Comprehensive Gold, Platinum, Silver Metal Education Guide

Comprehensive Gold, Platinum, Silver Metal Education Guide

Gold:

 

24K Gold: Pure gold, also known as 24 karat (24K) gold, is the highest purity gold available. It is composed of 99.9% gold and possesses a rich, vibrant yellow color. While highly prized for its purity, 24K gold is relatively soft and malleable, making it less suitable for everyday wear.


 

18K Gold: 18 karat (18K) gold is a popular choice for fine jewelry. It consists of 75% pure gold alloyed with other metals such as copper, silver, or zinc. 18K gold strikes a balance between purity and durability, offering a luxurious appearance with added strength for everyday wear.


 

14K Gold: 14 karat (14K) gold is a durable and affordable option for jewelry. It contains 58.3% pure gold, making it more durable than higher karatages while still maintaining a beautiful golden hue. 14K gold is widely used in a variety of jewelry designs and is known for its versatility and durability.


 

10K Gold: 10 karat (10K) gold is the minimum karatage that can be legally sold as gold jewelry in the United States. It contains 41.7% pure gold and is alloyed with other metals for added strength and durability. 10K gold offers a budget-friendly option for those seeking the beauty of gold at a more affordable price point.


Platinum:

 

Platinum 950: Platinum 950, or 950 platinum, is the most common type of platinum used in jewelry. It is composed of 95% pure platinum alloyed with other metals such as iridium or ruthenium for added strength and durability. Platinum 950 is prized for its naturally white color, exceptional durability, and hypoallergenic properties, making it an ideal choice for engagement rings and wedding bands.


 

Platinum 900: Platinum 900, or 900 platinum, contains 90% pure platinum and 10% other metals. While slightly less pure than Platinum 950, Platinum 900 still offers excellent durability and a beautiful white luster, making it a popular choice for fine jewelry pieces.


 

Platinum 850: Platinum 850, or 850 platinum, contains 85% pure platinum and 15% other metals. This lower platinum content makes it slightly less expensive than higher karatages while still maintaining many of platinum's desirable qualities, such as durability and hypoallergenic properties.


Palladium:

 

Palladium 950: Palladium 950 is a member of the platinum group metals and is prized for its natural white color, similar to platinum. It is composed of 95% pure palladium alloyed with other metals for added strength and durability. Palladium 950 offers excellent durability, resistance to tarnishing, and hypoallergenic properties, making it an excellent choice for fine jewelry.


 

Palladium 500: Palladium 500 contains 50% pure palladium and 50% other metals. This lower palladium content makes it more affordable than higher palladium alloys while still offering many of palladium's desirable qualities. Palladium 500 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious customers seeking the benefits of a precious metal.


Silver:

 

Sterling Silver: Sterling silver is a popular choice for jewelry and is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This alloy is known as .925 silver and is recognized for its bright, lustrous appearance. Sterling silver jewelry is durable, affordable, and versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of designs.


 

Fine Silver: Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and is considered the highest purity silver available for jewelry making. While exceptionally pure, fine silver is softer and more prone to scratching or bending than sterling silver. It is often used for specialized jewelry pieces or in combination with other metals for added strength.