1. Carat
This is confusingly used twice in jewellery with each definition meaning totally different things.
Firstly, carat is used to describe the size/weight of gemstones. One carat is divisible into 100 points much the same as one pound is divisible into 100 pennies. Hence, half a carat equals 50 points, quarter of a carat equals 25 points and so on.
Secondly, carat is used as a measure of the purity of gold, the most common being 9, 14 or 18 carat. Pure gold is too soft to be used to make jewellery and so the gold is alloyed with other metals to make it more practical to use. The carat refers to the percentage of gold present in the item. Common abbreviations for carat are ‘ct’ or ‘k’. 9ct gold contains 37.5% gold, 14ct contains 58.5% gold and 18ct contains 75% gold.
2. Diamond Clarity & Colour
While the carat size of a diamond is the same from one jeweller to the next, the variance in the price of diamonds can be explained by the differing grade of colour and clarity. Two diamonds of identical carat weight may have vastly different price tags due the difference in colour and clarity. Each diamond is graded for colour against international standards of whiteness ranging from exceptionally white (D) to brown coloured (S-Z). Likewise, each diamond is graded for its clarity. The majority of diamonds have natural inclusions present within the stone. These are not flaws but can be described as nature’s fingerprints having occurred during the formation of the diamond. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it becomes.
3. Sterling Silver
Much the same as the term carat is used for gold, sterling is used to describe the purity of an item of silver jewellery. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver.
4. Platinum
A naturally white metal which is non-tarnishing, hypo-allergenic & extremely durable. Items of jewellery contain 95% platinum. The highest priced of all the precious metals due to its rarity and production costs. Over 10,000 tonnes of ore have to be mined to recover one ounce of platinum.
5. Rhodium
Another hard wearing, naturally white metal. Most commonly used to plate items of jewellery made in white gold. White gold has a dull, off-white colour when produced. To make it more pleasing to the eye, a coating of rhodium is applied.
We’ll have another set of jewellery jargon busters here soon.
