JEWELRY METALS
GOLD
Most jewelry is set in 10K, 14K or 18K gold. Ideal for fine jewelry because of
its warmth and durability, gold is a true classic. With care, gold retains its
beautiful patina over the years.
The standard measurement of gold is the Karat, which is divided into 24 parts.
Pure gold is 24 Karats, meaning 24 out of 24 parts are gold. Because pure gold
is too soft to be used for jewelry, it is combined with other metal alloys to
increase its strength. For instance, 14K gold is 14 parts gold and 10 parts
other alloys, while 18K gold is 18 parts gold and 6 parts other alloys. 10K gold
is more durable, with 10 parts gold to 14 parts other alloys.
Alloys used with yellow gold include copper and silver. Pink gold is created by
combining gold with large amounts of copper, while green gold results from
mixing gold with copper, silver and zinc. When creating white gold, pure gold is
combined with copper, zinc and nickel (or palladium).
An important consideration in choosing yellow or white gold is the gemstone it
holds. If you place a diamond with yellow color in a yellow gold setting, the
diamond can actually appear whiter. White gold is a beautiful complement to
exceptionally white and brilliant diamonds. Also, white gold jewelry is plated
with rhodium, a shiny metal that increases the whiteness and strength of gold.
Sometimes, white gold is confused with platinum, though they are entirely
different metals. White gold and platinum vary in strength, resistance to
scratches and shades of white.
In some jewelry pieces, white and yellow gold are paired together, producing a
beautiful two-tone look.
PLATINUM
Valued for its purity, rarity and strength, platinum is considered the most
precious of all jewelry metals. Its beautiful color and elegant appearance make
it an ideal choice for brides and all jewelry lovers.
Compared to gold, platinum is five times as rare and much more pure when used in
jewelry. For instance, gold must contain at least 41% pure gold or it will no
longer be considered gold. To be considered "platinum," however, the metal must
contain at least 90% pure platinum. Recently, many jewelers have begun to offer
a more affordable alternative, 585 Platinum, containing 58.5% platinum and 41.5%
copper and cobalt.
Although they appear similar, platinum should never be mistaken for white gold.
Not only do the two metals differ in strength, but also in color. White gold is
originally produced from yellow gold, while platinum is already white.
Therefore, the color of platinum is actually whiter than white gold.
Unlike other metals, platinum does not expand or distort when exposed to heat,
and it never tarnishes. Instead, it ages beautifully by developing a lustrous
patina. This hypoallergenic metal is also heavier than most metals and commonly
used as a secure diamond setting.
SILVER
Similar to gold, silver in its purest form is soft and delicate. In order to be
used for jewelry, it is often combined with metal alloys, such as copper, to
increase its strength. When pure silver is mixed with less than 7.5% alloy, it
is known as “sterling silver.” Sterling silver is at least 92.5% pure silver and
significantly more durable than regular silver. Sterling silver jewelry is
stamped in various ways (such as "sterling" or "925") to indicate its content.
Although some jewelry metals are resistant to tarnish, silver is not. If you
have a silver piece that you do not wear very often, tarnish can build on its
surface. Regular polishing with a silver cleaner can be a quick and easy
solution. It's important to clean tarnish before it builds. Otherwise, it can
cause long-term damage to your jewelry.
TITANIUM
Titanium is a fairly recent addition to the jewelry industry, admired for its
unique appearance and maximum strength. Much lighter than steel yet three times
stronger, titanium is not combined with other metal alloys. It weighs 1/3 less
than gold and is highly resistant to dents and bending. Also, this
hypoallergenic metal will not corrode over time. The most classic colors of
titanium are gray and black with beautiful finishes such as satin, frost or
high-polish. It’s also important to note that the process of soldering (melting
metal and joining it together) is applied to many metals, except titanium.
Therefore, titanium rings cannot be resized.
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