Fine gold jewellery is classified by its purity or by the term carat. This word derives from the Greek word Karation, the Italian word Carato and the Arabic word Girat, all of these terms referring to the fruit of the carob tree. Using carat to classify gold is weighted in history as carob seeds were used in ancient times to balance scales in bazaars. Pure gold (24 carat and 1,000 fine) is a soft metal and prone to wear and tear.

For this reason gold is normally alloyed with another material to give it durability and hardness. When these different alloys are introduced into the gold you can get an array of different coloured gold. However, that is not to say that gold with more alloys added
is not fine. As the carat value is lowered the fineness value is lowered in tandem. Generally the lowest carat value and the most durable gold is nine carat, this has a fineness percentage of 375 as compared to eighteen carat which has a fineness value of 750. Gold Bullion is currently retailing at between 420 to 430 American dollars per ounce.

Fine gold that is 75% pure is a popular choice for most buyers. This is because they are purchasing a fine gold product with the added value of being alloyed to another metal to make it lasting and durable. Gold jewellery can be made into almost anything and the trend for custom designed jewellery is growing. As gold comes in a variety of colours, it looks excellent set with a complimenting gemstone.