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.
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?

6K gold has a soft champagne yellow tone with a subtle warm glow. The colour comes from the gold within the alloy — not from a surface treatment — so it stays for the life of the piece. Solid gold doesn't fade. That's the point.
I wear high-karat gold. Will 6K match?

Most of our customers pair their 18K engagement rings and 9K heirlooms with 6K pieces without issue. The colour difference is minimal, and the two sit comfortably together.
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 meaningful 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.
What is the point of 6K jewellery?

6K gold is the middle ground between gold-plated fashion jewellery and high-karat fine jewellery. It's made for everyday wear with real gold, real durability, and real accessibility. Our jewellery isn't reserved for special occasions. It's made to move with you.
client care
Do I receive a warranty?

We believe in what we've built, and we'll stand by it. Every Quarter Carat piece is crafted in our original 6K Solid Gold Alloy, made to live with you day in, day out. Our 2-Year Warranty covers manufacturing defects — including structural faults or stones lost due to a setting defect.

For full details, click here.
How do I find my ring size?

Our Quarter Carat Ring Sizer is designed to help you find your perfect fit before you buy. Short on time? Our step-by-step Ring Size Guide walks you through it quickly. Getting the fit right matters. Don’t hesitate to reach us at hello@quartercarat.com.au for support when sizing.

Can you customise ring sizes?

Yes. If your size isn't listed on a product page, reach out to us at hello@quartercarat.com.au and we can custom make for you. We'll confirm the timeframe when you get in touch.
What if I get my size wrong?

No stress. Contact our team and we'll guide you through a return or resize. We also offer complimentary virtual appointments to help you find the right fit — before or after purchase.
What payment methods do you accept?

We accept credit and debit cards, and offer express checkout via GPay, PayPal, and Shop Pay. If you run into any difficulties, contact us at hello@quartercarat.com.au or submit a customer support form.
Do you offer payment plans?

Not yet — but it's something we're open to if it helps our customers. If a payment plan would make a difference for you, get in touch at hello@quartercarat.com.au and let us know.
How do I remove scratches from my jewellery?

The short answer: gently. Minor surface scratches can often be buffed out at home using a soft, lint-free polishing cloth designed for gold. Use light, circular motions — no toothpaste, no baking soda, no DIY hacks. Abrasive materials feel helpful but take more off the surface than you'd like.

For deeper scratches, a professional jeweller can polish your piece back to near-original condition. It's worth doing for something you wear every day.

The key thing to know: scratches on solid gold are surface-level. They don't compromise the integrity of the metal underneath. Your piece is still the same quality it was on day one.
What is considered reasonable wear and tear?

It depends on how you wear your piece. Like higher-karat fine jewellery, solid gold will naturally show signs of life over time — minor surface scratches, a subtle shift in finish, the kind of patina that comes from actually being worn. That's not a flaw. That's jewellery doing its job.

What you won't see is peeling, flaking, or a base metal creeping through — because there isn't one. Wear looks like wear, not damage.

A few things that accelerate ageing: harsh chemicals, abrasive surfaces, and regularly sleeping or swimming in your jewellery. If something feels beyond normal wear, our warranty has you covered.
Are your prices fixed?

Our prices reflect the current market value of gold — and gold moves. When it does, we do our best to absorb as much of that shift as possible before it reaches you. Occasionally prices need to adjust, but we're always honest about why.

What you're always paying for is the real thing. No fillers, no plating, no compromise. Just solid gold at the fairest price we can offer.
How can I provide feedback?

We genuinely want to hear from you. Send feedback through our customer form or email us directly at hello@quartercarat.com.au.
Shipping & Returns
When will I get my order?

Most orders arrive within 3–5 business days. Once yours is on its way, you'll receive a tracking email so you can follow it from our door to yours.

We currently ship within Australia, though we're working on changing that. If you're outside Australia and want to place an order, reach out to us at hello@quartercarat.com.au — we'll do our best to make it work.
Are there shipping charges?

Standard shipping is free across Australia. If you need it faster:

  • Express shipping (1–4 business days): $15
  • Overnight Courier: $20

Delivery timeframes are estimates and may vary by location. For international orders, complete our enquiry form with your delivery country and city and we'll arrange a custom quote.
Do you offer gift wrapping?

Every Quarter Carat order arrives in complimentary eco-friendly packaging — no extra cost, no special request needed. It's designed to be as considered as the jewellery inside, and doubles as ideal storage for when you're not wearing your piece.

Basically, the unboxing does some of the work for you.
What is the return and exchange policy?

You can return your purchase within 30 days of delivery, and we'll cover the postage. To be eligible, pieces must be unworn, in original saleable condition, returned with all packaging, and accompanied by proof of purchase or your order number.

Please note: for hygiene reasons, earrings cannot be returned or exchanged.

Prefer a different size or style? Let us know when submitting your return and we'll organise an exchange. For full details, click here.