Behind The Gold
Gold is more than metal. It's memory. It's legacy. It's emotion made wearable.At Jewellery by Dabrai, gold isn't just what our jewellery is made of — it's what connects you to something deeper. Passed down, polished, and lived in, gold carries stories through generations.But not all gold is the same. So let’s take you behind the glow.
What Is Gold Karatage?
Karatage refers to the purity of gold. Pure gold (24 karat) is soft — too soft to be worn every day. So, it’s blended with other precious metals to make it stronger, more wearable, and often more beautiful.
Karat Purity & Notes
24kt: 99.9% — Pure, soft, not ideal for everyday wear
18kt: 75% — High purity, warmer tone, luxurious fee
14kt: 58.5% — Balanced strength and shine
9kt: 37.5% — Durable, timeless, everyday luxury
Types of Gold Plating
Flash Plating (Gold Wash / Electroplated)
Very thin layer of gold (less than 0.5 microns).
Common for costume jewellery.
Affordable but wears off quickly.
Vermeil (Pronounced “ver-may”)
Sterling silver base plated with at least 2.5 microns of gold (US standard).
Higher quality than standard plating, hypoallergenic if nickel-free.
Popular for fine jewellery but more affordable than solid gold.
Gold-Filled (Not plating but often confused)
A thick layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base metal (at least 5% of total weight must be gold by law in the US).
Both Vermeil and Gold-Filled jewellery don't hold resale value like solid gold and while generally hypoallergenic, if the gold layer wears down and the brass core, it can cause skin reactions for sensitive wearers. And are still NOT solid gold.
Why We Use 9kt Gold
Stronger
Retains colour and shine over time
Solid gold — never plated or filled
Certified & hallmarked for purity
Accessible luxury — quality without compromise
Option of higher karatage gold can be used on request when creating custom pieces.
"Made to last for genetations"— just like the memories you’ll create with it."
Trusted by the Jewellery Council of South Africa
As a proud member, Jewellery by Dabrai upholds the highest standards of quality, integrity, and professionalism.
Every piece we create meets the strict criteria set by the Jewellery Council — ensuring authenticity, ethical sourcing, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Buy with confidence. Wear with pride.
