History of Gold

History of Gold


Gold jewellery adds the finishing touch to any outfit and, whatever the occasion, it makes the perfect gift. There are several things to consider when you're choosing your jewellery.

Firstly, aim to build a wardrobe of key pieces - small earrings, large earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants. It's a good idea to invest in a set of classic jewellery that never dates. However, buying jewellery in the latest fashion styles is a great way of quickly updating any outfit.

Look through magazines to see what's in fashion and what the celebs are wearing. You don't have to spend a fortune.

Whatever the fashion, adapt it to suit you. The shape of your face, the colour of your skin, the clothes you wear and your personality should all be considered if you want your jewellery to really look good.

Men are increasingly wearing gold jewellery. For a classic look, go for a simple chain or bracelet and add a stylish ring. If you're a little more daring, wear an earring or two.

At H.Samuel, you'll find a wide range of jewellery in classic styles and fashion designs straight off the catwalk. You'll also find a large choice of jewellery especially for him.

Your next step is to decide which colour gold jewellery you want to wear.

Although pure gold is yellow, it can be made into a variety of colours. This is done by changing the types and proportions of metals mixed with it during a process called alloying. The only exceptions to this are 22ct and 24ct gold which are always yellow.

In the UK, white and rose coloured gold are becoming increasingly popular, although choice should come down to personal taste. Also, take into consideration your skin tone and the clothes you are wearing. Many people prefer to wear yellow gold with cream, camel and rustic colours. A combination of yellow, white or rose coloured gold - two or three coloured gold - makes for very versatile jewellery.

White gold jewellery first became popular in the 1920s as an alternative to platinum jewellery. Over the past few years, white gold has become more and more fashionable.

White gold is made by mixing pure gold with other metals, such as silver and palladium, in the alloying process. The white gold you see in jewellery is actually an off-white gold alloy.

Most white gold items are enhanced with rhodium plating, giving a highly reflective white surface. Over time, this surface may experience some loss of brightness. This is perfectly normal, especially with rings that receive more wear and tear. If you prefer the highly reflective rhodium finish, we advise that you have your white gold jewellery periodically rhodium plated. We will re-rhodium plate any white gold jewellery that was bought from H.Samuel free of charge within 12 months, as long as you have proof of purchase. After a year, a small charge will be made. Please contact your local store details.

Caratage is an important factor in buying goldCaratage is an important factor in buying gold jewellery as it indicates how pure the metal is.

Pure gold is very soft which makes it unsuitable for most jewellery. To make it stronger, it is mixed with other metals, such as silver, copper, zinc and palladium. This is called alloying. The gold you see in jewellery is actually gold alloy.

The carat (ct) tells you how may parts of gold and how many parts of other metal are in the gold alloy. Don't confuse this with the carat weight of diamonds and gemstones.

One carat is one part of 24, or 41.66 parts of a thousand. 9ct gold is 375 parts gold per thousand parts. 18ct gold is 750 parts per thousand. 24 carat gold is pure gold.

Preference for a certain caratage is often based on cultural factors. In the UK, 9ct and 18ct is most commonly sold, while in America, 14ct is more popular. In India, 22ct gold is preferred. 24ct gold tends to be used for exchange and investment.

British hallmarking was introduced over 600 years ago and was probably the first example of consumer protection law.

When you're buying gold jewellery, make sure it has a hallmark. This is a quality control mark placed on gold, silver and platinum and provides a safeguard to purchasers. The hallmark on an article shows that it has been tested (assayed) by an independent body (the Assay Office) and guarantees that the metal is of one the legal standards of fineness, or purity. You therefore know exactly what you are buying.

A hallmark also allows your jeweller to quickly identify what carat your jewellery is if you have to take it for repair or alterations. It is illegal for most articles of precious metal above a certain minimum weight to be described, or sold, as gold, silver or platinum, unless they carry an approved hallmark.

• The Sponsor's Mark - This indicates the manufacturer, or sponsor of the item. This consists of the initials of the person or firm who sent in the item for assaying.
• The Fineness Mark - This indicates what the metal is and its standard of purity in parts per thousand.
• The Assay Office Mark - This identifies the Assay Office at which the item was tested and marked.

There are also optional marks:

• The Common Control Mark - This contains the standard of purity. The shape of the shield indicates what the metal is.
• The Pictorial Quality Symbol - This indicates the metal by picture.
• The Date Letter - This indicates which year the item was submitted for hallmarking.