Platinum and gold are one of the rearest precious metals in the world. Nothing shines a good as gold, platinum and silver.

Gold is durable, sturdy, dependable and make an ideal setting for diamond jewellery.

Gold's purity is measured in karats. "Karat" originates from the ancient bazaar where "carob" beans were used to weigh precious metals. 24 karat is pure gold, but its purity means it is more expensive and less durable than gold that is alloyed with other metals that can provide greater strength, durability and colour range. The karatage of gold will specify the percentage of gold, for example 24 karat is 100 percent, 18 karat is 75 percent and 14 karat is 58 percent of gold. The higher the value of karat the higher the value.

Always look for the karat mark when purchasing gold items. 18 karat gold is 18/24ths or three-quarters pure gold. It will be marked as 18k or 750 meaning 75% gold. Always look for the karat mark or "k" that appears at the back of the piece.

There are 3 types of gold, namely gold filled, gold plate and gold leaf. Gold Filled, also called Gold Overlay refers to a layer of at least 10-karat gold that has been premanently bonded by heat and pressure to one or more surfaces of the support metal, then rolled or drawn to a prescribed thickness. The karat gold must be at least 1/10 of the total weight. Gold Plate means a layer of plating of 10-karat gold or better has been bonded to a base metal. The karat gold content may be less than 1/20, but it must be properly identified by weight in terms of total metal content. Gold Leaf is just gold plating that's been pounded and applied by hand.

There are 3 types of gold - Yellow Gold, White Gold and Rose Gold. Yellow gold is alloyed with silver and copper. It is the most frequently used type of gold there is. Malleable, ductile, and generally non-corrosive, it has a high melting point and is not susceptible to compression. White gold is alloyed with a large percentage of silver or a selection of other white metals. The percentage of gold naturally varies, according to the amount of other metal used. White gold is highly reflective and not subject to tarnish. Rose gold is alloyed with copper and some silver. The proportions are one part of copper to three parts of 24-karat gold.

Gold pricing is based on karatage, gram weight, design and craftsmanship. The karatage and gram weight indicates the amount of gold in a piece of gold jewellery. Other important factor to consider is it's construction and design. The techniques of construction can make a piece more durable and flexible. Gold jewellery is mainly produced by machine. Therefore, for hand finishing or additional textural interest will increase the price.

Silver - the "Queen of Metals" is desribed as gleaming and elegant, cool to the eye and sensuous to the touch.

Silver jewellery is a classic gift that remains close to a woman's heart. It is used not only for decorative, it often carries with it the appeal of a tender sentiment or a lovely memory. And it possesses a sophistication that every woman understands. For men, the perfect gift in silver might be a pair of sterling silver cuff links, a tie pin, a bracelet or even a ring. Silver is definately a gift of distinction.

Before purchasing silver jewelleries, also check that there are no physical blamishes or imperfections. Make sure that the fasteners, clasps and catches work fine and are secure. When purchasing pins and earrings, remember to check on the posts for strength and durability. Lay silver chains flat to make certain their links don't kink or bend.

Platinum is the most durable of fine jewellery metals. It does not chip or splinter easily, making it perfect for diamond and gemstone settings.

Platinum in jewellery is alloyed the the group of 6 heavy metals, namely platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium. Today, platinum is alloyed with copper and titanium.

Platinum is the only precious metal used in fine jewelleries that is 90 to 95% pure, largely hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant. Platinum are marked with 900pt, 950pt or Plat.