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Gold
Gold has been used to create the finest object of art and fine jewelry. Gold can be mixed with other metals to create different colors and karats. To regulate the use of gold, The U. S. Government has passed the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act, which states that if an item is marked with its quality, that mark should be accurate and within the tolerance provided by the Act.
Gold in its pure form, 24K, is very soft to withstand abrasions caused from daily wear. Therefore, it is alloyed with other metals to give it strength. Common gold alloys are silver, copper, nickel, and zinc.
Gold color is determined by the percentage of alloys that is included in the metal. The shade of gold color will vary, when gold is alloyed with silver, copper, and zinc. It becomes white gold, when gold is alloyed with nickel, copper, and zinc. Yellow and white gold are very similar in strength and malleability. White gold and platinum looks very similar, but the two have very different properties and values.
The purity of gold is measured in Karats. 24K is 100% pure gold, 18K or 750 is 75% gold and 25% alloy, and 14K or 585 is 58% gold and 42% alloy. When the karat weight or the gold percentage is high, the yellow color of gold is brighter.
18K gold for jewelry is considered a better choice, because it is rich in color and durable. White gold is an affordable substitute from platinum.
For gold cleaning and care, please refer to the Jewelry Care Gallery.
To learn more about Gold.
Platinum
Platinum is the most precious and durable metal used for jewelry.
Most platinum jewelry are 95% pure platinum and 5% iridium or palladium alloy. It is excellent for people who are allergic to other metals, since platinum is hypoallergenic.
Platinum jewelry is more rare than gold jewelry.
Platinum is naturally a white metal. When it mined from the ground, it is white. When gold is mined from the ground, it is yellow and must be treated and alloyed to create white gold. While, platinum will always remain white and need no special treatment to maintain its beautiful white color.
Platinum is the most strongest metal and weight 60% more than gold. It feels heavier than gold.
The most common markings for platinum are; 900 Plat or 900 PT means 90% pure platinum and 10% iridium. 950 Plat or 950 PT means 95% platinum and 5% iridium.
For information about platinum cleaning and care, refer to the Jewelry care Gallery.
To learn more about Platinum.
If you are shopping for a different look try Platinum, nature’s most precious metal.
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