What to look for when choosing 22ct gold jewellery

22ct gold is the deep, warm yellow gold most Fiji Indian families grew up with. It glows against every skin tone and it is the gold of weddings, Diwali and family milestones. Here is what we look at ourselves when helping someone choose a piece they'll wear for years.

The 916 stamp

22ct gold is 91.6% gold and is stamped 916. You'll usually find the stamp:

• on the tag or hook of a chain or necklace,
• on the inside of a bangle,
• on the post, hook or back of an earring,
• inside the band of a ring.

Small pieces may carry the stamp on a tiny tag rather than the piece itself. Our 22ct pieces are stamped 916, and we're always happy to point it out. Our post on how to read the purity stamp explains the other numbers you'll see.

Finish and clasps

Pick the piece up, turn it over and try it on. A few things are worth a quick look:

• Clasps and hooks. A good clasp opens easily and closes firmly. On heavier necklaces, a sturdy hook or box clasp is easy to live with.
• Finish. The inside of a bangle and the back of a pendant should feel smooth against your skin.
• Earring backs. Backs should sit snugly. For larger earrings, a secure back or a hook that closes is more comfortable.

Getting the size right

Rings and bangles that fit well get worn. Measure an existing bangle or ring that fits, or use our ring size guide. If you live overseas and are buying for a trip home, our post on ring and bangle sizes before you fly explains how to measure at home.

For chains and necklaces, think about where the piece should sit. A chain that suits a work shirt may sit differently over a saree blouse, so bring a photo of the outfit if you can.

Matching pieces

22ct gold looks its best when the pieces work together. A necklace with matching earrings, or bangles that echo the pattern of a pendant, gives a finished look for a wedding or puja. If you already own a family piece you love, bring it in or bring a photo, and we'll help you find something that sits well beside it. With 1,000+ designs in store, chosen from makers in more than 10 countries, there's usually a good match.

Choosing for the occasion

• Everyday. A fine chain, a simple pendant, small studs or a pair of slim bangles. Easy to wear to work and out.
• Festivals and family functions. A medium necklace or long chain with earrings, and a few bangles.
• Weddings. A bridal set, mangalsutra, bangles and earrings, often given by different sides of the family. Our Fiji Indian wedding jewellery guide covers who traditionally gives what, and our bridal page shows the kind of sets we carry.
• Gifts. Baby bangles, a first chain, earrings for a graduation. Heavier or more detailed pieces cost more, and we'll show you options to suit your budget.

Care, briefly

22ct is rich and pure, so treat it kindly. Take bangles and rings off for heavy work, put jewellery on after perfume and lotion, and store pieces separately in soft pouches. Our 22ct gold care guide has more.

Come in and compare

The easiest way to choose is to see pieces side by side and try them on. Tell us what the piece is for, roughly what you'd like to spend and any sizes you know, and we'll bring out a few options to compare. If you're travelling to Nadi, call or Viber us before you come and we'll have ideas ready.