GOLD
In jewellery gold is used in what we know as the carat system. Pure gold proved to be too soft for some applications so it was alloyed or mixed with other metals for reasons of strength, durability and occasionally affordability. For example, 24 carat gold is pure gold or 1000 parts per thousand pure gold, 18 ct is 750 parts per thousand pure gold and 250 parts per thousand alloys. The color of alloyed gold can also be manipulated; by adding more white alloy white gold is produced and by adding more copper alloy rose or pink gold is produced. The metals used are pure silver, copper and a small amount of specialist metals.

Gold is found in large quantities in Australia and a number of other regions around the world. It was amongst the first metals to ever be used by man and has been regarded as the basis of currency and wealth for thousands of years. It is the most workable metal known to man and can be manipulated in countless ways

24 Carat Gold. Pure or Alluvial Gold
Unlike all other gold 24 ct is not alloyed with other metals it is pure and possesses the unique luster that gold is so renowned for. It does not tarnish and maintains a magnificent rich golden hue. Many people believe it to soft to be used in jewellery, but in some circumstances with proper care and attention it does not present a problem.

22 Carat Gold. 916 part per Thousand Pure Gold
22 ct is a yellow gold that has been slightly alloyed to increase its strength and durability. It possesses a superb, deep golden color and is the highest carat gold commonly used in jewellery. It is a soft metal and this needs to be taken into account.

18 Carat White, Yellow and Pink Gold. 750 parts per Thousand Pure Gold
18 ct is generally considered the best and most versatile carat gold. It can be alloyed to a white, yellow or pink color – the different combination of alloys producing different colors. It is a strong, flexible and durable metal that provides an excellent rich color, is very resistant to tarnishing or oxidization and maintains an excellent polish (softer metals do not).

9 Carat White, Yellow and Pink Gold. 375 parts per Thousand Pure Gold
9 ct is the least pure form of gold commonly used in jewellery but is still a valuable metal and possesses unique characteristics. Because of its strength (only slightly higher that 18 ct) it maintains a polish very well, however it’s faster to oxidize or tarnish that any other gold. It’s comparative in expense compared to other gold can allow larger scale work to be attempted than otherwise would.

PLATINUM
Platinum is a brilliantly white metal that possesses incredible strength, density and luster. It is the most valuable of the precious metals used in jewellery. Originally used mainly in settings because of its strength and expensive nature it became vogue in the early 20 th century as a status symbol. Platinum has been placed on controlled metal lists in the past because of its use in atomic weapons, and its export from some sources banned, but is freely available today. Platinum has always enjoyed a notable reputation for decadence and for many remains at the top of precious metals. Platinum is predominantly found in North America and Russia.

SILVER
Silver is a very versatile and comparatively in expensive metal. It tarnishes or oxidizes very quickly, but does allow experimentation and a large scale that may other wise not be affordable. It is also able to be blackened to a dark grey or black color – which can highlight design features.

TITANIUM
Titanium is a very light and very strong metal that can not be soldered, which can make its use in jewellery difficult. But with careful planning its gunmetal gray color can be a striking addition. It can also be treated to produce brilliant blue and purple colors.