In its pure 24 carat (k) form, gold is yellow in colour and delicate. Jewellery made from such gold is not durable enough and cannot be worn. To make gold fit for use, metals such as copper and silver are mixed with it. Diamond and other precious stone studded jewellery is usually made from 18 k gold.

Gold plated jewellery is usually made from silver and then plated with a thin layer or plating of gold. On the other hand, gold washed jewellery is made from any metal dipped in molten or liquid gold, which gives it a golden tint.

Pure for Sure

Reputed brands such as Tanishq and TBZ certify their own jewellery. A certificate is an assurance to the buyer that the jewellery they are buying contains the carat of gold mentioned on the tag. So, 18 k gold jewellery has 18 parts of gold in its pure form and six parts of another metal.

Cadmium gold - marked KDM - is pure gold soldered with cadmium, which helps gold / gold jewellery retain its purity when melted. However, this process releases toxic fumes, which are carcinogenic in nature and hence harmful to humans. Today, indium, which is similar to cadmium in properties, is used to solder gold.

Investment and Resale

As an investment option, it is best to buy gold in the form of gold coins and biscuits or bars and ingots. Advises jewellery designer Poonam Soni, "Gold jewellery is also a good investment option but make sure it does not have any intricate design. Jewellery is bought at a higher price, which includes the making charges and tax. These are deducted when you sell gold, so the price you sell at, is the price of the gold in grams."

Several jewellery brands have a buy-back scheme. In these schemes, new jewellery is exchanged for old jewellery, which you have bought from the same brand. You pay the difference as per the current gold price.

The price of a piece of jewellery depends on factors such as the carat of gold used, intricacy of design and whether it is machine or man made. Mostly, intricate designs involve manual labour and cost more. Due to the tradition associated with it, the price of gold rises during festivals such as 'Dassera' and 'Diwali'. So, it is not wise to buy gold during this time.

Colours of Gold

As with its purity, the colour of gold can also be changed with the addition of another metal to it. White gold is made with a combination of yellow gold and nickel. It is often mistaken with Platinum, which is a separate metal by itself.

Similarly, red or pink gold is made from a combination of yellow gold, copper and silver. An increase or decrease in the quantity of copper or silver will give the desired shade of red or pink.

Antique and 'Kundan' Jewellery

Antique gold jewellery is made from low carat gold but has high making charges. It is made by painting or coating, over the gold to give it an antique look. A speciality of many jewellers from Jaipur, it consists of more floral and rounded designs.

Kundan jewellery requires more creativity than antique jewellery and is traditionally made using the purest form of gold. Similarly, while traditionally diamonds were used, today white sapphires and pieces of clear glass are set in gold moulds, which are then joined with lac.

Now, go get yourself some gold jewellery! Not only will it enhance your beauty but will also prove to be a great investment too!

(With inputs from Kooshy Charian, Regional Business Executive, Tanishq)
Source: Tanishq