Gold is one of the world’s precious metals, making it the ideal precious piece of fine jewellery. Gold virtually lasts forever. It does not rust, tarnish or corrode.
 
When purchasing gold jewellery, always look for a carat mark that should be stamped on it. This is a quality mark and refers to the proportion of pure gold in the item. Pure gold, which is 24ct, the metric equivalent being 1000, is generally considered too soft for practical uses in jewellery and is alloyed with other precious and base metals to increase its durability.

Common Carat Marks of Gold