Gold is widely seen as a safe bet when it comes to investments. But what about your collection of antique and vintage jewellery? The value of jewellery is determined by a number of factors including rarity, purity of gold and value of gemstones. In terms of gold purity, the higher the carat (or karat, for our friends from the US), the more pure gold is in the piece. With the historically high price of gold, this makes a big difference to the value of your piece. If you're looking to expand your collection, why not consider 'high carat' gold pieces?
High carat gold means different things to different people, but we generally refer to pieces as 'high carat' when they're above 18ct (the highest carat normally seen in mass produced jewellery in Australia). This is usually 20ct and 22ct. 24ct is generally not used for everyday jewellery, but sometimes for ceremonial or wedding pieces.
High carat gold has been used in jewellery for centuries - you'll see it in anything from a plain 22ct gold band with full English hallmarks to elaborate South Asian wedding jewellery. It has a rich, glowing beauty, often with a warm burnished patina and always with a luxe feeling. Due to the higher percentage of pure gold, high carat gold is softer, but can stand up to careful daily wear and is less likely to tarnish over time. We've seen many 22ct pieces that are over 100 years old in perfect condition! It's also a good choice for those with sensitive skin, especially nickel allergies (often present in gold alloys).
High carat gold is a great option if you're looking for an eye-catching piece that will stand the test of time as an heirloom or investment for the future.