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.
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Overview »
Jewellery has historically taken the largest share of final demand for gold, accounting for around 75% of total demand (1998-2008 average), worth around US$61billion at the annual average gold price in 2008 and around US$110 billion at retail prices.
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 could be a reference to gold which is not produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way. This might include references made by pressure groups, mainly NGOs (non-governmental organisations) such as Earthworks and Oxfam USA, who aim to promote improvements in the social and environmental aspects of gold mining (often referred to as "Sustainable Development").
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.
