Metal Education

Gold & Platinum

Gold

Gold is the softest of all precious metals used for jewelry, but will not rust, tarnish, or corrode. The metal is naturally yellow, but depending on the percent and type of alloys mixed in, the color can be changed to white or rose. Pure gold is too soft to be worn so it is necessary that it be mixed with alloys to make it stronger. Since gold is mixed with alloys, the different levels of purity are referred to by Karatage (K) and expressed in 24ths. The two most common types of gold used for jewelry are 14K (58.3% gold) and 18K (75.0% gold).

Gold Care Practices: Gold is affected when in contact with harsh chemicals, so it is recommended to take off your jewelry before using chemical products.

Platinum

Platinum is the rarest and sturdiest of all jewelry metals. The purity of this metal makes it naturally hypoallergenic which is good for people with sensitive skin. When setting gems in place, this metal is the most secure because of its density. It also has a natural white color, therefore, it will not need plating or fade. Over time, there will be natural wear and tear such as patina or minor scratches. When there are scratches on the surface, Platinum may be polished, but only to a certain extent to decrease the amount of metal being removed.

Platinum Care Practices: The best way to clean platinum is with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

Metal Allergies

Metals may cause some people to have allergic reactions to the jewelry they are wearing. Chances are, that they are not wearing real gold or that it is not as pure; as nickel is often added to give color to rings and to provide durability because gold is naturally soft. For instance, nickel is added to white gold, but not to yellow or rose gold to keep the jewelry’s true color. If you suspect that you are having allergic reactions, remove the jewelry at once and wash with soap and warm water. Also, call your doctor to avoid risks and to make sure that your jewelry is causing the reactions.