The jewellery maker of today uses mostly gold-with various combinations and mixtures of the metals mentioned.

Any of these metals in their pure form are too soft or brittle to support a strong or complex design structure, but when any of the metals are combined in an alloy, they develop a tensile strength and hardness. The percentage of alloy metals added to pure gold determine quality, colour, and price of the finished jewellery product.

These numbers represent the quality of gold used throughout the world. There are markings such as .925 which is sterling silver, if you find this mark on a gold piece, the jewellery is only gold-plated.

The following figures represent the acceptable combinations of metals which are mixed with gold to change the colour.

There are many mixtures of metals which would actually change the colour slightly in one direction or another. Price is determined by the pure gold content and the difficult in producing the alloy.

Caring for jewellery is just a matter of gentle common sense. When taking off chains, fasten clasp to prevent tangling while being stored. Flat chains should be fastened and hung to prevent kinking or breaking. Wipe all jewels with a soft cloth, both before and after wearing to avoid contamination with perfumes, hairsprays, or cosmetics.

Discolouration of one's skin by gold jewellery is cause by either skin secretions, perspiration, and /or contract with chlorides and sulfides. The coast areas produce mostly chlorides. Fumes such as smog produce a dioxide and phosphate, which will also tarnish gold of a lower pure gold content. Higher karat golds, white gold, and platinum are usually resistant to corrosive actions.

Jewellery that has gemstones or diamond settings must be checked and cleaned once or twice a year by a reputable and reliable jeweller to prevent stone loss.