Gold is measured in carats and divided into 24 parts. Pure gold (Au) is measured as 24ct gold. 18 ct gold is 18/24 parts by mass or 75 per cent gold making it ideal for everyday use. It is also the preferred choice for ladies' engagement rings.
9ct gold is 9/24 parts gold by mass or 37.5 per cent gold and this enables it to be more affordable gold choice.9ct and 18ct gold jewellery particularly in yellow, white and rose gold are the most popular gold choices. As with all precious metals, gold jewellery will carry a hallmark declaring its quality and authenticity.
A diamond certificate is an independent grading report that attests to the authenticity of a natural or lab-created diamond. It is a reliable and accurate statement of the natural or lab-created diamond's identity and grade based on an internationally recognised system. The grade or quality is based on the Four C's: carat weight, colour, clarity and cut. These are analysed by several gemologists who use their experience in combination with state-of-the-art equipment to produce an accurate description of the 4 C's characteristics diamond, giving each diamond its own report.
Diamond colour
Diamonds naturally vary in colour, with the majority on the market being sold as near colourless. We use the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) scale of colour. On this scale, diamond colour is graded from D, which has the least colour, through the alphabet to Z, which has a light-yellow colour. Truly colourless diamonds (D) are treasured for their rarity.
The clarity of a diamond refers to the inclusions of the diamond. Diamond inclusions are characteristics that occur inside the gemstone itself. It is common for diamonds to have natural flaws as they are rarely perfect. Inclusions are also sometimes referred to as nature's 'fingerprints' or 'birthmarks'. Inclusions are ranked on the clarity scale, which means that the fewer inclusions a diamond has, then the greater the clarity. We use the International Grading Scale developed by CIBJO.
Carat is the term used to describe the weight of any gemstone, Diamonds are also graded by carat, which refers to the weight, rather than the size of the diamond. Carats are split into points, where 100 points are equal to one carat. ½ carat diamond are equal to 50 points or 0.50 carat diamond, ¼ carat diamond are equal to 25 points or 0.25 carat diamond.
When there is more than one diamond on a piece of jewellery such as on a diamond cluster ring or a three-stone pendant, the stones are weighed together rather than individually, and this shows as total weight (TW).
When buying diamond jewellery, the most appealing factor is likely to be the carat weight of a diamond. However, it is important to remember that the cut will also determine the value of a diamond.
The Round Brilliant is the most popular cut and used as solitaires in engagement rings, with 58 facets, the stone is cut in the shape of a cone with the top rounded off which enables it to return the light that enters it. It is considered the most brilliant of diamond cuts as its symmetrical shape allows it to maximise all its qualities.
A modern and contemporary look, the princess-cut diamond is the most popular fancy shape. Created in the 1970s, this modern style is an adaptation of the standard brilliant cut which highlights the diamond's fire. The top of a princess cut diamond is square with pointed corners, while its general shape is a pyramid. Radiating fire and brilliance, princess cut diamond engagement rings are a contemporary alternative to the classics.
A modern classic, the elongated shape of the oval-cut diamond gives the illusion of a larger stone, while the cut itself showcases exceptional fire and brilliance. Oval-shaped diamonds have become more and more popular in recent years.
Similar to a princess-cut, the cushion features softer, rounded edges and a less angular shape. The cushion-cut diamond is a brilliant and romantic choice for an engagement ring.
The pear-cut diamond features a rounded edge that tapers to a point at the opposite end forming a symmetrical teardrop shape. This elegant shape elongates the fingers and showcases the stone's brilliance and sparkle.
Emerald-cut diamonds are a modern and sophisticated choice. The most popular step-cut shape, the emerald-cut offers a striking silhouette in engagement rings and other jewellery. Because of its large open table and step-cut pavilion, this shape is used to highlight the clarity of a diamond.
A modified-brilliant cut, the marquise shape creates an illusion that the diamond is larger than it actually may be. Carat for carat, the marquise cut diamond has one of the largest surface areas of any diamond shape, making it a good choice when trying to maximize size and sparkle.
Developed in Holland in 1902 and named after its creator, Joseph Asscher, the Asscher cut diamond was a popular cut for Art Deco jewelry. It is a step-cut like the emerald cut, though its facets are larger, tend to be square rather than rectangular. This cut is especially lovely in vintage-inspired designs.
Developed in the 1970s by World War II veteran Henry Gossbard, radiant cut diamonds unify the grace of an emerald cut diamond with the brilliance of a round diamond. This is a versatile choice for diamond jewellery as it has trimmed corners and 70 facets giving it an individual look.
The heart-cut diamond is considered the ultimate symbol of love. It takes a very skilled cutter to create a perfectly symmetrical heart-shaped diamond and they are one of the more expensive fancy-cut stones.
Cultured pearls are sold by diameter, measured in millimetres. In general, larger cultured pearls are rarer and more costly. Price rises significantly with the size of a pearl.
A pearl is formed when an irritant, such as sand or a parasite, becomes lodged in the shell of an oyster. The oyster deposits layers of a semi-translucent crystalline material called "nacre" around the intruder, where it builds up in layers like the rings of a tree. This process of building up can continue for years, resulting in a natural cultured pearl.
The Cultured Pearls we carry in our stores have replaced the natural variety as a result of cultured pearl farms that scientifically control the production. The process begins when a mother-of-pearl bead is inserted in the living tissue of the mollusk, which coats the bead with nacre. A cultured pearl is produced in one to three years.
Freshwater Cultured Pearls are cultivated in a freshwater mollusk from a lake, river or pond.
Quartz: Watches use a quartz crystal for time measurement and a battery for power. They require no winding.
Solar Quartz: Watches use a quartz crystal for time measurement. Any light source is absorbed through the crystal and dial. A solar cell converts the light into energy to power the watch
From the time gemstones were discovered, they were believed to have mystical powers and attributes that could be passed to the wearer. The red of ruby was fiery and passionate; cool blue sapphire was calm and composed. About 2,000 years ago, writers began pairing each of the stones and their attributes with the months of the year and the signs of the Zodiac, and with time, the mythology of birthstones evolved. People were expected to share the attributes of the stone related to their sign of the Zodiac or month of birth.
Amethyst was a valuable gem until the discovery of large deposits in South America in the late 1800s; Brazil is the primary exporter to this day, although it is common in many countries. Still, its deep and attractive colour makes it extremely popular. Banding - darker and lighter zones of colour - is quite common. A good amethyst will be very clear, and the deeper the colour, the better. The most common enhancements are heat and irradiation. Try not to expose an amethyst to excessive amounts of bright sunlight, as this can fade its colour.
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. The stone is thought to represent luck and health
Although aquamarine comes in many colours, the most prized is a rich, clear, watery blue. Fairly large and clear, aquamarines with good colour are among the more valuable semi-precious gems. They are often given step cuts, also known as "emerald" cuts, much like aquamarine's mineral sister, emerald. Good clarity is important in these stones, especially lighter ones where flaws will be more visible. Brazil is the primary source of aquamarine, although it is mined in other places as well.
Aquamarine has long been a positive stone according to legend, bringing with it health, hopefulness and youth. It was traditionally a favourite of sailors and is said to be a good choice for anyone who loves the sea. It could also bring love and affection if worn properly. Its supernatural powers were remarkable; legend has it that a person with an aquamarine in his or her mouth could summon the devil and get questions answered.
Aquamarine is March's birthstone.
Topaz, and especially blue topaz, has grown in popularity over the years. The"pure" topaz colour is yellow, and was often confused with chrysolite, the yellow variety of peridot. However, the use of distinct colours has helped topaz come into its own. Blue topaz has a watery blue colour similar to aquamarine, but often without the green overtones, and its hardness and good clarity make it an excellent gem. The blue colour is often enhanced through heat treatment and irradiation.
Topaz was believed to have incredible medicinal powers in the Middle Ages, even against the plague. For a healthy individual, it brought about a pleasant disposition and patience and was a symbol of fidelity and love.
The cat's eye gemstone is actually a chrysoberyl. Chrysoberyl is derived from the Greek words "beryl" meaning green and" chryso," meaning golden. The two words combined mean "gold-coloured beryl." In spite what the name implies, cat's eye is not actually a beryl at all. The name cat's eye is derived from the phenomena displayed by this stone known as chatoyancy, which in French literally means "cat's eye."
cat's Eye has been treasured for many centuries, and is believed to be a powerful protective stone, particularly against evil spirits. Chrysoberyl has long been considered a good luck charm in numerous cultures. cat's eye's colour ranges from a golden honey to mint green, with the rich gold colours generally being the most valued. cat's eye is rated at 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it a tough, durable gemstone suitable for all jewellery purposes.
Genuine sapphires, including Ceylon sapphires, are part of the corundum gem family and are second only to natural and lab-created diamonds in hardness. This strength makes them an excellent choice of jewellery because of their durability.
Ceylon sapphires are mined primarily in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). The sapphires mined in Sri Lanka are known for the unique colour they produce. Because Ceylon sapphires occur naturally, the colour of the stone varies. Colours range from very pale blue to the most vibrant, almost electric blue hue. Our collection of genuine Ceylon sapphires has been chosen from the middle of the colour spectrum, capturing the heart of the colour in its lustrous, soft blue colour, with just a hint of lavender. This collection has been designed exclusively for Kay. Often, sapphires used in jewellery are heat-treated or given chemical diffusion to enhance their colour, and these enhancements are permanent.
Sapphire is the birthstone of September.
Citrine is a clear yellow form of quartz and is often confused with yellow topaz; citrine, however, is more abundant. Because of its abundance, there are plenty of fairly large, clear stones available for jewellery. Clarity and a rich yellow colour are qualities to look for in a citrine. It has some of the same characteristics as amethyst, such as alternating bands of lighter and darker colour, but these bands are harder to see in citrine. Citrine often comes from Brazil.
Citrine is a cheerful gem. Its powers are said to include making its wearer light-hearted, bringing cheerfulness in tough times and offering hope. It was also believed to help relax people and expel impurities from the body. People who wore citrine could expect to look healthy and feel happy.
Citrine is the traditional birthstone for November.
Chalcedony (kal-SID-nee) has been in use almost as long as the earth has been inhabited, and some of the earliest primitive tools created by man's ancestors some 2.5 million years ago were made of various types of chalcedony. Owing to the huge number of varieties available, chalcedony soon graduated from being used just for tools to a popular material for decorative purposes and jewellery adornments.
Chalcedonies are believed to have been considered sacred stones by Native Americans and they were often used for ceremonial purposes, particularly for promoting stability within the tribes.
Chalcedony is a translucent stone with a waxy lustre and a medium light blue-green to turquoise colour. Chalcedony is rated at 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is a tough, durable gem that is suitable for all jewellery applications.
Crystal is created using a combination of silica (quartz sand) and natural minerals. To avoid stress and inclusions, the glass is cooled slowly.
Cubic zirconia (also called CZ) is a synthetic crystalline substance used as an affordable alternative to natural and lab-created diamonds and gemstones. Cubic zirconia is not a mineral; it is a man-made substance, not to be confused with the natural gemstone zircon. Though much less expensive than natural and lab-created diamonds, the brilliance and crystal clarity of cubic zirconia make it one of today's most popular stones for an attractive, yet inexpensive, diamond-like jewellery.
Most cubic zirconia is bright white to mimic the natural and lab-created diamond. However, cubic zirconia can also be enhanced with other minerals and be manufactured in most any colour of the rainbow. Cubic zirconia has a rating of approximately 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. The denseness of cubic zirconia makes it about 75% heavier than natural and lab-created diamonds.
Every natural diamond is different, incorporating a complex constellation of factors that determine its value.
Each natural diamond is as unique as the person who owns it. Just as a diamond reflects the colour of the light it bears; it should also reflect the personality of the individual who wears it. Here lies the art of selecting a natural and lab-created diamond for yourself or as a gift.
Truly flawless diamonds are very rare and very expensive, so you will seldom face the task of selecting a perfect diamond. It is a fairly simple matter to find beautiful diamonds with no flaws visible to the naked eye, and to buy them at reasonable prices.
Natural diamonds are graded using a system that judges the stone on its colour, clarity, cut and carat weight - commonly known as the "four C's." Natural diamonds of uncommonly high quality and size are often sold as "certified diamonds" and come with a certificate that proves the stone's value. Even non-certified diamonds, however, should be evaluated using the four C's to help determine cost and value.
Emerald is one of the most valuable gems on the market. The brilliant green of a fine emerald is unmatched by any other stone, and the extreme rarity of top-quality emeralds - the most prized emeralds come from just a handful of mines in Columbia - make it fairly costly. However, there are supplies of emeralds coming out of other mines.
Almost all emeralds have inclusions in them, the fewer these impurities, the rarer and costlier the stone. Because of these inclusions, emeralds can be brittle, so protect your emeralds from hard contact when you wear them. Ultrasonic cleaners, which use vibrations to remove dirt and build-up, can be dangerous to heavily included emeralds. Natural emeralds also tend to have thin scratches on the surface. A layer of wax or oil is usually applied to smooth out their appearance and enhance their colour. This layer may have to be replaced professionally every few years.
Emerald was believed to sharpen wits, bring wealth, foretell the future, tell whether a lover was lying and cure all types of evil and illness.
Emerald is the birthstone of May.
While garnet is often viewed as a ruby substitute, it has its own unique qualities that can be appreciated on their own. It comes in a variety of colours, including many shades of red, from very pale to brick to a red-black. It comes in larger sizes, usually has good clarity and has a respectable hardness that allows it to wear well.
Like many red stones, garnet was once believed to stop bleeding. It was a symbol of loyalty and energy, promoted sincerity, and was said to have illuminative powers, both physically and spiritually. Garnet was also said to alleviate anger, promote tranquillity and offer protection in health and travel.
Garnet is the birthstone for January.
The name iolite comes from the Greek ios, which means violet. Iolite is sometimes known as "water sapphire" because of its light violet blue colour, but other iolite gemstones may range from clear to honey yellow.
The ability of iolite to exhibit different colours depending on how it is cut is what led Viking explorers to use it for navigation as a polarizing lens to look directly at the sun.
Originally prized for its toughness and used in tools and weapons by prehistoric man, jade has a varied history. This gem has been known as the "royal gem" in China for 5000 years, and it was once valued more than gold by the Mayans and Aztecs. The name "jade" is derived from the Spanish "piedra de ijada" or loin-stone where it was thought to have medicinal powers to heal kidney ailments.
Jadeite and nephrite are two different minerals that are both considered genuine jade. Nephrite is the more common of the two and may range in colour from dark green to grey-green. In some instances, it can also be white, reddish or yellowish. Jadeite, which is rarer, is usually green but also includes white, pink, red, violet, black and brown hues. It's normal for jade to contain streaks and other blemishes. These are not necessarily considered flaws; in fact, some of the patterns created are considered to add value to a piece.
Malachite derives its name from the Greek word "moloche," meaning mallow, which makes reference to Malachite's green colour.
Malachite is a widely occurring gemstone. Supply easily meets demand, making it a low- to moderately priced, easily accessible semi-precious gemstone.
Malachite helps the wearer to enjoy harmony and loyalty. In addition to this, Malachite helps to improve spiritual growth, is a powerful assist to those on a spiritual path and is a great help with healing both physical and mental problems. Malachite is thought to ease a period of quickly and is also believed to bestow prosperity.
Malachite is found in various shades of green, but its base colour is most usually dark green. Malachite very often exhibits banding, where bands of lighter or darker green run around the stone at irregular intervals. Malachite is rated at 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that this gemstone is best suited to pins/brooches, earrings and pendants.
A member of the beryl family, morganite found its name in 1911 when it drew the attention of one of the world's most esteemed gemstone experts, George Kunz of Tiffany & Co®. He named it in honour of millionaire banker and mineral collector John Pierport Morgan.
Legend says that beryl was once used to ward off demons and evil spirits and that it can protect the wearer from danger while traveling. Other legends also state that beryl can be used to bring good luck, cheerfulness, energy, and eternal youthfulness.
Morganite is believed to nurture feelings of love and to increase tenderness in a relationship. Morganite can enhance one's communications skills and provide patience to help focus during times of stress. Along with aquamarine and emerald, morganite is probably the least-known of the beryl family, and its rarity stands in the way of it becoming a common jewellery stone.
Morganite's colour can range from a soft pink, to peach, to violet-pink. Morganite is commonly heat-treated to remove any unwanted yellow tones and to produce the more desired pure pink colour. Morganite is rated at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is a durable stone that is ideal for all jewellery purposes.
Mother of pearl is the iridescent internal layer of mollusk shells and is composed of the same material as pearls. Though technically not a gemstone, mother of pearl is used in all types of jewellery from watch faces to fashion jewellery.
Onyx is part of the chalcedony family of coloured quartz, which includes agate, cornelian and jasper. The striking black and crisp lines of onyx makes it especially popular for jewellery. Because the lines can form in many different ways, each piece of onyx has a unique appearance. Onyx is also popular for cameos - when an image is carved into onyx, the colour of the next band shows through. Onyx is opaque, meaning no light shines through it. Therefore, it is usually cut into a smooth, rounded, polished dome called a cabochon.
Onyx has a variety of myths associated with it. It was supposed to drive away evil and high tempers. It was said to cool the passions of love and promote independence between lovers - which could be good or bad. Some people even believed it was a symbol of discord, a belief probably suggested by the sharply divided lines in the stone.
Opal is made of the same ingredients as quartz, except it contains a little water and has not been compressed into crystal form. As a result, it is softer than quartz and has to be treated a little more carefully to avoid damage. The shifting colours seen in opal, called "fire," are the result of microscopic spherical structures within the stone which reflect different wavelengths of light depending on their spacing, creating the colourful shimmering effect. There is no other gemstone that looks remotely like opal. It comes in both black and white varieties, with black being the rarer. Australia is the principal source of opal today. Like other non-transparent stones, it is usually cut into a smooth, rounded, polished dome called a cabochon.
Some legends say that opal is good for the eyes, both improving vision and warding off eye troubles. It also has a reputation for sharpening the mind and the emotions. Opal is a symbol of fidelity, but it came with a price, since it would bring trouble to someone who was unfaithful.
Opal is October's birthstone.
Pearls are organic gemstones created from layer upon layer of nacre and produced in mollusk shells. Pearls are the traditional anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage and the birthstone for June. Today, because of their rarity in nature, most pearls are cultured.
Peridot is an ancient stone, mined at least as long ago as the ancient Greeks. Peridot is also often called chrysolite or olivine, which is the proper name for the mineral. Its colour is its most important quality and can range from yellow green to a striking chartreuse. The chrysolite name, in fact, often refers to peridot that is more yellow than green. The stones have good clarity and are appropriate for faceted cuts since light sparkles through them. They are relatively soft and should be protected from abuse.
Peridot offered protection from depression and deception in Roman times, was used for inspiration and eloquence in the Middle Ages and was also thought to cure liver disease and promote friendship. In general, it was believed to ensure good thoughts in the mind of the wearer.
Peridot is the birthstone of August.
A variety of corundum, pink sapphire is a very hard gemstone that ranges in colour from soft to deep pink. Sapphire is available in most every colour of the rainbow. Sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September.
The name tourmaline derives from the Singhalese word "turamali" meaning gemstone. Known as the "rainbow gemstone," tourmaline comes in every colour of the rainbow - and most tourmaline gemstones are multi-coloured. Gem cutters focus on bringing out the deepest colour when cutting tourmaline. Still, when viewed from different angles, a tourmaline may exhibit different colours.
Tourmaline is reputed to have a powerful positive influence on love and friendship. With a Mohs hardness rating of 7 to 7.5, tourmaline is a durable and easy-to-maintain gemstone perfect for everyday wear.
Quartz is one of the most common crystal minerals on Earth and offers an amazing array of varieties and names. Quartz varieties are commonly separated into two groups based upon the size of the individual grains or crystals; macrocrystalline quartz, in which individual crystals are visible to the unaided eye, and cryptocrystalline quartz, in which crystals are only visible under high magnification.
Gemstone quartz varieties include agate, amethyst, bloodstone, carnelian, citrine, jasper, rose quartz, and smoky quartz.
Ranging from light, pinkish violet to deepest black, quartz can be found in almost any color Quartz is rated at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Quartz is greatly important to the gem trade, accounting for a vast, diverse population of gemstones that are for the most part suitable for all jewelry applications.
Derived from the Greek words "rhodon" and "lithos," meaning rose stone, rhodolite is a type of garnet that varies in colour from red-violet to a rich pink red. Rhodolite is rated 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale and is suitable for all types of jewellery.
Along with the emerald and sapphire, ruby is one of the most prized coloured gem available. The main quality of the ruby is its bright red colour. The best colour usually comes from Burma and is very costly; stones from Thailand are darker but clearer and much more common. Only red stones are called rubies. If the colour is too light to be called red, it is a pink sapphire.
Corundum, the main material of ruby, is the second-hardest material known after natural or lab-created diamond - rated 9.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Inclusions and flaws are fairly common, and many rubies are treated to enhance their colour. In general, one should look for a bright red stone with as few inclusions as possible. Synthetic rubies offer good colour, clarity and size, and are more affordable.
Rubies were the most valuable gems in ancient Southeast Asia, where they are found. A fine ruby had all sorts of magical powers. Its colour was thought to come from an undying flame inside the stone - or, in some legends, a piece of the planet Mars - and it allowed its owner to live in safety, even in the midst of enemies. It was believed to bring its owner protection and to stop bleeding. In Burma, it could make one invincible - as long as it was embedded in the skin. In more modern times, rubies became the symbol of love and passion.
Ruby is July's birthstone.
Any colour of corundum except red is called "sapphire," although cornflower blue to bright blue is the most popular and sought-after sapphire colour. Sapphire comes from the same places and in the same qualities as its sister stone, ruby, with the best colour coming from Kashmir and Burma. The name "sapphire" alone refers to the blue variety. All other colours have the colour name added to the stone, as in "orange sapphire" "pink sapphire," etc.
Sapphire often has some inclusions, but clarity is still quite good. Its base material, corundum, is the second hardest in existence (at 9.0 on the Mohs scale) and so wears very well. Often, the sapphires used in jewellery are heat-treated or given chemical diffusion to enhance their colour; these enhancements are permanent. Like rubies and emeralds, there are good synthetics available for people who like the colour but not the cost.
Sapphire is said to be a mind-opening gem. It is supposed to relax the wearer and clarify thought, as well as attract "divine favour." On a personal level, it prevents envy and fraud, and brings truth and good health. It also was said to be a powerful antidote for poison.
Sapphire is the birthstone of September.
Discovered in Greenland in 1806, sodalite did not become an important ornamental gemstone stone until 1891 when large deposits of gem-quality material were discovered in Canada. Sodalite is a dark blue stone with white calcite interspersed. It is sometimes confused with lapis lazuli as it also has small specks of pyrite in it. The largest deposit of sodalite is in Brazil.
Sodalite is the stone of athletics, as it stimulates endurance. It is said sodalite will harmonize the inner being or the conscious and subconscious mind. Sodalite promotes peace and harmony, and is thought to be extra lucky for writers.
Sodalite comes in a very narrow range of colours from a dark blue to a violet blue, often with white, yellow or red veining. Sodalite is rated at 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Sodalite should be worn and stored with care to avoid any permanent damage to the stone.
While zoisite has been known for some time, gem-quality zoisite wasn't found until 1967, when a deposit was uncovered in Tanzania. This is still the only source for tanzanite, one of the most recent additions to the gem world. It gained almost immediate popularity both for its scarcity and its rich, blue-violet colour. It is often heat-treated to bring out a uniform colour. While a prized stone, caution should be used when it is worn in rings, since it is fairly soft (6 to 7 on the Mohs scale) and can be scratched or chipped. Although it usually has good clarity, tanzanite can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners, so alternate cleaning methods are recommended.
The unique appearance of tiger's eye is caused by fibrous inclusions of crocidolite that have been replaced by silica. Light is refracted from inclusions, giving tiger's eye its chatoyancy (changeable lustre). Its rating is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
Traditionally carried as an amulet, lustrous tiger's eye was thought to help make decisions and promote harmony and balance. Associated with self-confidence and courage, tiger's eye is usually cut as a cabochon.
Topaz, and especially blue topaz, has grown in popularity over the years. The "pure" topaz colour is yellow, and was often confused with chrysolite, the yellow variety of peridot. However, the use of distinct colours has helped topaz come into its own. Blue topaz has a watery blue colour similar to aquamarine, but often without the green overtones, and its hardness and good clarity make it an excellent gem for jewellery. The blue colour is often enhanced through heat-treatment and irradiation.
Topaz was believed to have incredible medicinal powers in the Middle Ages, even against the plague. For a healthy individual, it brought about a pleasant disposition and patience, and was a symbol of fidelity and love.
The name tourmaline derives from the Singhalese word "turamali" meaning gemstone. Known as the "rainbow gemstone," tourmaline comes in every colour of the rainbow - and most tourmaline gemstones are multi-coloured. Gem cutters focus on bringing out the deepest colour when cutting tourmaline. Still, when viewed from different angles, a tourmaline may exhibit different colours.
Tourmaline is reputed to have a powerful positive influence on love and friendship. With a Mohs hardness rating of 7 to 7.5, tourmaline is a durable and easy-to-maintain gemstone perfect for everyday wear.
Ceramic (or titanium carbide) carbide is a relatively new in the jewellery arena. Ceramic carbide is a man-made product - not the ceramic usually found in stoneware or pottery. Industrial ceramic carbide is extremely durable and nearly impossible to scratch. In combination with other materials like tungsten carbide, ceramic jewellery becomes a good choice for the active person. Ceramic carbide is also a material that people with metal allergies and sensitive skin can enjoy since it is completely hypoallergenic.
Cobalt chrome jewellery is made from the same material used to build jet aircraft engines. Cobalt is harder than stainless steel and therefore, harder to scratch. Although not 100% scratchproof, cobalt chrome is much harder than titanium and all other precious metals including platinum, gold and silver. Cobalt is also hypoallergenic. It is also used to make surgical tools and reconstructive implants.
Gold has the longest and most storied history of all precious metals. It is soft enough to be worked into interesting shapes, and its warm colour and scarcity gave it great value in early civilizations. It has been the foundation of many monetary systems and remains important to our economy even today.
As jewellery, it was gold's softness and natural beauty that made it appealing, in addition to the fact that it doesn't corrode or tarnish. It is so soft, in fact, that pure gold is rarely used in jewellery. It is mixed with another metal, usually copper or silver, to make a stronger gold alloy, or mixture of metals. The quantity of gold in a given alloy is expressed in carats (abbreviated as ct). Pure gold is 24ct; 18ct gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals and 9ct gold is 37.5% gold
White gold has the same properties as yellow gold, but it has been mixed with different metals to give it a white colour. Instead of the copper and silver used in yellow gold, white gold contains such metals as, zinc, or even platinum. However, white gold should not be confused with platinum, which is much rarer than gold and hence more valuable.
The carat weight system used in white gold is the same as that used in yellow gold (see the "Gold" section above). 18ct yellow gold and 18ct white gold contain the same proportion of gold; only the remaining 25% of the alloy is different. Our white gold is plated with an even whiter metal, such as rhodium (a very rare member of the platinum family), to enhance or brighten its appearance.
Rose gold has the same properties as yellow and white gold, but it has been mixed with different metals to give it a pinkish colour. More copper-coloured alloys are added to lend a rose tone to the gold.
The carat weight system used in yellow and white gold is the same as that used in rose gold (see the "Gold" section above).
Gold plate is a layer of gold applied to a base metal (generally silver, brass or bronze), usually by electroplating. This is usually a very thin layer, and the gold is likely to wear more quickly than a gold-filled item. Vermeil is considered the epitome of all gold-plating.
5 times thicker than gold plating (3 microns of gold) a layer of 18ct gold is heavily plated over sterling silver for a luxury gold look. Gold vermeil is considered the finest of all gold-plated jewellery.
Platinum is a versatile and durable precious metal with a naturally white colour. Its dense quality makes it the perfect accompaniment to any gemstone, including diamonds. Because of its strength, platinum is a particularly popular choice for a variety of jewellery including engagement rings, wedding rings, necklaces, earrings and rings. Because of its 95 per cent purity, platinum does not oxidise in the air at any temperature which means its colour remains consistent and does not tarnish. As with all precious metals, platinum jewellery will carry a hallmark declaring its quality and authenticity.
The standard for sterling silver has remained unchanged since 1300 when Edward I of England established an early trade practice rule for silversmiths, decreeing that sterling must consist of 92.5 percent pure silver alloyed with 7.6 percent copper. The term "sterling" refers to the composition of the metal, never to the weight of a finished item.
Titanium is versatile, lightweight and strong, with a silvery-white metallic colour. This metal is as strong as steel but is 45% lighter in weight and is similar to platinum in its resistance to tarnishing. This metal has many uses ranging from armor plating, spacecraft and aircraft parts to jewellery design. Titanium's strength, durability, and lustrous beauty make it an ideal choice for jewellery, especially for rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear.
Stainless steel is a metal with many uses. Stainless steel has a silvery-white colour with a mirror finish that retains its shine and colour very well and resists tarnishing. The most popular use for stainless steel in jewellery is in watches, bracelets, rings, earring posts and body jewellery since it is easy to clean, keeps a mirror shine and is strong enough for daily wear.
Silver plate is a layer of silver applied to a base metal, usually by electroplating. This thin layer will wear over time, especially with regular wear or use.
Pewter has had many uses throughout history. Since the Middle Ages, pewter has been used to make dishes, utensils and serving ware, as well as decorative items such as sculptures, candlesticks, ornaments and jewellry. Pewter is a soft metal and easily malleable by hand tools for carving, engraving, or presses - which makes it an excellent choice for detailed jewellery or keepsake pieces. Like sterling silver, pewter is shiny and bright but does needs regular cleaning to maintain its lustre.
The name of this metal is Swedish and Danish "tung sten" meaning "heavy metal." Tungsten is very heavy with a steel grey to tin-white colour and a lustrous finish. This metal has the highest melting point and the most tensile strength of all metals. Due to the hardness of this metal, the shine is not apt to fade as with other metals that must be polished. Tungsten also has natural hypoallergenic properties that make it a good choice for use in jewellery making. Highly durable, this metal has a weighty feel similar to precious metals.