Gold

Understanding gold quality.

Gold is measured in karats, 100% pure gold is 24k (karats). Other typical karat values are 18k, 14k and 10k. 14k for example, indicates 14 out of 24 parts are gold. It is mixed with other base metals.  Pure gold is very soft and often too malleable for daily wear and tear. Most jewelry is stamped on the inside to show its karat value.

Gold color

Yellow gold is the most common; however gold can also be found in rose and white colors and less commonly in brown and blue. Rose gold is created by adding copper and silver as its base metals to give it a rose color. White gold is created by using white base metals such as nickel, manganese or palladium.

Gold pricing

Jewelry containing gold, factors in the weight of the gold and its quality measured in karats to determine its price.

Gemstones

Understanding gemstone measurements

Gemstones are measured in carats (ct) with a C unlike gold which is measured in karats with a K. 1 carat = 1/5 of a gram or 200mg. Since a carat is a unit of weight, a 1 carat sapphire will be larger than a 1 carat diamond, since diamonds are a lot denser. There is a big difference in price between a 1 carat (1ct) stone and a 1 carat total weight (1ct TW). A grouping of smaller diamonds that add up to 1 carat total weight is not as valuable as a 1 carat diamond.

Clarity

A gemstones clarity is affected by its inclusions. An inclusion is any material which is trapped inside the gem, during its formation. Generally more expensive stones have less inclusions and therefore having better clarity.

Color

Color plays a role in pricing as well. Darker rubies for example sell for more, whereas sapphires are more valuable the lighter and brighter they are. The finest rubies have a pure vibrant red color and will lose value if they are too pink. Emeralds in general, are more expensive the darker and more saturated their green color is.