How do you improve on the iPhone’s cutting-edge design? By plating it in 24-karat gold.

As stories continue to circulate on Apple’s message boards and on Twitter of iPhone 5s arriving in less than perfect condition, one London firm believes it may have found an elegant and suitably aspirational solution to the problem.

On September 27, Gold & Co is set to unveil what it claims is the world’s first 24-karat gold-plated iPhone 5 at the Collector’s Palace in Dubai Mall, United Arab Emirates. The strictly limited edition phones, which are also available in rose gold, are each individually numbered, presented in handcrafted wooden boxes with a guaranteed certificate of authenticity and are ready for pre-order.

New 24 Karat Gold iPhone™ 5 and Rose Gold iPhone™ 5 from Gold & Co. London

And although there are no details regarding price, it is safe to assume that these particular iPhones will retail for considerably more than those available at the Apple Store.

For those people who have already ordered their iPhone in the standard black or white and haven’t recently won the lottery or discovered an untapped oil well under their home, news is emerging of the first official comments from Apple regarding the scuffs and scratches that seem to be plaguing its latest handset

Read more: www.nydailynews.com

So says Lorimer Wilson (www.FinancialArticleSummariesToday.com) and editor of www.munKNEE.com. Please note that this paragraph must be included in any article reposting with a link* to the article source to avoid copyright infringement. Wilson goes on to say:

The term used to describe the unit of measurement for the proportion of gold (i.e. % purity of the gold content) in a piece of jewellery, coin, ingot or bar as per the above table.

Gold will often be mixed with “filler metals” such as silver, palladium, platinum, nickel and even copper to combat the softness of pure 24 karat. Gold which contains a degree of silver, platinum or palladium is referred to as ”white gold” and will classify with a higher amount of karats while the presence of nickel leads to a slightly lower designation of karats. Copper is used to give gold durability and give it a golden rosy tone. Below is a table outlining the karat designations at various gold purity levels plus the extent of ”fineness” as is used in some countries such  as Italy.

(In some countries “karat” and “carat” are used almost interchangeably although, strictly speaking, the words’ correct meanings are as defined in this article where “carat” refers to the weight of a gemstone (see below). The correct word to use when referring to the weight of an object of gold, silver or other precious metals is to speak in terms of troy ounces as below, kilos or metric tonnes.)

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100% pure gold is defined as having a purity of 24 karats so if something is 24 karat gold then it’s made of gold and nothing else – regardless of size… Gold is a relatively soft metal and high-karat gold tends to be easily damaged and, as such, a 24 karat item is usually reserved for display or ceremonial use as the picture of me with “my” 100kg. Canadian Maple Leaf 99.99999% pure gold coin which is now worth in excess of $4,500,000 USD! (100kg. x 32.1507466 troy oz. x $1,400/ozt. USD)

munKNEE.com Editor-in-Chief Lorimer Wilson with the world’s first 100-kg, 99999 pure gold bullion coin with a $1 million face value. It was produced by The Royal Canadian Mint.

All jewellery is required by law to be stamped so consumers will know the quality of gold used. Jewellery made in North America is typically marked with the karat grade (10K, 14K, etc.), and jewelry made in Italy is typically marked with the “fineness” such as (417, 583, etc.). Most retail gold items have a karat rating in the range 9 to 18. In the U.S. the minumum karat value for an item to be sold as gold jewelry is 10. In the UK 9 karat is more common.

The number 24 may have originally been chosen to represent pure gold because it divides evenly by 2,3,4,6 8 and 12. Thus it’s easy to talk about a gold item being half pure (12 kt), two thirds pure (16kt) etc. Nine karat would thus be three eighths gold, 18 karat would be six eighths (three quarters).

Definition of a ”Troy” Ounce

The troy ounce (ozt) is a unit of imperial measure most commonly used to gauge the weight and therefore the price of precious metals. One troy ounce is equivalent to 1.09714 avoirdupois (our conventional every day measurement) ounces i.e. 9.714% greater in weight and 1 kg. consists of 32.1507466 troy oz. Please keep the distinction between ounces and troy ounces in mind when buying small quantities of gold and/or silver.

 Definition of “Carat”

The term used to describe the unit of weight of a gemstone, including diamonds, where 1 carat = 200 milligrams or one-fifth of a gram. Smaller diamonds are often expressed as points, not carats where 100 points = 1 carat (i.e. each point equals 0.01, or one-hundredth, of a carat).

Origin of the Word “Carat”

The word “carat” is derived from the Greek “keration,” meaning fruit of the “carob” tree. Because the seeds of the carob were uniform in size, they became a unit of measure of fine gemstones. Since an average carob seed weighs 200 milligrams, the weight of 1 carat was set at 200 milligrams.

“Carat” Abbreviations

The abbreviation ct is a shortened way to write carat, and refers to the weight of a single diamond.  The abbreviation ct TW means carat total weight, and is used to express the total weight of multiple diamonds used in a piece of jewelry.

“Carat” Weight vs. Size

Carat weight is used as a measure for other gemstones as well but different gems of the same weight aren’t necessarily the same size, because some gemstones are more dense than others–meaning that they pack more weight into a smaller space.

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As the carat size of a diamond increases, the diamond’s price increases at an increasing rate. Why? Because the larger the diamond, the more increasingly rare it is. Fewer than one in one million mined rough stones are large enough to produce a finished 1 carat diamond so, as carat weight increases, you will typically pay more not only in total, but on a price-per-carat basis as well.

Conclusion

You now have a better understanding of the meanings of the words “karat” and “carat” (I can only assume that you already knew the meaning of the more familiar word “carrot”!) and the difference between a “troy ounce’ and just an “ounce”.

source :  munknee.com/2011/03/whats-the-difference-between-1-gold-karat-1-diamond-carat-and-1-troy-ounce/

Gold Quality
Gold’s purity is measured in karats. The term “karat” harks back to the ancient bazaars where “carob” beans were used to weigh precious metals. 24 karat is pure gold, but its purity means it is more expensive and less durable than gold that is alloyed with other metals. Different alloys are used in jewelry for greater strength, durability and color range.

The karatage of the jewelry will tell you what percentage of gold it contains: 24 karat is 100 percent, 18 karat is 75 percent, and 14 karat is 58 percent gold. When comparing gold jewelry, the higher the number of karats, the greater the value.

Europeans have long embraced 18-karat gold as their metal of choice, and with good reason. Its rich yellow color, luxurious look and feel have an extraordinarily sensual appeal; many European women treat 18-karat gold like a second skin, even wearing it to the beach!

Today, women in the U.S. and around the globe are “trading up” and treating themselves to the beauty and opulence of 18-karat gold.

Karat Marks
When buying gold jewelry, always look for the karat mark. All other things being equal, the higher the karat, the more expensive the piece. In the United States, 14-karat gold, or 583 parts pure gold, is the most common degree of fineness. Nothing less than 10 karats can legally be marked or sold as gold jewelry in the U.S. However, lower karatages, such as 8-karat gold and 9-karat gold, are popular in other countries.

18-karat gold is 18/24ths, or three-quarters pure gold, and jewelry of this fineness is marked 18k or 750, the European designation meaning 75% gold.

Always look for the karat mark or “k” that appears on the back of the piece. By U.S. law, if a karat mark appears you should also see the manufacturer’s trademark to assure you that the karat marking is accurate. The country of origin should also appear.

In addition to the karat mark, every piece of gold jewelry should be stamped with a hallmark or trademark of its maker, and sometimes its country of origin. These designations assure you that you are buying genuine karat gold jewelry. Heavier pieces contain more gold.

Gold Types
Gold Filled, also called Gold Overlay, refers to a layer of at least 10-karat gold that has been permanently bonded by heat and pressure to one or more surfaces of the support metal, then rolled or drawn to a prescribed thickness. The karat gold must be at least 1/ 10 of the total weight.

Gold Plate means that a layer of plating of 10-karat gold or better has been bonded to a base metal. The karat gold content may be less than 1/20, but it must be properly identified by weight in terms of total metal content.

Gold Leaf is just gold plating that’s been pounded and applied by hand.

Gold Colors
Yellow gold is alloyed with silver and copper. It is the most frequently used type of gold there is. Malleable, ductile, and generally non-corrosive, it has a high melting point and is not susceptible to compression.

White gold is alloyed with a large percentage of silver, or a selection of other white metals. The percentage of gold naturally varies, according to the amount of other metal used. White gold is highly reflective and not subject to tarnish. The ancient term for it was Electrum. Its use predates that of Palladium and Platinum.

Rose gold is alloyed with copper, and perhaps silver. The proportions are about one part of copper to three parts of 24-karat gold.

Gold Pricing
Gold pricing is based on a number of factors, including karatage, gram weight, design and craftsmanship. The karatage and gram weight tell you how much gold is in a piece, but don’t rely on these alone to determine price. Remember, a price based solely on gram weight does not reflect the work that has gone into the piece.

Other important factors to consider are the jewelry’s construction and design. The techniques of construction can make a piece more durable and flexible for added comfort. A well-made piece in a classic design will give you years of wear and enjoyment and, if cared for properly, will last a lifetime. Unique design, intricate details, gemstones or a special clasp may add to the price.

Gold jewelry is mainly produced by machine. Any additional hand finishing or textural interest raises the cost. Similar looking pieces may have vastly different price tags. This is because different pieces may have specific characteristics that make them unique. So look carefully to notice any differences and similarities. Often, it’s these small details that give you pleasure through the years that you enjoy a piece of jewelry, and ensure that your children will also enjoy it.

Gold Care
Gold is durable, sturdy, dependable, and makes an ideal setting for your precious diamond jewelry. However, to get a lifetime of enjoyment from your jewelry, be sure to keep it clean and safe.

Do not wear jewelry during rough work or when handling harsh chemicals.

Store it in a fabric-lined box away from other pieces to preserve it from getting scratched.

Finally, check the diamond settings periodically for any damage to the gold prongs or bezels. If you see a loose prong, or if the setting looks out of line, bring it to a professional jeweler for repair at once

The recent increase in gold prices is a direct result of the gap that has formed between customer demand for polished and rough diamonds and diamond set jewelry and the diamond and precious gemstone industry’s inability to keep up with the demand for these commodities. Consequently, diamond prices have been at an all time high this last quarter, a fact which has prompted many a customer to look for alternative high end, luxury materials for their high quality pieces of jewelry. With diamond prices soaring, customers have gone back to basics and are now looking to invest in yellow and white gold, believing that gold is a more stable investment for their funds.

Gold coins

However, most diamond and precious metal experts will tell you that neither gold nor diamonds are a particularly stable investment as gold and diamond prices both tend to vary and fluctuate in direct relation to customer demand, global events, industry politics, etc. Customers who are looking to invest in high end jewelry pieces should be aware that a given piece of jewelry could cost a certain amount one year and then significantly decrease in value the next. The important thing to keep in mind is that the diamond and jewelry market is a fickle one, and that a customer who has his or her funds invested in jewelry should keep a constant and close eye on current market trends, values and prices.

Whether it be gold jewelry or diamond encrusted pieces, one should always have their jewelry appraised. A jewelry appraisal will not only give the customer a fair estimate of how much his or her jewelry pieces are actually worth, it will also come in handy when a customer attempts to sell off a given piece of jewelry as the jewelry appraisal can act as proof of the jewelry’s worth and as a good bargaining point.

Before deciding to invest in either gold or diamonds, a customer should strive to be as informed as possible in regards to the precious material’s attributes and characteristics, as well as corresponding gold and diamond price trends and assigned values.

See also  Yellow gold diamond rings.

http://www.diamondpriceguide.com/news/nc205_World-News/n90156_Gold-vs-Diamonds-What-is-the-Sounder-Investment

Gold’s purity is measured in karats. The term “karat” harks back to the ancient bazaars where “carob” beans were used to weigh precious metals. 24 karat is pure gold, but its purity means it is more expensive and less durable than gold that is alloyed with other metals. Different alloys are used in jewelry for greater strength, durability and color range.

The karatage of the jewelry will tell you what percentage of gold it contains: 24 karat is 100 percent, 18 karat is 75 percent, and 14 karat is 58 percent gold. When comparing gold jewelry, the higher the number of karats, the greater the value.

Europeans have long embraced 18-karat gold as their metal of choice, and with good reason. Its rich yellow color, luxurious look and feel have an extraordinarily sensual appeal; many European women treat 18-karat gold like a second skin, even wearing it to the beach!

Today, women in the U.S. and around the globe are “trading up” and treating themselves to the beauty and opulence of 18-karat gold.

Karat Marks

When buying gold jewelry, always look for the karat mark. All other things being equal, the higher the karat, the more expensive the piece. In the United States, 14-karat gold, or 583 parts pure gold, is the most common degree of fineness. Nothing less than 10 karats can legally be marked or sold as gold jewelry in the U.S. However, lower karatages, such as 8-karat gold and 9-karat gold, are popular in other countries.

18-karat gold is 18/24ths, or three-quarters pure gold, and jewelry of this fineness is marked 18k or 750, the European designation meaning 75% gold.

Always look for the karat mark or “k” that appears on the back of the piece. By U.S. law, if a karat mark appears you should also see the manufacturer’s trademark to assure you that the karat marking is accurate. The country of origin should also appear.

In addition to the karat mark, every piece of gold jewelry should be stamped with a hallmark or trademark of its maker, and sometimes its country of origin. These designations assure you that you are buying genuine karat gold jewelry. Heavier pieces contain more gold.

Gold Types

Gold Filled, also called Gold Overlay, refers to a layer of at least 10-karat gold that has been permanently bonded by heat and pressure to one or more surfaces of the support metal, then rolled or drawn to a prescribed thickness. The karat gold must be at least 1/ 10 of the total weight.

Gold Plate means that a layer of plating of 10-karat gold or better has been bonded to a base metal. The karat gold content may be less than 1/20, but it must be properly identified by weight in terms of total metal content.

Gold Leaf is just gold plating that’s been pounded and applied by hand.

Gold Colors
yellow gold Yellow gold is alloyed with silver and copper. It is the most frequently used type of gold there is. Malleable, ductile, and generally non-corrosive, it has a high melting point and is not susceptible to compression.

white gold White gold is alloyed with a large percentage of silver, or a selection of other white metals. The percentage of gold naturally varies, according to the amount of other metal used. White gold is highly reflective and not subject to tarnish. The ancient term for it was Electrum. Its use predates that of Palladium and Platinum.

rose gold Rose gold is alloyed with copper, and perhaps silver. The proportions are about one part of copper to three parts of 24-karat gold.

Gold Pricing

Gold pricing is based on a number of factors, including karatage, gram weight, design and craftsmanship. The karatage and gram weight tell you how much gold is in a piece, but don’t rely on these alone to determine price. Remember, a price based solely on gram weight does not reflect the work that has gone into the piece.

Other important factors to consider are the jewelry’s construction and design. The techniques of construction can make a piece more durable and flexible for added comfort. A well-made piece in a classic design will give you years of wear and enjoyment and, if cared for properly, will last a lifetime. Unique design, intricate details, gemstones or a special clasp may add to the price.

Gold jewelry is mainly produced by machine. Any additional hand finishing or textural interest raises the cost. Similar looking pieces may have vastly different price tags. This is because different pieces may have specific characteristics that make them unique. So look carefully to notice any differences and similarities. Often, it’s these small details that give you pleasure through the years that you enjoy a piece of jewelry, and ensure that your children will also enjoy it.

Gold Care

Gold is durable, sturdy, dependable, and makes an ideal setting for your precious diamond jewelry. However, to get a lifetime of enjoyment from your jewelry, be sure to keep it clean and safe.

Do not wear jewelry during rough work or when handling harsh chemicals.

Store it in a fabric-lined box away from other pieces to preserve it from getting scratched.

Finally, check the diamond settings periodically for any damage to the gold prongs or bezels. If you see a loose prong, or if the setting looks out of line, bring it to a professional jeweler for repair at once.

See also  Yellow gold diamond rings.

src : thediamondbuyingguide.com/preciousmetalsguide-gold.html

Coal is composed of organic molecules collected from the decomposition of ancient living organisms (e.g., plants, fungi). Although it does not naturally occur as a nearly carbon-pure substance, the chemical composition of coal changes over time under the stress of heat and pressure. These pressures lead to the formation of graphite, a nearly carbon-pure substance.

Graphite and Diamond

Graphite and diamond are strikingly similar in chemical composition, both being composed almost purely of carbon. The difference between the two is in the structure of the carbon bonds: while graphite is composed of stacked hexagonal sheets of carbon, each carbon atom in a diamond is connected to four others nearby. The result is a harder substance with tighter carbon bonds.

Turning Graphite to Diamonds

Graphite, rather than coal, is used to create artificial diamonds. With the application of extreme heat (around 2000 degrees Farenheit) and pressure (many thousand times the atmospheric pressure), the sheets of carbon in graphite will form bonds similar to those in diamond. This is how artificial diamonds are created. Although much more extreme conditions are required when working with less pure substances, the same process could be used to create diamond from almost any carbon-rich substance, including coal. Scientists know that diamonds are created naturally deep below the earth’s surface, but they do not yet understand how they are made.

See also  Yellow gold diamond rings

http://www.ehow.com/facts_7318475_coal-turns-diamonds.html