The Guide

585 means that 585 of 1000 parts are pure gold: 14 karat. On 18 karat, it says 750.

Yes. A lab-grown diamond is carbon in the same crystal structure as a natural diamond, with the same hardness and sparkle. Only the origin differs: a lab instead of the earth.

Yes, 9k is real gold, but only 37.5% of it is gold. The rest is other metal, such as silver and copper. That makes it paler in colour and worth less than 14k.

Yes. They're grown in a mussel and made of real nacre, not glass or plastic. Cultured simply means a person started the process.

By the hallmark: 585 is 14k, 750 is 18k. Letters like GP, HGE or GF mean a layer. In doubt? Have it tested by a jeweller.

Cubic zirconia is a stone of zirconium oxide made in the lab, with no mining involved. It's precisely cut and looks like a diamond. At TOV, cubic zirconia is always set in real gold.

Yes. White gold is real gold mixed with white metals. At TOV it's 14 karat (585), with a fine rhodium layer for the bright white shine. Never gold-plated.

Yes, water does nothing to real gold. Soap and shampoo can make it look dull, so give your jewellery a polish now and then. Rings with stones are better taken off.