18ct is stamped with either 18ct or 750, this means that 75% is made up of pure gold and 12.5% is copper and 12.5 % is silver, whereas 9ct which is stamped either 9ct or 375 is made up of 37.5% of pure gold and 62.5 % of copper and silver. What this means is the 18ct has a more yellow colour and is the colour that we normally associate gold to be, whereas 9ct. has a more copper colour

Metal hardness is measured by the Vickers scale. 18ct has a Vickers hardness of 125 and 9ct has a hardness of 120. This shows 18ct as harder, but the difference is so slight that in practical terms they are much the same.

White gold and Platinum are two different metals and have different properties. 18ct white gold is made from 75% pure gold and 25% silver and palladium (an alloy which turns the metal white). Platinum used in rings is made from almost 100% pure platinum (95%). Because it is a heavier and denser material it not only weighs more, but is a better wearing metal and will last longer. The other benefit of platinum is that it does not need to be Rhodium plated as white gold does. Because 18ct white gold is still made up from 75% pure gold, in its natural state, it still has a slight residual yellow tinge. Therefore new rings are coated with a white solution called Rhodium. The rhodium plating is used to make the white gold look white. Depending on how the ring is worn this coating can last from one year to three years.

By having your rings checked at least once a year, we can see well ahead of time, if you have done any damage to your ring and suggest ways of fixing it.

To be sure your diamonds always sparkle, it is important to clean them periodically. Here are some recommended methods:

• Professional Cleaning
  This is the best option. We ask that you come and see us at least once a year to have your Xennox Diamond World Ring cleaned and checked by our jewellers
• Mild Liquid Detergent
  Soak your jewellery in a small bowl of warm, soapy water made with any mild liquid detergent and household ammonia. Gently brush the diamond jewellery with a soft toothbrush while it is in the suds. Then, rinse each piece under warm running water. Make sure to always stopper your sink.
• Jewellery Cleaners
  We have a range on jewellery cleaners for sale, that range from a solution only to a cleaner with battery operated ultrasonic that vibrates to clean the ring.
• Vodka on the Rocks
  No one is sure how it was actually discovered, but it is safe to say that at some point someone took the idea of a “vodka on the rocks” literally and discovered an imaginative way to clean their precious diamonds. Simply let the diamond soak in a glass of vodka. Preferably one you do not intend to drink.

A freshwater pearl is a pearl that is cultured in a mussel in a lake, whereas the traditional saltwater pearl is cultured in an oyster in the ocean. Generally, the freshwater cultured pearls are less expensive than the Akoya pearls. South Sea Pearls are also grown in the sea, but are generally a larger size than the Akoya pearls and also more expensive.

There are four main types of precious Opal – Black, Boulder, Crystal and White.

• Black Opal
  Black Opal is considered the most valuable and expensive of Opals. It has a dark background colour when viewed from above. Colours seen with this type of opal are blue and green. Stones that have a dominance of intense red colour are the most expensive. The brighter and sharper the colours, the more expensive the stone,
• Boulder Opal
  Boulder Opal is a solid Opal which consists of a fine layer of natural Opal which has formed naturally on ironstone rock.
• Crystal Opal
  Crystal Opal is transparent or extremely translucent.
• White Opal
  White Opal is the most common of all Opal. It has a light or pale background and often displays red, green and blue.

• Solid Opal
  Solid Opals are one piece of solid Opal. Solid Opals are more valuable and expensive than doublet and triplet, as the whole stone is made up from opal.
• Doublet Opal
  Doublet Opals are Opals which are made using a layer of precious Opal with either potch Opal, ironstone or plastic attached to the back. These opals are cheaper as some of the weight is not made up from opal.
• Triplet
  Triplet Opal consists of three layers, a thin layer of precious Opal, a thicker quartz layer on top of the Opal, and plastic back. As triplet Opals consist of the least carat weight of Opal they are the least expensive opal.

There are a number of ways to find out her finger size;

• Make an Impression in a bar of soap
• Trace the inside of the ring onto a piece of paper
• Place the ring on your finger as far as it will go and then mark it with a pen
• Have a friend of hers ask her finger size as a matter of curiosity.
• The safest way is to try and bring in one of her rings under the idea, that you are having it cleaned and checked.