Gemstones

All gemstones sold on this website are genuine unless otherwise stated. We do not stock laboratory created gemstones or diamonds, preferring the beauty and history of real gemstones. This does not necessarily indicate that they are free from inclusions: in fact, truly flawless gemstones are considered rather rare since the accumulation of geological influences on the gemstone during its formation often leads to slight imperfections. The inclusions are measured in terms of the "clarity" of the gemstone.

All weights and sizes are approximate. References to "ctw" or "tcw" refer to the total carat weight of the diamonds (or other stones, as applicable) of the item in question, unless otherwise stated.

Carats of gold

The purity of an item made from gold is expressed in terms of its carat. The purer the gold, the higher the carat, with 24-carat being totally pure. Most jewellery is made from a much lower carat than 24-carat gold since a lower carat increases the hardness of the metal. The common carats of gold available in most British shops are 9-carat and 18-carat.