About Gold

Since ancient times the purity of gold has been described by the term "Karat", (not to be confused with the term "carat" which is a unit of measure used in weighing diamonds and other gems). A Karat in gold terminology is referring to the actual amount of pure gold that is in the jewelry. For example, 14Karat(14kt) Gold is 14 parts of pure gold and 10 parts alloy., or other stronger metals. 18Karat(18kt)Gold is 18 parts pure gold and only 6 parts metal alloy.

Gold has been valued for centuries for its rich luster and beautiful sheen. Gold is one of the most precious metals in the world and although it is found in our rivers, seas and the earth's crust, it is difficult and expensive to extract. It takes approximately 3 tons of ore to extract one ounce of gold.

Below we show a chart of 24kt, 18kt and 14kt gold with their gold percentages and the US and European jewelers' markings usually inscribed inside a piece of jewelry:

As jewelery gold needs little attention except periodic cleaning or occasionally a polishing if the piece of jewelry is subject to much contact with other surfaces. Otherwise gold will last for many generations and always be pleasing to look at.

About Platinum

Platinum is one of the world's strongest materials; jewelry made of platinum is highly durable and ideal for holding diamonds and gemstones securely. It is more resistant to wear and tear than gold or silver, due to its heavier weight and density. Platinum is so precious and durable that is has been used as a setting for some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the Koh-l-Noor, the Hope and the Jonker l.

For women with sensitivity to the alloys used with gold or silver, platinum’s purity makes it hypoallergenic. Platinum is the only metal used in fine jewelry that is 90% to 95% pure, compared to the 58% of 14kt and 75% of 18kt gold. Because of its purity, platinum jewelry will not tarnish and needs little care. Over time Platinum will develop a natural patina that gives it a look all it's own.

Platinum is very limited in quantity. It is 50 times rarer than gold and ten tons of ore must be mined before producing a single ounce of platinum. Due to its high density a single gram of platinum can be stretched to produce a fine wire more than a mile long.

Today Platinum has become the metal of choice for top designers because, they say, the cool elegance of platinum reflects the mood of their millennium collections.