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McCaul Goldsmiths drill bits stylised photo

OUR MATERIALS

Here at McCaul Goldsmiths, our materials are very important to us. Quality over quantity is what we strive for and we make sure that every piece that passes from our hands to yours will last a lifetime, if not longer. Below we go into more detail about the metals and stones we use and how you can turn something pre-loved into a new treasure.

Gold and platinum bar on a bench

The Precious metals

Gold and platinum

We use 100% recycled gold and platinum in all of our pieces as standard. Pure gold is too soft to be used in everyday jewellery, so other metals are mixed with pure gold to create a metal suitable for everyday wear. 18ct gold is made up of 75% pure gold and 25% of other metals. Platinum is alloyed with other metals for strength and workability rather than colour and the platinum used in our jewellery is 95% platinum alloyed with 5% copper. 

The sparkle

Diamonds

We strive to work with diamond suppliers that we know and trust and have built up strong relationships with since opening our business in 2009. As we only work with suppliers that we trust, we can assure our customers that all of our diamonds are conflict free and that all of our suppliers comply with the Kimberley process. More can be read about this agreement in our sustainaibilty section of our website here.

We also offer the choice of using lab grown diamonds, if you so wish. Get in touch with us and we can go into more detail with you about your diamond options. 

Something different

Coloured gemstones

Our coloured stone suppliers are also people we have worked with for a long time. Although there is no equivalent Kimberley process agreement for coloured stones, we strive to use only stones that have been fairly mined and ethically sourced. We choose our coloured gemstones for their unusual cuts, vivid colours and rarity. You can view the coloured stone engagement rings we have featured in our collection here.

Sustainabilty

Fairtrade

All of our pieces at McCaul Goldsmiths are made individually and can be made using Fairtrade Gold. Fairtrade Gold is sourced exclusively from mines which meet the Fairtrade Gold Standard; an internationally recognised marker of best-practice. Read more about this process in our sustainability section of our website here

From old to new

Recycling

Although all of the gold we use is 100% recycled, you have the option to recycle your own gold and use it in making your next heirloom. Although the nature of melting and reusing your gold can be more labour intensive, if it possible to do so we love to give pre-loved pieces of jewellery a new lease on life. If you have some sentimental pieces you would like reworked into something new, get in touch and we would be happy to talk you through the process. 

Have a question?

Get in touch

We'd be happy to chat about any projects you might have in mind. 

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