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Gold, Silver, Platinum: A Guide to Choosing the Right Jewelry Metal

From the Vault Jewelers
Feb 133 min read

Updated: Feb 27

Exploring the Various Types of Jewelry Metals

Three rings with colorful gemstones: blue on gold, red on white gold with diamonds, and green on platinum. Plain white background.
Each of these rings is made from a different type of metal! Can you guess which one is which?

Gold

The purity of gold is measured in karats (k), with higher karat values indicating a higher percentage of gold. For example:

  • 24k (Pure Gold): Rarely used in jewelry due to its softness.

  • 18k (Stamped 750): Contains 75% gold, offering a rich yellow hue and a balance of purity and durability.

  • 14k (Stamped 585): Contains 58.5% gold, more affordable and durable, with a brassy yellow color suitable for everyday wear.

(Stamped—if you have a ring, for example, you should see either the karat amount or the associated karat number inside the band)

Gold ring with a large blue gemstone surrounded by small diamonds, set against a plain white background. Elegant and luxurious design.
Yellow gold band From the Vault

-Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is a classic and traditional choice in jewelry. Its natural color doesn't require additional treatments, making it a lower-maintenance option compared to white gold.



-White Gold

White gold is an alloy (a mix of two or more metals) of gold mixed with white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. It's a popular choice for engagement rings and modern designs due to its sleek, sophisticated appearance. However, white gold can develop a yellowish tint over time, as it's typically plated with rhodium to maintain its bright white finish. Regular re-plating is needed to keep its luster, making it slightly higher in maintenance and cost compared to yellow gold. Despite this, white gold remains a favorite for its contemporary aesthetic and versatility.

white gold ring with a large ruby gemstone and two diamonds on either side. The band is adorned with small diamonds, set against a white background.
White gold band From the Vault

-Gold-Filled

Gold-filled jewelry is a cost-effective alternative to solid gold pieces. It's created by bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal, usually brass. This layer is significantly thicker than gold plating, making gold-filled jewelry more durable and resistant to tarnishing. It provides the look and feel of gold at a fraction of the price, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious consumers.

-Rose Gold

Rose gold, known for its warm, pinkish hue, is made by mixing gold with copper and sometimes a small amount of silver. The copper content gives rose gold its distinct color, with higher copper content resulting in a deeper red tone. Rose gold is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and resistant to tarnish. Its unique color makes it a popular choice for romantic and vintage-inspired designs.



Silver earrings with intricate circular patterns and central green stones, set against a plain gray background. Elegant and detailed design.
Silver earrings From the Vault


Silver

Silver is a popular metal in jewelry making due to its affordability and bright, lustrous appearance. The most commonly used form is sterling silver (stamped 925), which contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper, to enhance its strength. While silver can tarnish over time when exposed to air and moisture, requiring regular polishing, it's favored for intricate designs and is often used in combination with other metals to create striking pieces.



Two rings with blue sapphires and white diamonds on a light background. One ring features a complex design; the other is a simple band.
This ring is made of white gold This ring is made of silver


Platinum

Platinum is a premium metal known for its durability, rarity, and natural hypoallergenic properties. It's denser and more durable than gold and silver, making it highly resistant to wear and tarnish. When gold is scratched, small amounts of the metal are worn away, occasionally requiring reinforcement. If something manages to damage platinum, the metal will "smudge" and not flake off. Platinum is also over 50% heavier than gold and is 30 times rarer.


"If all the platinum ever mined were melted and poured into an Olympic-sized pool, the platinum would barely reach your ankles. Gold, however, would fill three pools."

platinum ring with a large emerald center stone flanked by two triangular diamonds, set against a plain white background. Elegant and luxurious.
Platinum ring From the Vault

Platinum's natural white color and strength make it an ideal choice for secure settings in engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Its strength significantly decreases the chances of a lost diamond. The natural bright white color allows gems to sparkle and appear more vibrant than against white gold or silver.



Alloys

Alloys enhance the properties of pure metals. By combining different metals, jewelers can improve strength, durability, and aesthetic qualities. For example:

  • Nickel Alloys: Commonly used in white gold, but can cause allergic reactions in some people.

  • Palladium Alloys: Used in white gold and platinum to add strength without affecting color.



Selecting the Right Metal

When choosing a metal for your jewelry, consider factors such as your lifestyle, budget, and personal style. Each metal offers unique benefits:

  • Platinum: Best for durability and hypoallergenic properties.

  • Yellow Gold: Offers a classic look and affordability.

  • White Gold: Provides a modern, sleek appearance but requires maintenance.

  • Rose Gold: Ideal for a romantic and unique aesthetic.

  • Silver: Budget-friendly but less durable, suitable for intricate designs but will require more maintenance and repairs, stones could be lost.

 
 
 

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