Gold
Gold occurs naturally deep in the earth and rises to the surface through fissures in cooled magma, forming veins of gold. It can be found as nuggets, but the largest reserves are in Australia, Russia, South Africa, the United States and other countries. Gold is extracted by drilling and crushing, then separated from the ore. The history of gold mining dates back to antiquity, notably with the Egyptians, who used it to make jewellery and sacred objects. Gold has historically been used as a currency, and it still symbolises wealth and prestige.
In jewellery, gold is often combined with other metals to make it more resistant, as it is a very malleable metal. Yellow, white and pink gold are the most commonly used, offering a variety of options to suit all tastes.
White gold
White gold is an alloy of pure gold and metals such as nickel or palladium, giving it its silvery colour. It does not occur naturally, but is manufactured to combine the value of gold with the elegance of white metals. In jewellery, it is commonly used for wedding rings, rings and necklaces, offering a modern alternative to yellow gold.
Yellow gold
Yellow gold is composed mainly of gold, silver and copper, giving it its emblematic golden colour. Highly prized for its warm glow, it is one of the most traditional forms of gold used in jewellery. Its durability and luxurious aesthetic make it a popular choice for wedding rings, bracelets and other classic jewellery.
Rose gold
Rose gold is an alloy of gold, copper and sometimes silver, giving it a soft, romantic hue. More affordable than yellow or white gold, it is very popular for wedding rings and engagement rings, particularly for its unique appearance and durability. Its delicate colour allows it to be combined with a variety of precious stones.
Gold plating
Gold plating is a method of coating a base metal, such as copper or brass, with a thin layer of gold. This process produces jewellery with the appearance of solid gold, but at a much lower cost. Although the thickness of the gold is thin, gold-plated jewellery can last a long time with proper care. It is an affordable option for enjoying the elegance of gold without the high price tag.
Copper
Copper, with its unique reddish-orange colour, is one of the first metals used by man. Its malleability and affordability make it popular for craft and bohemian jewellery. However, it oxidises easily, taking on a greenish or brownish hue, but this can be minimised by regular maintenance. Copper is also used as a component in other alloys such as brass and rose gold.
Brass
Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is appreciated in jewellery for its golden colour, sturdiness and affordability. Its malleability means it can be used to create elegant pieces in a variety of styles, and it is commonly used as the base metal for gold-plated jewellery. Although it can change colour over time, regular maintenance helps to maintain its lustre.
Rhodium
Rhodium is a rare metal, used mainly as a coating for other precious metals such as white gold and silver. Applied by electrolysis, it gives jewellery a shiny, corrosion-resistant finish. Although the rhodium coating wears off over time, it can be reapplied to restore the lustre of jewellery, particularly white gold.
Platinum
Platinum is a rare and precious metal, prized for its durability and natural beauty. Naturally white and shiny, it does not tarnish and is often used for high-quality jewellery such as wedding rings and engagement rings. Its weight and purity make it a prestigious choice for timeless jewellery.
Precious Metals in Mauritius
Mauritius is mainly known for its tourist industry and its heavenly beaches. Still, it also plays a role in the jewellery industry, even though it is not a major centre for the production of precious metals.
Gold and other precious metals:
Mauritius imports most of its precious metals. Imports of gold, silver and platinum dominate the jewellery market. Local jewellers use these materials to create refined pieces tailored to the tastes and preferences of customers, mainly tourists.
Local craftsmanship:
The jewellery sector in Mauritius tends to focus on craftsmanship and unique design, with influences that blend local traditions with international styles. The island has no gold or precious metal mines, meaning the metals used in jewellery come from abroad.
Market and tourism:
The jewellery industry in Mauritius focuses on the luxury market for international visitors. Jewellery boutiques and workshops showcase sophisticated creations, often in gold, silver or platinum, and offer unique pieces that attract tourists.
Regulation and importation:
The importation and sale of precious metals is regulated by the Mauritian authorities. Jewellers must comply with strict standards regarding the purity and quality of the precious metals they use and sell.
In summary, although Mauritius is not a centre for the production of precious metals, it plays an active role in the luxury jewellery trade, using imported metals to create unique pieces for an international market.
