Learn More

Gold has been mined since before 4000 BC, and in the ancient world the Egyptians were the main producers. In the new world, there are many different countries that have produced high levels. It is a rare metal and it is estimated that if all the metal in the world was put together it would fill only 3 Olympic sized swimming pools.

Pure gold (24 carat) is a very soft metal and not ideal for jewellery, it is so soft that it can easily be beaten out into a very thin sheet. In India pure gold is particularly prized, and wearers of pure gold bracelets find they have to reshape them by hand every day because the metal is so soft. So, we would suggest that 24 carat metal can’t really be used for jewellery that is subject to a lot of wear, such as an engagement ring. It is therefore normally alloyed with other metals such as zinc to add hardness. The proportion of precious metal to alloys is defined by the carat number which measures the parts out of a total of 24.

The price fluctuates every day and is bought and sold as a commodity. In times of economic uncertainty, the price (and all precious metals for that matter) tends to become higher as it is thought of as a safe haven for money.

It is a very inert metal (i.e. it does not react well with other things) and this means that it won’t tarnish (i.e. react with the atmosphere) like silver, and therefore maintains its wonderful yellow colour. It is mined in South Africa and the United States.

9ct Gold

This is 9 parts in 24 (or 37.5%) pure metal. It is a paler yellow colour as compared with richer 18 carat alloy and tends to be a little harder.

18ct Gold

18 parts gold in 24. It is a richer, darker yellow colour as compared with the 9 carat alloy.

Either 9 or 18 carat alloys are a lovely yellow colour and the classic choice for engagement rings.

Find out about using Fairtrade Gold