Gold is a chemical element, atomic number 79, making it one of the higher elements that occur naturally. Egyptians were the first civilization to smelt gold. Artisans used gold to embellish tombs and temples. Gold has held a position of status and awe and the metal’s influence on history is unparalleled. It is attractive in color and brightness and has always perceived as valuable. It is the most dense of all metals and good conductor of heat and electricity. It will not tarnish or corrode. This unique qualities have made Gold the one material that has been universally accepted in exchange of good and services.

Karat is a fractional measure of purity for Gold, measured per 24 parts whole. Pure Gold has no traces of other metals and has a value of 24K. Following these measurements, in 22K gold, there are 22 parts of Gold and two parts of other metals like silver, zinc or nickel.

Most jewelry is not manufactured using pure Gold as it is soft and easily bendable. Fine jewelry designers use gold of different karats depending of the type of setting, frequency of use and weight of the piece. The most common karat used and probably the most sought after is 18K Gold. This means that in a piece of 18K Gold, 18 out of 24 parts are Gold and the rest is made up of alloys that make it more durable.