Selecting that perfect piece of jewellery is always the most exciting experience, but before you head to your local jewellery store in Nelspruit and start shopping, you need to understand what kind of metal you are buying, as well as how its value is determined.
Gold and silver, easily the 2 most coveted precious metals in the world, come in various forms and purities.
When you understand what makes these metals “tick”, so to speak, you will be in the perfect position to make more informed decisions when selecting your jewellery or having it made by hand. This will go a long way towards ensuring that you invest in a piece that not only looks stunning but also holds its value in the long run.
Whether you’re exploring the collections at our jewellery shop in Nelspruit or shopping online, understanding the basics of gold and silver is essential.
Yellow Gold – The King of Jewellery Metals
Gold has captivated humanity for centuries and its purity is measured in karats. Pure gold, known as 24 karat, is incredibly soft and rarely used in jewellery. To enhance its durability and create different colours, gold is “mixed” with other metals like copper, silver, or palladium.
- 24 karat (24K): Pure gold, exceptionally soft.
- 18 karat (18K): Contains 75% pure gold, popular for fine jewellery.
- 14 karat (14K): Contains 58.3% pure gold, a versatile choice.
- 10 karat (10K): Contains 41.7% pure gold, often used in more affordable jewellery.
Rose Gold – The Romantic Metal
Rose gold, with its warm and romantic pink-gold hue, has gained immense popularity in recent years. It’s created by alloying gold with copper, resulting in its distinctive colour. The copper content determines the intensity of the pink tone.
White Gold – A Beloved Modern Classic
White gold has fast become a contemporary alternative to yellow gold. It’s created by alloying gold with white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver. To achieve its signature white colour, white gold is typically rhodium-plated.
Silver – The Moonlit Metal
Silver, known for its bright white lustre, is another beloved metal in jewellery. Sterling silver, the most common standard, contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.
- 925 silver: Sterling silver, the standard for most jewellery.
- 999 silver: Pure silver, often used in bullion and investment products.
Jewellery Hallmarks and Their Meaning
Hallmarks are tiny markings stamped on jewellery pieces to certify the metal content, purity, and sometimes the manufacturer. These markings are essential for verifying the authenticity of your purchase. When shopping at a jewellery shop in Nelspruit, look for these hallmarks as a guarantee of quality.
- Karat or fineness mark: Indicates the purity level.
- Metal purity mark: A standard symbol representing the metal (e.g., lion for gold in the UK).
- Manufacturer’s mark: Identifies the maker or retailer.
- Country of origin mark: Indicates the item’s origin.
Whether you’re searching for a timeless or a contemporary piece, having knowledge about these precious metals will help you make the most informed choice.
For more professional guidance, you can visit a trusted jewellery shop in Nelspruit where a goldsmith can provide expert help and a stunning selection of jewellery to match your taste and budget.