A Guide to Metals

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From karat to color to metal sensitivities, there's a metal for everyone that combines beauty with durability all while taking your lifestyle into account.

What is a Gold Karat?

When discussing Yellow, White, and Rose , you'll notice they come in different karats (abbreviated to 'k').
A karat is the measurement of gold to other metals in the alloy.

You'll also have noticed that these have a range, typically being: 10k, 14k, 18k, and 24k.

While 24k is too soft for everyday wear, we'll keep to 10k - 18k in our discussion.

Yellow Gold Alloy

  • Pure Gold (Yellow)
  • Copper (Strength)
  • Silver (Malleability)
  • Zinc (Fluidity)

White Gold Alloy

  • Pure Gold (Yellow)
  • Nickel or Palladium (White)
  • Copper (Strength)
  • Zinc (Fluidity)

Rose Gold Alloy

  • Pure Gold (Yellow)
  • Copper (Rose)
  • Silver/Zinc (Malleability)

The Different Karats

Internationally, the Gold Karat Scale includes several standardized purity levels:

  • 18k (75.0% pure gold)
  • 14k (58.3% pure gold)
  • 10k (41.7% pure gold)

With decreasing the amount of pure gold, the proportion of other alloying metals are increased and alters its properties. This marriage of durability and beauty has made 14k the most common go-to karat for reliability:

  • As karat percentage decreases, durability increases
  • The higher the karat, the more intense the color, while the lower the karat, the intensity diminishes
  • Karat and Price often correlate

It should also be noted that all White Gold is Rhodium Plated. This plating is what gives White Gold its beautiful white shine. Over time, and depending on how roughly it is worn, this plating can wear away over time to reveal the pale yellow underneath. Thankfully, re-plating your white gold is a quick and easy process for a jeweler.

  • 10k Gold

    While this karat will have a lighter coloring, its durability is greater than higher karats.

    Pros

    • Most durable and scratch-resistant
    • Most affordable

    Cons

    • Least pure gold content
    • Paler, less vibrant (not evident under rhodium plating)

    Best Suited For

    • Daily wear
    • Active Lifestyles

  • 14k Gold

    Seen as the 'gold standard,' this karat has a beautiful blend of durability and visual appeal.

    Pros

    • Balanced durability and gold content
    • Affordable
    • Most recognized color (not evident under rhodium plating)

    Cons

    • Slightly lighter color than higher karats
    • Less pure than 18k

    Best Suited For

    • Everyday wear
    • Everyday luxury

  • 18k Gold

    The highest karat for everyday wear is a luxurious balance of purity and wearability with a rich color.

    Pros

    • Highest gold content
    • Rich color (not evident under rhodium plating)

    Cons

    • Highest price point
    • More susceptible to scratching
    • Requires gentler handling

    Best Suited For

    • Luxury jewelry pieces
    • Special occassion items
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Metal Sensitivities

You may have experienced this yourself or have heard of it before: White Gold causing skin to be itchy, rashy, or even have blisters.

You may be surprised to hear that this reaction is caused by Nickel! Commonly referred to as a Nickel Allergy, most jewelers are able to create your jewelry with Palladium in the alloy rather than Nickel, so you can enjoy your perfect piece in the color you love.

Platinum

  • addison three stone engagement ring with green lab sapphire round

  • If you are uncertain if you have a metal sensitivity, or perhaps don't want to run the risk of having to re-rhodium plate your jewelry, Platinum may be the perfect choice for you!

    Considered a highly hypoallergenic metal, it's also very durable. Stamped with '950,' this indicates it is 95% pure Platinum, with the remaining 5% being other alloys.

    It's naturally bright, silvery-white color won't fade, tarnish, or require rhodium plating.

    Pros

    • Hypoallergenic
    • Durable

    Cons

    • Highest price point
    • Scratches easily

    Best Suited For

    • Everyday wear (with care)
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With so many options to choose from, you're bound to find something you truly love, within budget, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

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