Carat, simply
Carat (or karat, in the United States) measures the purity of gold in 24 parts. 24ct gold is 99.9% pure — too soft to wear daily. To make gold workable and durable for jewellery, it is alloyed with small amounts of other metals (silver, copper, palladium). The carat number tells you exactly how much of the alloy is pure gold.
22ct (916) — the gold of heritage
91.6% pure. The traditional choice across the Middle East and South Asia, prized for its deep, warm colour and its closeness to pure gold. Soft, supple, and beautifully handworked. Best for chains, bangles and pieces worn occasionally or with care.
18ct (750) — the global standard for fine jewellery
75% pure. The international standard for engagement rings, everyday pieces and stone settings. Strong enough to hold a diamond securely, with a richness that 14ct cannot quite reach.
14ct, 10ct, 9ct
Lower carats are harder-wearing, but a smaller share is pure gold. GCB does not work below 18ct — we believe fine jewellery deserves a meaningful gold content.
The colours of gold
Yellow gold — alloyed with silver and copper in balanced proportions. The classic, warm colour of our 22ct and 18ct pieces.
White gold — alloyed with palladium or silver, then often rhodium-plated for brilliance. We do not rhodium-plate — our white gold is naturally pale and re-polishable for life.
Rose gold — alloyed with a higher proportion of copper, lending a soft pink hue.
Weight, in grams
Gold is sold by weight. A heavier piece in the same design will always cost more, because there is simply more gold within it. We list the gram weight on every product page so you can compare value transparently.
Caring for your gold
— Remove jewellery before swimming, exercising and applying perfume or hand creams.
— Store each piece separately in a soft pouch to prevent scratching.
— Clean gently with warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush — never use ultrasonic cleaners on pieces with pearls or untreated emeralds.
— Bring your piece in for complimentary professional cleaning and inspection once a year. All GCB clients are entitled to this for life.
Gold as an investment
Gold has held its value across millennia. Fine 22ct jewellery, in particular, has long been a way to combine adornment with quiet long-term wealth. Every GCB piece is hallmarked and certified — should you ever wish to sell or remodel a piece, its provenance and metal content are independently verifiable.
