FAQs

Everything you need to know about buying gold, silver and gemstone jewellery online in Australia.

Welcome to the Carat Direct FAQ. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our solid gold jewellery, sterling silver jewellery and genuine gemstone pieces — from carats, hallmarks and gold types to shipping, returns, ring sizing, styling and jewellery care. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email us any time at admin@caratdirect.com.au.

◆  About our jewellery

What kind of jewellery does Carat Direct sell?

Carat Direct is an Australian online jewellery store specialising in gold and silver gemstone jewellery. Our range includes gemstone rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets, featuring genuine gemstones set in solid gold and 925 sterling silver. Because we sell direct to you online — with no showroom overheads — our fine jewellery is priced well below traditional jewellery store prices.

Is your gold jewellery solid gold or gold plated?

Our gold jewellery is crafted from solid gold — not gold plated, gold filled or gold vermeil. Unlike plated pieces, solid gold jewellery won’t wear through, flake or fade over time, which makes it a genuine keepsake and a smarter long-term buy. Each piece is stamped with its caratage, the jewellery industry’s equivalent of a hallmark, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Is your jewellery suitable for sensitive skin?

Solid gold and 925 sterling silver are among the most skin-friendly metals you can wear, and a popular choice for people searching for hypoallergenic earrings and everyday rings. Most jewellery reactions are caused by nickel in cheap base-metal or plated pieces — once the thin gold layer wears through, your skin is touching the alloy underneath. Because our pieces are precious metal throughout, that problem simply doesn’t arise. If you have a diagnosed nickel allergy, contact us before ordering and we’ll confirm the alloy composition of any piece.

Do you sell engagement rings?

Many of our gemstone rings make stunning non-traditional engagement rings. Coloured gemstone engagement rings — especially sapphire engagement rings — have surged in popularity as a distinctive, meaningful and more affordable alternative to the classic diamond solitaire. If you’re considering proposing with one of our rings, email us: our gemmologist founder is happy to advise which stones are hard-wearing enough for a ring that never comes off.

◆  Gold explained

What is the difference between 9ct and 18ct gold?

The carat (ct) tells you the proportion of pure gold in the metal. 18ct gold contains 75% pure gold, giving it a richer, warmer colour and a higher intrinsic value. 9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold, which makes it harder-wearing and more affordable — the most popular choice for everyday gold jewellery in Australia. Both are genuine solid gold; the right choice comes down to your budget and how often you’ll wear the piece.

Is 9ct gold worth buying?

Absolutely. 9ct gold is real, solid gold — 37.5% pure gold alloyed with metals like silver and copper that actually make it harder and more scratch-resistant than higher carats. It’s the most popular gold standard for everyday jewellery in Australia and the UK precisely because it combines genuine gold with durability at a friendlier price — often around half the cost of the same piece in 18ct. If you want gold jewellery you can genuinely live in, 9ct is a smart buy.

What is the difference between yellow, white and rose gold?

All three are real gold — the colour comes from the metals alloyed with it. Yellow gold is blended with silver and copper to keep its classic warm hue. Rose gold gets its blush-pink tone from a higher copper content. White gold is alloyed with white metals such as palladium or silver, and is usually finished with rhodium plating for a bright, mirror-white lustre — a finish that can be re-plated over the years to keep it looking new. The carat works exactly the same way in every colour.

What is the difference between solid gold, gold plated, gold vermeil and gold filled?

Solid gold is gold alloy all the way through — it never flakes, peels or fades, and it holds intrinsic value for life. Gold plated jewellery is a base metal (often brass) with a whisper-thin layer of gold, typically under half a micron, which can wear off within months. Gold vermeil is sterling silver coated with a thicker gold layer of at least 2.5 microns, and gold filled bonds a sheet of gold making up at least 5% of the piece’s weight to a base-metal core. Vermeil and gold filled outlast standard plating — but only solid gold lasts a lifetime, which is why it’s what we sell.

How can I tell if gold is real?

Start with the hallmark: genuine gold jewellery is stamped with its purity — 375 for 9ct or 750 for 18ct — usually inside a ring band or on a clasp. Real gold is also non-magnetic and won’t discolour your skin the way base metals can. For absolute certainty, a jeweller can test a piece with electronic or XRF equipment without damaging it. And of course, when you buy from a specialist retailer with a gemmologist behind the range, the guesswork has already been done for you.

What do the stamps 375, 585, 750 and 925 mean?

They’re fineness marks — the jewellery world’s shorthand for purity, measured in parts per thousand. 375 means 37.5% pure gold (9ct), 585 is 58.5% (14ct), 750 is 75% (18ct), and 999 is essentially pure 24ct gold. On silver, 925 confirms sterling silver at 92.5% purity. Finding and reading these tiny stamps is one of the first things a gemmologist checks on any piece — and it’s a great habit for every jewellery buyer to learn.

What is the difference between a carat and a karat?

A question close to our heart! For gemstones, a carat (ct) is a unit of weight — one carat equals exactly 0.2 grams, so a one-carat sapphire weighs 200 milligrams. For gold, carat (spelled karat in the US and abbreviated K) measures purity out of 24 parts — 18ct gold is 18 parts gold to 6 parts alloy. In Australia we use “carat” for both, context doing the work — and yes, it’s where Carat Direct gets its name.

Is gold jewellery a good investment?

Solid gold jewellery holds intrinsic value because the metal itself is always worth something — unlike plated or costume jewellery, which has virtually no residual value once the coating wears. That said, we’d always encourage you to buy jewellery first and foremost to wear and enjoy; think of the enduring metal value as a built-in bonus rather than a strategy. If you’re interested in gold purely as a financial asset, bullion is a different conversation — and one for a licensed adviser rather than a jeweller.

◆  Silver explained

What is 925 sterling silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver — which is where the “925” stamp on quality silver jewellery comes from. It’s the international standard for fine silver jewellery: bright, durable, hypoallergenic for most wearers, and one of the most affordable ways to wear genuine gemstone jewellery every day.

Will my jewellery tarnish?

Solid gold does not tarnish. Sterling silver can develop a natural patina over time when exposed to air, moisture and skin oils — that’s the copper in the alloy oxidising, not a fault — but it’s easy to keep bright. Regular wear actually helps, and a quick buff with a silver polishing cloth restores the shine in seconds. See our jewellery care tips further down this page.

Why does some jewellery turn your skin green?

That classic green mark comes from copper — present in sterling silver and many alloys — reacting with moisture, sweat and skincare products on your skin. It’s completely harmless, washes off with soap and water, and doesn’t mean a piece is fake, though it’s far more common with cheap base-metal fashion jewellery. To minimise it: put jewellery on after moisturiser, sunscreen and perfume have fully absorbed, keep your pieces clean and dry, and take them off before swimming.

◆  Gemstones

Are your gemstones natural or lab-created?

Every gemstone in our collection is individually reviewed by our founder, a qualified gemmologist (FGAA) with almost 20 years in the jewellery industry. Each product page clearly describes the stone you’re buying — including whether it is natural or lab-created, and any treatments — the same transparency you’d expect from a gemmological report.

Are lab-created gemstones real gemstones?

Lab-created (or lab-grown) gemstones are chemically and optically identical to their natural counterparts — a lab-created sapphire is genuinely sapphire, simply grown in weeks rather than over millions of years. They are not the same as imitations like cubic zirconia or glass, which only mimic the look. Natural stones carry rarity value; lab-created stones offer larger sizes and cleaner colour for less. Both are legitimate choices — what matters is that your jeweller tells you which is which, and we always do.

Which gemstones do you stock?

Our gemstone jewellery collection features popular precious and semi-precious stones including sapphire, ruby, emerald, amethyst, blue topaz, citrine, garnet, peridot, aquamarine, morganite, tourmaline, opal and freshwater pearl. [Adjust this list to match your live range.]

What is my birthstone?

Birthstone jewellery makes a meaningful birthday, anniversary or push-present gift. The traditional birthstones by month are: January – garnet, February – amethyst, March – aquamarine, April – diamond, May – emerald, June – pearl, July – ruby, August – peridot, September – sapphire, October – opal or tourmaline, November – citrine or topaz, and December – tanzanite or blue topaz.

Which gemstones are best for everyday wear?

Durability comes down to the Mohs hardness scale. Sapphire and ruby (hardness 9) are superbly hard-wearing — ideal for rings that never come off. Topaz and aquamarine (8), and amethyst, citrine and garnet (7–7.5), handle daily life well with sensible care. Softer or more delicate stones such as opal, pearl and emerald are best suited to earrings and pendants, or to rings you wear on occasion. It’s the first question our gemmologist asks when curating every piece.

How do I know your gemstones are genuine?

Carat Direct was founded by an FGAA-qualified gemmologist and jewellery specialist — the same qualification held by professionals who grade and identify gemstones for the trade. Every piece is curated with that expert eye, and every product description is written to accurately reflect the stone, its origin type and its setting. If a stone is treated, enhanced or lab-created, we say so.

◆  Why buy from CaratDirect

Why is Carat Direct more affordable than a jewellery store?

Traditional jewellery retail adds layers of cost before a piece ever reaches you — importers, wholesalers, showroom rents and sales commissions. Our streamlined, direct-to-customer model cuts those layers out entirely. You get the same solid gold, sterling silver and genuine gemstones at honest prices, because you’re paying for the jewellery, not the shopfront.

Is it safe to buy jewellery online?

Yes. Our store runs on a secure, encrypted checkout, your card details are never stored by us, and every purchase is backed by our returns policy and the consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law. Add expert curation and accurate, gemmologist-written descriptions, and buying jewellery online with CaratDirect is as safe as it is convenient.

◆  Ordering & payment

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express, plus PayPal. All transactions are processed through a secure, encrypted payment gateway.

Do you offer gift-ready packaging?

Every CaratDirect order arrives in presentation packaging, ready to gift — perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, graduations and “just because” moments.

◆  Shipping & delivery

Do you ship Australia-wide?

Yes — we deliver gold, silver and gemstone jewellery everywhere in Australia, from capital cities to regional and rural addresses. Standard shipping is free on orders over [$X], and every parcel is sent with tracking.

How long will my order take to arrive?

Orders are dispatched within [1–2] business days. Standard delivery typically takes [2–7] business days depending on your location, and an express shipping option is available at checkout if you need your jewellery sooner.

Do you ship internationally?

At this stage we ship within Australia only. If you’re overseas and have your eye on a piece, email us at admin@caratdirect.com.au and we’ll see what we can do.

◆  Returns & warranty

What is your returns policy?

We want you to love your jewellery. If you change your mind, you can return your item within [30] days of delivery in unworn, original condition with all packaging for a refund or exchange. [Note any exclusions, e.g. earrings for hygiene reasons.] Full details are on our Returns Policy page.

Is my jewellery covered by a warranty?

Yes. All Carat Direct jewellery comes with the consumer guarantees provided under Australian Consumer Law, which cover manufacturing faults and items not matching their description. If something isn’t right with your piece, contact us and we’ll make it right.

◆  Wearing your jewellery

Can I shower or swim in my jewellery?

We recommend taking jewellery off first. Soap and shampoo leave a film that dulls gemstones, chlorine can attack metal alloys and accelerate tarnish on sterling silver, and salt water is harsher still. Solid gold will survive the occasional shower, but your stones and settings will stay brilliant far longer if water time is jewellery-free time.

Can I sleep in my jewellery?

You can, but it’s kinder not to. Chains kink and strain against pillows, earring posts bend, and claw settings can catch on fabric while you sleep. A simple habit of placing your pieces in a dish or pouch each night noticeably extends the life of fine jewellery — and prevents the dreaded morning necklace knot.

Any tips for layering necklaces or stacking rings?

For necklace layering, vary your chain lengths by around 5 cm per layer — say 40, 45 and 50 cm — so each pendant sits in its own space and chains don’t tangle. Mixing chain weights adds interest: pair a fine trace chain with a bolder curb link. For ring stacking, anchor the look with one statement gemstone ring and build around it with slimmer bands. And mix your metals with confidence — the old rule against wearing gold and silver together is long gone.

◆  Jewellery care & sizing

How do I clean gold jewellery at home?

Soak your gold jewellery in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, gently work around the settings with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, chlorine and abrasive cleaners. A word from our gemmologist: skip ultrasonic cleaners for softer or porous gemstones such as opal, emerald and pearl — gentle hand-washing is always safest.

How do I stop sterling silver jewellery tarnishing?

Wear it often — the natural oils in your skin help keep sterling silver bright. When you’re not wearing it, store it in an airtight pouch or zip-lock bag, ideally with an anti-tarnish strip. Put jewellery on after perfume, hairspray and sunscreen, remove it before swimming, and give it an occasional buff with a silver polishing cloth.

How do I find my ring size?

Australian ring sizes use letters — the same system as the UK. The easiest at-home method is to measure the inside diameter of a ring that already fits and match it against a ring size chart; a strip of paper wrapped around your finger works too. Measure at the end of the day when fingers are at their largest, and if you’re between sizes, size up. For the full step-by-step, conversion chart and pro tips, see our Jewellery Sizing Guide.

What ring size should I buy as a surprise gift?

Borrow a ring they already wear on the intended finger and measure its inside diameter against our ring size chart — or trace the inside circle onto paper. If you’re guessing entirely, the most commonly purchased women’s sizes in Australia sit around M to O and men’s around S to U; sizing up is always safer than down, since a slightly loose ring can be resized far more easily than a tight one can be squeezed on. Our Jewellery Sizing Guide walks through every method.

How should I store my jewellery?

Store pieces separately in soft pouches or a fabric-lined jewellery box so metals and gemstones don’t scratch each other. Keep jewellery away from humidity and prolonged direct sunlight — some gemstones, like amethyst, can slowly fade with extended sun exposure. Chains should be fastened and laid flat or hung to prevent knots.

Still have a question?

We’re real jewellery people and we love talking gemstones. Email admin@caratdirect.com.au and we’ll get back to you promptly.