. Platinum jewellery is 95% pure, hence having a natural white colour. It is more durable than gold as it is 30% denser than 18ct gold. To find out more about platinum click here.