A few interesting facts about Gold

Gold is a yellow metallic element, but in its pure form it is too soft to be used for general jewellery purposes. Therefore, most gold jewellery needs to be alloyed with other metals to provide the best combination of strength, appearance, and resistance to tarnishing.

To obtain 1oz/25gr of gold you would need to dig about 50 tonnes of ore from the ground. At the end of 2009 it was estimated that the total amount of gold mined since man first appeared on earth is less than 165,000 tonnes which would take up the same space as 60 double decker buses if it was all gathered together in one place.

Gold is probably the most recycled metal in use today and its estimated by some industry specialists that 85% of the gold which is used in jewellery contains a percentage of recycled gold (sometimes known as eco-gold).

Where we obtain our supplies of gold

We insist that where-ever possible our bullion suppliers ensure that the gold they supply us with is ethically produced and that the miners are paid fairly and treated with respect. We also subscribe to the principals of the 'No Dirty Gold' campaign which is designed to eliminate exploitation of miners in poorer countries and protect them from the effects of unsafe mining. Click below to see our information document on the composition of the metals we use. As mentioned above it is almost certain that the gold we use contains a percentage of recycled gold.

In fact its entirely possible that your ring may contain gold which was mined hundreds of years ago and which has been used in dozens of items of jewellery from the time of the Pharoahs, the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages and more modern times as well as money, bullion etc because of the amount of recycling gold can undergo.

Download here - > Where we obtain our supplies of gold

24 Carat

Pure, rich, 100% gold. Too soft to be used in jewellery. The dimensions of a one kilo pure (24 carat) gold bar are: 4 1/2" x 2" x 3/8" or 117mm x 53mm x 67mm - similar to an iPhone but 8 times as heavy! At current prices (July 2011) a one kilo bar would be worth £30,000.

22 Carat

Our most luxurious jewellery gold - high quality with a wonderful colour, 22 carat contains 91.7% pure gold.

18 Carat Yellow Gold

75.0% pure gold has a gorgeous colour and is a popular choice for both men & women. Perfect for setting diamonds.

14 Carat Yellow Gold

Containing 58.3% gold, 14 carat is usually slightly harder than 18 carat but with a higher gold content than 9 carat. This is a popular choice in the USA so those of you who purchased engagement rings there can find a perfect match with your Smooch wedding ring.

9 Carat - Yellow Gold

Containing 37.5% pure gold, 9 carat gold can be more scratch resistant and harder wearing but still has a beautiful colour and lustre.