Frequently asked questions
Gold Related
What is 6K gold?
6K gold is solid gold jewellery containing 25% pure gold, alloyed with premium, hypoallergenic metals for strength and longevity. It sits within the recognised global karat classification system which means the gold exists throughout the material, not just on the surface. Unlike plated or base-metal jewellery, each piece holds real material value at its core.
What metals are in Quarter Carat 6K gold?
Our 6K gold is 25% pure gold, with the remaining 75% made up of precious metals like silver, copper, and zinc. That specific blend is what gives our pieces their warm champagne tone, while also making them more durable than higher-karat gold and safe for sensitive skin.
We're nickel and cadmium free. No fillers, no shortcuts, no metals that irritate. Just a formula we've spent years getting right.
Is 6K jewellery real gold or plated?
Solid gold — not plated, filled, or bonded. Gold-plated jewellery has only a thin surface layer that wears away over time. 6K gold contains real gold throughout the entire piece, which means it won't peel or rub off, it maintains its integrity with wear, and it holds genuine material value.
Is 6K gold legal in Australia?
Yes. Quarter Carat has pioneered a new way to wear solid gold jewellery. Our alloy is 25% pure gold with 75% premium metals including silver, copper, and zinc. It sits within the recognised karat classification system and is fully compliant in Australia.
Does 6K meet the Australian gold fineness standard?
No. The relevant Australian standard, AS 2140-2008, identifies 9K (37.5% gold) as its minimum gold fineness. Our 6K alloy contains 25% pure gold and does not meet that minimum.
We identify our jewellery as 6K so customers can understand its composition before purchasing. The remaining 75% is silver, copper and zinc.
What do you mean by “solid” 6K?
We mean that the underlying piece is made from a 6K alloy throughout, with gold content distributed through that alloy rather than confined to a surface coating.
Each piece is stamped 6K and with our Q maker’s mark. These identify its declared fineness and maker.
What does karat mean?
Karat measures the purity of gold — the ratio of pure gold to other metals in the alloy, based on 24 parts total. 24K is 100% pure gold (and very soft). 18K is 75% gold. 6K is 25% gold, alloyed with durable metals that make it suited to everyday wear.
Is 6K gold durable?
Yes. Our alloy is engineered for daily wear. It won't fade or tarnish the way gold-plated or filled pieces do. The 75% precious metal blend creates pieces that are waterproof and scratch-resistant, built to move with you rather than sit in a drawer.
How does 6K compare to 9K or 18K gold?
The difference is the proportion of pure gold: 6K is 25%, 9K is 37.5%, 18K is 75%. Visually, 6K is designed to sit comfortably alongside traditional gold tones and many of our customers wear it seamlessly with their existing collection. Where 6K stands apart is in its balance of strength, real material value, and accessibility.
What colour is 6K gold? Does the colour stay?
Our 6K alloy has a yellow champagne gold colour, a softer shade than bright yellow gold. The exact tone can vary slightly between pieces.
In our wear testing, our pieces haven’t changed colour. Depending on how jewellery is worn and cared for, some surface discolouration may develop. Where we’ve observed this, cleaning with warm water and mild detergent, and polishing with a soft jewellery cloth has restored its original yellow champagne gold appearance.
To keep your jewellery looking its best, follow our care guide and remove it before swimming, gardening or using cleaning chemicals.
Will 6K gold tarnish or fade?
No, not in the way plated jewellery does. With normal care, 6K gold maintains its colour and integrity, withstands daily wear, and ages naturally over time. Surface marks may develop through use, but these can be polished. What you won't see is peeling, flaking, or a base metal creeping through.
Can I swim, shower, or exercise in 6K gold?
6K gold is built for real life, and occasional water exposure is fine. For longevity, we recommend removing jewellery before prolonged pool or ocean swimming, exposure to harsh chemicals, or intensive physical activity. A little care goes a long way… but you already knew that.
Does 6K gold have intrinsic value?
Yes. Because it contains pure gold, it carries inherent material value unlike plated or base-metal jewellery, whose worth is surface deep. While jewellery should be purchased for enjoyment first, 6K gold offers a tangible substance that remains valuable over time.
Is Quarter Carat jewellery ethically sourced?
Yes. All our gold is responsibly sourced or recycled. Every piece is designed in Melbourne and crafted by trusted manufacturers with sustainability and integrity at the heart of the process. We don't support child-labour gold. You can read more about our position here.
Is your jewellery stamped or quality assured?
Every Quarter Carat piece undergoes strict quality control before release. Each piece is stamped with our signature logo alongside the 6K mark verifying its solid gold composition and craftsmanship.
Are Quarter Carat pieces good for sensitive skin?
Yes. Our alloy — gold, silver, copper, and zinc — is chosen for stability, strength, and skin compatibility. We avoid nickel and cadmium entirely. The result is jewellery you don't have to take a break from. Sleep in it. Shower in it. Live in it.
What gemstones do you use?
Our current range incorporates cubic zirconia, freshwater pearls, and premium-quality lab-grown diamonds.
Why choose 6K over higher-karat gold?
If high-karat is what you're looking for, it can absolutely be the right choice. But if you want something just as beautiful, made for daily wear, at a significantly more accessible price — our range offers that.
Why not just buy pre-owned gold jewellery?
Pre-owned can be a great option, but it comes with trade-offs: signs of wear, difficulty verifying authenticity, limited modern design choices, and — particularly for earrings — hygiene considerations. 6K gold jewellery gives you a guaranteed starting point: authenticated, durable, and designed for the way you actually live.
How should I care for my gold pieces?
Solid gold is made to last, but a little routine care keeps it looking its best.
- Store pieces separately or in their original box to avoid scratches from harder metals
- Remove jewellery before harsh chemicals, workouts, or extended swimming
- Clean occasionally with warm soapy water, a soft toothbrush, and a lint-free cloth
What is the history of Quarter Carat?
Founded in 2025, Quarter Carat is built on over 35 years of combined experience in fine gold jewellery — spanning design, sourcing, manufacturing, and wholesale. We've worked with solid gold throughout our careers. We understand alloys, durability, skin safety, and what it takes to create jewellery that performs beautifully over time.
As gold prices continue to rise, our purpose is simple: make real gold more accessible, wearable, and transparent — without compromising what makes it valuable. We stand in the space between modern design and fine jewellery, creating pieces made to be worn every day.