Precious Metals

Gold

Gold, whether white, yellow or rose, is alloyed, meaning a percentage of the metal is not gold. Pure gold (100%) is 24-karat but is too soft for normal or everyday wear. 24-karat would bend and wear away quickly, so it is alloyed to give it more strength and durability. 10-karat is ten parts gold mixed with alloys such as copper, zinc, or nickel, depending on whether the manufactures want white, yellow or rose gold.

10-karat gold is 41% pure gold
14-karat is 58.5% pure gold
18-karat is 75.0% pure gold

PLATINUM

Platinum is 90% to 95% pure white metal. It is very dense and inert to almost everything like acids or strong chemicals, making it the perfect choice for anyone working with these materials such as a doctor, nurse, or chemist, for example. Platinum is also the only hypoallergenic precious metal.

STERLING SILVER

Sterling Silver is a white metal containing 95% pure silver. It is soft and is often plated to reduce tarnishing. Sterling Silver was used for decades in flatware and holloware but has lost favor due to the work required to keep it tarnish-free.

Precious Metals

Gold

PLATINUM

STERLING SILVER

Gemstone Guide

Diamond Guide

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