Platinum
Platinum's naturally white polish will never fade or change color, and emphasizes the sparkle and brilliance of the diamond. Platinum is a popular metal for engagement rings and wedding bands. Platinum will last forever, making it the representation of true and everlasting love.
Density and Durability
Platinum's density makes it the most secure setting for your diamonds or precious stones, it is very durable. Because platinum is a naturally white metal, re-plating is unnecessary; it will always hold its beauty.
Platinum's Coating:
Although it is the strongest of jewelry metals, platinum can experience scratching and develop a coating of wear. The coating is considered by many to be a unique and often desirable attribute. However, the pre-coating shine and reflective luster can easily be revived by merely polishing it with a soft cloth. How to Maintain Platinum's Metal Shine:
It's easy. Simply soak platinum in a solution of warm soapy water, and then gently scrub it.
Gold
Gold has an astonishing legacy with unique qualities. As a lasting element found naturally in a yellow color, gold is resistant to rust and tarnish. Even though gold is very strong, it's also the most flexible of all the precious metals.
Purity
Pure Gold is too soft for everyday wear, so it is mixed with numerous different types of metals like silver, copper, nickel, and zinc to give it strength and durability. Karat age (K), indicates how much of the metal in a piece of jewelry is gold. 24K Gold is 100% Gold, 18K Gold is 75% Gold and 14K Gold is 58.3% Gold, with the other 41.7% being composed of other metals.
Colors
The color of Gold is determined by the types of metal mixtures used and the percentage of each metal mixture.
Yellow Gold is a mixture of copper, silver and pure gold. These elements are what give yellow gold jewelry its signature shine.
White Gold is made by combining gold with naturally white metal mixtures and plated by an extremely hard element called Rhodium. Although it is a strong element, rhodium may wear over time. Replanting your jewelry is a simple process that will restore the color of your jewelry.
Black Rhodium is plated to white gold creating a rich black appearance that is extremely strong. Like traditional white rhodium, black rhodium may wear away over time.
Rose Gold is a beautiful pink hue that is created by using a copper mixture. The overall percentage of the metal mixtures is the same for rose gold as it is for yellow and white, there is just a different mixture of metals used.
Pricing
The pricing of gold jewelry are dependent of the purity of the gold used or karat weight, the market value of gold, and the design of each piece of jewelry.
Care
Since gold is a natural element, it is affected by harsh chemical like chlorine or other cleaning products, so removing jewelry when being exposed to these chemicals reduces scratches and extends the shine.
Silver
Pure Silver, or fine silver is very soft and easily damaged so it is usually combined with other metals to make a more durable product. The most popular of these metals is Sterling Silver which is made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. The price of the silver item is affected by the labor involved in making the item, the skill of the craftsperson, and the complexity of the design.
Sterling Silver is most often used for jewelry and household accessories because of its combination of beauty and durability. Acceptable quality marks of sterling silver include: Sterling, Sterling Silver, and .925
Care
With proper care, your fine quality silver will last a lifetime. Avoid exposing your silver to household chemicals when cleaning with bleach or ammonia, or when swimming in chlorinated water, because these chemicals can damage silver. Wearing your silver jewelry is the best way to prevent discoloration, and regular cleanings will keep your silver bright and sparkling.
Palladium
Pure Silver, or fine silver is very soft and easily damaged so it is usually combined with other metals to make a more durable product. The most popular of these metals is Sterling Silver which is made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. The price of the silver item is affected by the labor involved in making the item, the skill of the craftsperson, and the complexity of the design.