METALS

GOLD
Gold has long been cherished in jewellery for its timeless beauty, durability, and value. Whether in its pure form or alloyed with other metals to create different hues like white, rose, or yellow gold, this precious metal remains a symbol of luxury and elegance. Gold jewellery is prized not only for its radiant shine but also for its ability to retain its value over time, making it a meaningful investment. When choosing gold jewellery, it's important to consider the carat (as know as karat), which indicates the purity of the gold—24k being the purest, while 18ct and 9ct offer a balance between durability and purity. Whether you're selecting a piece for its aesthetic appeal or its long-term worth, gold continues to be a beloved choice for jewellery lovers around the world.

PLATINUM
Platinum is a highly sought-after metal in jewellery, renowned for its stunning white luster, exceptional durability, and rarity. Unlike gold, which is often alloyed with other metals, platinum used in jewellery is typically 95% pure, giving it a rich, natural sheen that doesn’t fade or tarnish over time. Its strength makes it an ideal choice for setting precious gemstones, as it holds them securely while maintaining its shape. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, making it a perfect option for those with sensitive skin. Though it is one of the most expensive metals, its enduring beauty and lasting value make platinum a cherished investment for timeless jewellery pieces. Platinum is also available in 90% and 85% purity. Platinum is hallmarked with the parts per 1,000 in a diamond shape.

STERLING SILVER
Silver is a versatile and popular metal in the world of jewellery, loved for its bright, reflective luster and affordability. Pure silver is soft and malleable, making it ideal for intricate designs but also requiring careful handling to avoid scratches or dents. To enhance its strength and durability, silver is often alloyed with other metals, most commonly copper, creating sterling silver. Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, offering a balance of beauty and resilience. It’s a go-to choice for a wide range of jewellery, from elegant rings to bold statement pieces. Sterling silver also has the added benefit of being hypoallergenic for most people, making it a widely accessible option. With proper care, silver and sterling silver jewellery can retain their shine and charm for generations.

PALLADIUM
Palladium is a rare and precious metal that has gained popularity in the jewellery world for its unique combination of beauty, strength, and hypoallergenic properties. Part of the platinum group of metals, palladium shares many of the desirable qualities of platinum, including a natural white luster that doesn’t tarnish or require regular re-plating, making it a low-maintenance choice for jewellery. One of the standout features of palladium is its lightweight nature, which makes it comfortable to wear, especially for larger pieces like rings or bracelets. Despite its lightness, palladium is highly durable and resistant to scratches, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear. Palladium is an increasingly popular choice for fine jewellery, particularly as a contemporary alternative to traditional metals like platinum or gold.

The precious metal content in any of the above alloys that do not meet or exceed these percentages, do not meet Australian Standards.

ROLLED GOLD and PLATED JEWELLERY

ROLLED GOLD
Rolled gold is a popular choice for those seeking a durable and more affordable alternative to solid gold. It involves bonding a thin layer of gold to a base metal, typically brass or copper, through mechanical pressure. This method creates a thicker gold layer than traditional gold plating, offering better durability and resistance to wear. Rolled gold jewellery maintains a rich gold appearance while being more accessible in terms of cost, making it an excellent option for everyday wear. In accordance with Australia Standards, rolled gold must have a minimum fineness of 375 (9ct gold) and a minimum thickness of 3 microns. Rolled gold items may be marked include a mass ratio, such as '1/10 Rolled Gold'.

GOLD PLATED
Gold plated jewellery features a very thin layer of gold applied to precious metals or base metal, such as brass or copper, through an electroplating process. While gold plated pieces are an affordable way to enjoy the look of gold, the thin gold layer can wear off over time, especially with frequent use. Gold plated jewellery is best suited for occasional wear and for those who want to enjoy the appearance of gold without a significant investment. In accordance with Australia Standards, gold plating should be a minimum thickness of 0.5 microns and a minimum fineness of 585 (14ct gold) or 950 (95%) for silver plating and 995 (99.5%) for rhodium plating, with 0.01 micron thickness. Gold or silver plated items may be marked 'gold plated', 'silver plated', 'GP' or 'SP'.

GOLD FILLED
Gold filled jewellery offers a thicker layer of gold compared to gold plating, making it a more durable and long-lasting option. The gold layer is bonded to the base metal through heat and pressure, resulting in a product that is resistant to tarnishing and wear. Gold filled pieces contain a higher percentage of gold, making them a popular choice for those who want a high-quality look and feel without the cost of solid gold. In accordance with Australia Standards, gold filled must have a minimum fineness of 375 (9ct gold) and minimum thickness of 5 microns. Gold filled items may be stamped with the purity of the most prominent metal by weight, such as sterling silver '925', followed by 'GF'.

VERMEIL
Vermeil, also known as gilt, is a type of gold plated jewellery that uses sterling silver as the base metal, with a thick layer of gold applied on top. This luxurious option offers a higher-quality finish than standard gold plating, combining the beauty of gold with the durability of sterling silver. Vermeil is an excellent choice for those who want the elegance of gold at a more accessible price point, with better resistance to wear than other gold plated options. In accordance with Australia Standards, vermeil must have a minimum fineness of 585 (14ct gold) and minimum thickness of <0.5 microns. Vermeil items may be stamped with the sterling silver purity mark '925'.

Jewellery is defined by two categories - fine or fashion.

Fine jewellery is crafted from precious metals such as gold, platinum, and silver, and often incorporates genuine gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, or emeralds. These high-quality materials give fine jewellery its durability, allowing it to last a lifetime and often be passed down as heirlooms. Because of its long-lasting nature, fine jewellery can be repaired, resized, and polished over time, making it a true investment. While fine jewellery is typically worn for special occasions, many people also incorporate it into their everyday wardrobes as a symbol of elegance and personal style.

In contrast, fashion jewellery, also known as costume jewellery, is made from less expensive materials like brass or copper. Instead of precious stones, it often features synthetic gems, crystals, or rhinestones. Although it can be plated with gold or silver, fashion jewellery is generally not as durable and tends to wear out or tarnish more quickly. Fashion jewellery is more affordable, making it accessible to a wider audience and perfect for experimenting with different trends and styles. Fashion jewellery, is often worn to complement current fashion trends, offering versatility and an opportunity to express individual taste without a significant financial commitment.

Ultimately, the main differences between fine and fashion jewellery lie in their materials, longevity, and purpose. Fine and fashion jewellery can be sold side-by-side, with little or no obvious differentiation. It is therefore important to understand what you are buying; do your research to make sure you are paying an appropriate price. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

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The Jewellers Association of Australia acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.