Gold

In pure form at 24Kt, gold is very soft and easily malleable. Mixed with other metals, like silver or copper, alloyed gold is harder and less expensive.

The scientific abbreviation of gold is Au. Karats refer to the measurement of pure gold in jewellery. Some countries brand gold with a three-digit number that indicates the parts per thousand of gold. For example, "750" means 750/1000 gold (equal to 18K); "585" means 585/1000 gold (equal to 14KT).

Measurement

Karat

Percent Gold

24 Kt.

100% Gold

18 Kt.

75% Gold

14 Kt.

58.5% Gold

10 Kt.

41.7% Gold

Colours

Coloured Gold

Alloy Metal(s) Added to the Gold

Yellow Gold

50% silver and 50% copper

White Gold

Nickel, zinc, copper, tin and manganese

Pink (rose) Gold

90% copper and 10% silver

Green Gold

High proportion of silver or cadmium

Platinum

Platinum is the strongest, most pure metal. Platinum jewellery is composed of 90-95% pure platinum. Rarer than gold, platinum is up to three times the price of gold. Resistant to damage and wear, it will last a lifetime. Platinum jewellery develops a satin finish. It doesn't require much care as it will not tarnish. It is however, difficult to polish and repair.