Jewellery
We explore the importance of gold jewellery in key markets across the world and explain how it is made, caratage, colours, hallmarking and what is meant by “dirty” gold.
NEW - Key points about where jewellery comes from
Overview »
Jewellery consistently accounts for the largest share of the final demand for gold at around 75% of total demand - worth around US$ 40 billion at the annual average gold price in 2005, around US$80 billion at retail prices. Women around the world have very strong affinity with gold.
How is jewellery made »
Gold jewellery has been produced by man since the early Bronze Age. Increasingly, it is being made by mass production methods using modern machines and equipment in jewellery factories, where the traditional manual craft skills are no longer necessary.
What is meant by "dirty" gold? »
"Dirty" gold is an emotive phrase used by lobbyists and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) such as Earthworks and Oxfam USA, whose aim it is to promote improvements in the social and environmental aspects of gold mining (often referred to as "Sustainable Development"). Many of these aims are shared by the gold mining industry.
Colours »
Red, yellow, green and white gold can be produced by varying the alloying metals. But it is also possible to make gold jewellery that exhibits unusual colours such as purple and blue and black.
Caratage / Karatage »
Caratage/Karatage is an indication of gold content, for example 18 carat or 18K. Alternatively, the gold content can be described in terms of 'fineness' which is the gold content expressed in parts per thousand.
Assaying / Hallmarking »
Measuring the Gold Content (Fineness) of Jewellery.
