The Journal
Craft, care, and how to choose well
Gold Guide
Rose Gold, White Gold and Yellow Gold: How to Choose
The three gold colours come from different alloys and behave differently over time. Here is how each looks, wears and pairs with diamonds, so you can choose with confidence.
Gold Guide
Gold Karat Chart: 9K, 14K, 18K, 22K and 24K Explained
From 9K to 24K, each gold karat has a purity, a hallmark number and a best use. This chart and guide help you choose the right one for what you are buying.
Gold Guide
What Is Wastage in Gold Jewellery? A Plain Explanation
Wastage is a charge for the small amount of gold lost during crafting. Here is what it covers, how it differs from making charges and what is reasonable to ask.
Gold Guide
Why Gold Rate Differs Between Shops and Cities
Gold rates can differ by city and even by shop. Here are the reasons, from benchmark rates to local costs and purity, and how to compare rates fairly.
Gold Guide
How Jewellery Price Is Calculated, Step by Step
A jewellery price is the sum of a few clear parts: the gold, the making, the stones and the tax. Here is each step, with a simple worked example.
Gold Guide
GST on Gold and Diamond Jewellery Explained
GST is added to the gold value and the making charge on your bill. Here is how it is commonly applied, how to read it on an invoice, and why to confirm the current rates.
Gold Guide
Gold Making Charges Explained: Per Gram or Percentage
Making charges pay for the craftsmanship in a piece. They are charged per gram or as a percentage of the gold value, and they change with the design. Here is how to compare them.
Gold Guide
How to Check Gold Purity: Reliable Methods and Myths
The home tricks for testing gold mostly fail. This guide separates the reliable checks, like hallmarks and assaying, from the myths that can mislead you.
Gold Guide
BIS Hallmark Marks Explained: Purity, Logo and HUID
Those tiny marks inside a ring or on a pendant loop each mean something. This guide shows how to read the BIS logo, the karat and fineness, and the HUID.
Gold Guide
What Is a HUID Hallmark and How to Verify Your Jewellery
A HUID is a six-character code that identifies one hallmarked piece of jewellery. Here is what it tells you and how to check that it matches your purchase.
Gold Guide
18K vs 22K Gold Jewellery: Which Should You Buy?
22K is richer and softer, 18K is stronger and suits stones. Here is how to choose between them for rings, bangles, chains and diamond jewellery.
Gold Guide
What Is 18K Gold and Why Diamond Jewellery Uses It
18K gold is 75% pure gold, blended with copper, silver or other metals for strength. Here is why most diamond jewellery is made in it, and what to look for when you buy.