FAQs

Gold is a rare metallic element with a melting point of 1064 degrees centigrade and a boiling point of 2808 degrees centigrade. Its chemical symbol, Au, is derived from the Latin word for gold, ‘Aurum’, which means ‘Glowing Dawn’. Gold has been treasured for its exceptional conductivity and its resistance to corrosion by water or oxygen.

The tradition of measuring gold in carats dates back to ancient times in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Carats were used to indicate the purity of gold alloys. The purity of gold is also measured in fineness, representing parts per thousand. For example, 22-carat gold is 916 fineness.

A Carat (Karat in the USA & Germany) originally referred to a unit of mass based on the Carob seed, used by ancient merchants. It’s still used for weighing gemstones, where 1 carat equals about 200 milligrams. For gold, 24 carats denote pure gold.

Gold-containing ore is extracted from the surface or underground and then milled to release the gold. Techniques such as flotation are used to separate gold from the rock. The extracted gold is smelted into a gold-rich Dore and cast into bars. These bars are refined to 99.5% purity using the Miller chlorination process. Further refining to 99.9% purity is done by the Wohlwill electrolytic process if needed.

While all metal atoms consist of the same building blocks, turning base metals into gold remains a theoretical concept. In practice, it’s only achieved through nuclear reactions. However, the ancient dream of alchemy remains impractical.

Gold is traditionally weighed in Troy Ounces (31.1035 grams). A tonne of gold would occupy a volume equivalent to a cube with a side length of approximately 37.27 cm.

The word gold likely originates from the Indo-European root ‘yellow’. This reflects one of gold’s most obvious properties. Similar words for gold exist in various languages, including English, German, Dutch, and Finnish.

In terms of national reserves, the USA holds the most gold, followed by Germany and the IMF. India possesses the largest repository of gold, including jewellery ownership.

Gold bars come in various weights, with the standard “London Good Delivery Bars” weighing about 400 Troy Ounces (12.5 kg/ 27 lbs).

A diamond is a crystal composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a cubic matrix. Its natural formation occurs under intense heat and pressure deep within the earth.

Diamonds form deep in the earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure. They are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions or erosion. Primary deposits form in volcanic pipes, while alluvial deposits occur in coastal waters.

Diamond cutting requires skill and artistry. A rough diamond is shaped into its polished form by a trained diamond cutter.

The “Ideal Cut” refers to specific proportions for a round brilliant diamond proposed by gem cutter Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919. Today, any diamond within a narrow range of proportions and finish quality is recognized as an “Ideal Cut”.

Once diamonds are mined and processed, rough crystals are sorted based on various characteristics. From there, diamonds can follow different routes to reach stores, undergoing cutting, polishing, and grading processes along the way.