What You Need to Know When Selling Your Gold Jewellery

The first thing we do when you bring your gold to us is that we check the karat of the items to determine its purity.

How is the value of my gold jewellery determined?

Our professional consultants will look for a stamp such as 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct, etc. on the gold.

If there is no stamp we do a quick assaying of the gold using an acid test. We then separate the items by karat and weigh them to calculate your payout based on the current market price of gold — that’s it!

When will I get paid?

Once the value of the jewellery is determined we will pay you immediately. If I have an valuation done am I obliged to sell my gold jewellery?

Gold Capital provides this service absolutely free and there is no obligation to sell.

When selling any of your valuables to Gold Capital please bring your ID book or passport with you.

What You Need to Know When Selling Your Diamonds

The 4Cs of diamonds

When selling your diamonds the main question you have of course is, ‘how much are my diamonds worth?’ Diamonds are valuated by carat, cut, colour and clarity. It is important to be familiar with these valuation factors when selling or buying diamonds.

All diamonds should have certificates but if your diamonds do not have one, Gold Capital can valuate the diamond for you.

Carat

The caratis a measure of the size of a diamond. One carat is defined as 200 milligrams. If the diamond is less than one carat then the point unit, equal to one one-hundredth of a carat (0.01 carat, or 2 mg), is commonly used. There are 100 points in 1 carat. All else being equal, the price per carat increases with carat weight, since larger diamonds are both rarer and more desirable for use as gemstones assuming they have the same colour, cut and clarity. So, in general, the bigger the diamond, the more valuable it may be.

Total carat weight (t.c.w.) is a phrase used to describe the total mass of diamonds or other gemstones in a piece of jewellery, when more than one gemstone is used. Diamond solitaire earrings, for example, are usually quoted in t.c.w. when placed for sale, indicating the mass of the diamonds in both earrings and not each individual diamond. T.c.w. is also widely used for diamond necklaces, bracelets and other similar jewellery pieces.

Clarity

The clarity of a diamond is a measure of how clear the diamond is. Generally, the higher the clarity of the diamond the more valuable it is. Diamonds are graded on a scale ranging from flawless to imperfect.

Clarity is a measure of inclusions which are internal defects of a diamond. Inclusions can be crystals of a foreign material or another diamond crystal.  Structural imperfections such as tiny cracks that can appear whitish or cloudy also affect the clarity of a diamond.

Only about 20% of all diamonds mined have a clarity rating high enough for the diamond to be considered appropriate for use as a gemstone. The other 80% are used for industrial purposes.

Diamonds that that do not have a visible inclusion are known as ‘eye-clean’ and are preferred by most buyers. Visible inclusions can be hidden under the setting in a piece of jewellery.

Colour

The more colourless the diamond, the more valuable it is, in general.

The finest quality diamond in terms of colour grading is completely colourless. Colourless diamonds are given a ‘D’ grading meaning. The next grade has a very slight trace of color and which cannot be observed with the naked eye.

In addition to colourless a diamond can be found in any colour.  Coloured diamonds such as pink diamonds are very rare and valuable and are called ‘fancy’ diamonds in the diamond industry. Most diamonds that are used in jewellery either have a yellow or brown hue. Depending on the shade of the colour and how intense the colour is, the colour of a diamond can detract from or enhance its value.

Cut

The cut of a diamond is a measure of how well the diamond has been shaped and polished.

Diamonds are found as rough stones and it takes skill to cut and polish a diamond so that it has the high brilliance and sparkle that customers’ desire. Many people confuse cut with shape, e.g. round, oval, baguette etc.

Diamond cutting is both art and science. If the cut of a diamond is of poor quality then the diamond is less valuable. Diamond cutters use mathematical guidelines for the angles and length ratios to cut a diamond in a way that reflects the most of amount of light.

A common cut is the round brilliant cut which has 57 facets and scatters light optimally to create a sparkling diamond.

Diamond Grading Chart.

A Diamond Grading Chart summarizes the valuation factors of carat, cut, colour, and clarity. When buying or selling your diamond it will be evaluated against a Diamond Grading Chart such as the one below.

Gemological Institutes

The two leading gemological institutes in the world are GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and EGL (European Gemological Laboratory). These institutes provide grading and certificates for diamonds and other gemstones. Many professionals in the industry consider GIA to be superior to EGL. Both GIA and EGL certificates are considered to be reliable and trustworthy assessments of the quality of diamonds and gemstones.

GIA was established in 1931 and first created the concept of the 4Cs of diamonds. The main functions of the GIA, besides grading and issuing certificates, is to educate the public, provide training and for the diamond and gemstone industry. GIA also designs and manufactures professional equipment for grading, identifying, and selling diamonds and colored gemstones

EGL was founded in 1973 in Belgium. Its main service is that of assessing diamonds and gemstones and issuing certificates. EGL also provides training for the public, jewellers and sales staff.

GIA and EGL both have offices in South Africa.

Some Interesting Facts About Gold

Gold is one of the most sought-after metals in the world. For thousands of years it has been used as an ornament of monarchies, a currency and standard for global currencies, and in a wide range of electronic devices and medical applications. Gold is also the only metal that forms no oxide film on its surface in air at normal temperatures. This means that it will never rust or tarnish.

One main goal of alchemists was to produce gold from other substances, such as lead — presumably by the interaction with a mythical substance called the philosopher’s stone. They never succeeded in this attempt and gold is still a highly valuable material.

Gold Karats

Whereas most other pure metals are gray or silvery white, gold is yellow. Like other precious metals, gold is measured by troy weight and by grams. When it is alloyed with other metals the term karat or carat is used to indicate the purity of gold present, with 24 karats being pure gold and lower ratings proportionally less.

Because of the softness of pure (24k) gold, it is usually alloyed with base metals for use in jewellery, altering its hardness and ductility, melting point, color and other properties. Alloys with lower karatage, typically 22k, 18k, 14k or 10k, contain higher percentages of copper, or other base metals or silver or palladium in the alloy. Copper is the most commonly used base metal, yielding a redder color.

White gold alloys can be made with palladium, silver and other white metals. High-carat white gold alloys are far more resistant to corrosion than are either pure silver or sterling silver.

The symbolism of gold

Gold has been highly valued in many societies throughout the ages. In keeping with this it has often had a strongly positive symbolic meaning closely connected to the values held in the highest esteem in the society in question. Gold may symbolize power, strength, wealth, warmth, happiness, love, hope, optimism, intelligence, justice, balance, perfection, harvest and the sun.

Great human achievements are frequently rewarded with gold, in the form of gold medals and golden trophies. Winners of athletic events and other graded competitions are usually awarded a gold medal (e.g., the Olympic Games). Many awards such as the Nobel Prize are made from gold as well. Other award statues and prizes are depicted in gold or are gold plated (such as the Academy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Emmy Awards, the Palme d’Or, and the British Academy Film Awards).

Wedding rings have long been made of gold. It is long lasting tradition and has withstood the passage of time. It is believed that gold rings symbolize the eternal vows made before God, Gods or the sun and moon depending on the religious context. Gold is seen to be a perfect metal so gold is also symbolic of the perfection of the marriage.

Gold holds its place as a symbol of wealth and through that, in many societies, success. According to Christopher Columbus, ‘those who had something of gold, were in possession of something of great value on Earth and a substance to even help souls to paradise’.

Some Interesting Facts About Diamond Jewellery

Since time immemorial we have been adorning ourselves with gemstones, precious metals,beads, and shells.

Depending on the culture and times jewellery is used as a status symbol, for its material properties, its patterns, or for meaningful symbols.

Jewellery is and has been used for a number of reasons:

• Currency, wealth display, and storage.
• Functional use (such as brooches, buckles and cuff-links).
• Symbolism (to show membership or status or religious affiliation, e.g. marriage).
• Protection (in the form of amulets).
• Artistic display.

One of the most popular pieces of diamond jewellery is the engagement ring. Engagement rings represent a formal agreement to future marriage and are traditionally worn only by women. They usually feature diamonds or other gemstones. This usage dates back to the marriage of Maximilian I, Archduke of Austria, to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.

One of the most famous pieces of diamond jewellery is the engagement ring worn by Princess Diana. It is made up of a large 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds set in 18 karat white gold. Prince William chose this ring for his engagement to Kate Middleton.

Diamond jewellery is seen as a status symbol not only for women but increasingly for men. Many men are wearing white and black diamond jewellery.

One of the most important reasons why diamond jewellery is bought is that it is a financial investment. Unlike most other items forms of jewellery, diamond jewellery will hold or increase in value.

Some Interesting Facts About Diamonds

The word ‘diamond’ originates from the Greek ‘adamas’ which means invincible. This refers to the stone’s extreme hardness and durability.

Diamonds were first discovered and mined in India in the 4th century BC.

About 50% of all natural diamonds originate from Southern and Central Africa, including South Africa.

The largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found was the Cullinan Diamond of South Africa which weighed  3,106.75 carats. This diamond is in the Sceptre with the Cross of the British crown jewels.

The diamond is the hardest mineral in nature and can only be scratched by another diamond.

The standard diamond cut is brilliant diamond cut, characterized with 57 facets.

Some Interesting Facts About Luxury Watches

Luxury watches are not only used to keep time but are often used as jewellery, collectible works of art and investments.

Luxury watches usually have well-known brand names and are sought-after status symbols. This is especially true for men whose adornment in modern times is often limited to a luxury watch, a ring and cuff-links.

The value of a luxury watch depends on various factors, e.g.

• the brand,
• the style,
• the karatage and thickness of the gold/silver/platinum in the watch and strap,
• and of course the condition and age of the watch.

Be sure to purchase your luxury watch from a reputable jeweller or authorized retailers as there are many counterfeit luxury watches being sold. Remember to keep the manufacturer’s warranty, information materials and packaging. This will help you get the best value for your watch if or when you sell it.

Swiss made watches are highly sought after are renowned for their quality and craftmanship. The first Swiss watches appeared in the mid-1550’s. Some popular Swiss brands are Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega and Hublot.

The trademark ‘Rolex’ was first registered in 1908. Rolex watches have developed a reputation for innovation, precision, fine craftsmanship and durability. In terms of innovation, Rolex produced the first waterproof watch in 1926. Rolex also pioneered watches that could show two time mountain climbing and aviation.

Patek Philippe and Co. was founded in 1851 in Geneva and is known for its design and manufacture of the most complicated mechanical watches. Patek Philippe watches have supplying watches to royalty for over 150 years. Some of the early royals who owned Patek Philippe time pieces were Queen Victoria, the king and queen of Denmark and Italy as well as the Sultan of Egypt. In 1989, Patek created one of the most complicated mechanical watches ever made, the Calibre 89. Some of the features of this watch are that it has indicators for the date of Easter, the time of sunrise and can add a day to the month of February for leap years.

The Omega Watch Company was founded in 1848 and is well-known for its precision and reliability. In 1936 Omega set a precision time-keeping trial at the Kew-Teddington chronometer trials in England. NASA chose Omega watches for its astronauts so it was the first watch on the moon.  Omega has been the official timekeeping device of the Olympic Games since 1932. Have you noticed that James Bond wears Omega watches? He was chosen to wear this brand since 1995.

Hublot was founded in 1980 by Maksim Kuts and is known for its stylish and unusual approach to watch-making with its pioneering use of gold combined with rubber. The word ‘hublot’ means ‘port-hole’ in French and describes its port-hole inspired designs. It is the official time-keeper of the FIFA World Cup and Ferrari Challenge. Hublot’s most expensive watch is made up of 1,282 diamonds and will set you back USD 5 million.