Each of the precious metals we offer has its own unique properties that make it especially well-suited for jewelry. Here are just a few popular metals that are used in today's fine jewelry.
Platinum
Platinum is the rarest metal, making it considerably more expensive than even pure gold. Eighty-five tons of platinum is mined annually, compared to 1,500 tons of gold. Ten tons of ore must be mined to produce one ounce of platinum. Platinum is the purest metal. Platinum is the only precious metal used in fine jewelry that can be 95% pure. Small amounts of iridium and ruthenium (a metal from the platinum family) are commonly added to platinum. The stamp will read PLAT , PT or 950. Platinum's purity makes it the only truly hypoallergenic metal.
Platinum is also the strongest metal. It weighs 60% more than gold and has a high resistance to heat. It is very dense and extremely resistant to wear. Although platinum will still scratch just like any precious metal, the scratches do not represent material loss.
Gold
Although gold is not nearly as rare as platinum, it is equally as desirable. Gold is naturally yellow and can be found in a number of different purities. The purest form of gold is 24-karat, but this is seldom seen in rings because it is too soft for setting a diamond. Most commonly, 14-karat and 18-karat gold are used. When we talk about the different "karats" of gold we are referring to the degree to which the gold is mixed with other metals. For example, an alloy (a mix of metals) of 14 parts gold and ten parts other metal would be 14-karat gold. The more "other metal" used in the process, the stronger the gold. The varied "colors" of gold are the result of specific alloys that have been developed to change gold from its natural color. Different colors are achieved by adding different alloys. For example, white gold is made by adding nickel and zinc and rose gold is made by adding copper.
What is Rose Gold?
You've almost definitely seen rose gold jewelry, and you might even prefer it to the other tones of gold. But what you might not know is what rose gold is made from and what sets it apart from the other styles of gold.
Rose gold is an alloy made from a combination of pure gold and copper. The blend of the two metals changes the color of the final product and its karat. For example, the most common alloy of rose gold is 75 percent pure gold to 25 percent copper, which makes 18k rose gold. Changing the percentage of one metal in the alloy will change the karat.
Usually, a direct combination of copper and gold will create a robust reddish color. But, a small amount of silver can also be added to create a milder rose—with a little more silver added to create a variant of rose gold called “pink gold.”
Once considered the preserve of 19th century Russian aristocrats, the beauty and organic grace of rose gold is now available to everyone, and in the 21st century, it's roaring back to preeminence as one of the most popular gold tones for bridal and fashion jewelry.
Compared to yellow and white gold, rose gold comes with a few pros and cons. The first “pro,” of course is the beautiful color, which may be reason enough for you to choose rose gold jewelry. Also, pure gold is a very soft and scratchable material, and when it's alloyed, it gains durability to resist damage. Rose gold, thanks to its high copper content, is far more durable than yellow gold.
However, a few things should be kept in mind when you're purchasing a rose gold setting. Rose gold is not hypoallergenic, so if you're sensitive to copper, rose gold may not be right for you. Also, copper is more prone to separation and oxidation than other alloy metals, so if your ring is heated improperly, the gold and copper may separate somewhat in your jewelry. Also, the pink gold variant is softer than yellow or white gold, so if your jewelry is prone to being knocked around, delicate pink gold may not be an ideal choice.
Still, if you know your lifestyle and have a quality jeweler to maintain your pieces properly, there are few choices of jewelry more contemporary and beautiful than the blushing beauty of rose gold, and we encourage our customers to give the precious metal a closer look.
Silver
Long valued as a precious metal, silver has been used as currency, jewelry, and ornamentation for hundreds of years. A soft, malleable metal, silver is slightly harder than gold and has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal. One of the most popular forms of silver for jewelry is sterling silver. This is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Silver jewelry is often plated with a fine layer of .999 fine silver to give it a bright, lustrous finish. Rhodium plating is also commonly used to brighten the look of silver jewelry. Silver tends to tarnish and requires regular maintenance to maintain an optimum look.
Why Shop at BENARI JEWELERS?
For over 50 years, BENARI JEWELERS has bringing the highest quality choices of rose gold bridal and fashion jewelry to its community. If you're interested in what we have to offer, don't hesitate to contact us at 866-363-0808 or stop by our Exton and Newtown Square, Pennsylvania showrooms today to ask about finding the right rose gold piece for you!
As a seasoned expert in the realm of precious metals and fine jewelry, my comprehensive knowledge extends to the intricate details of various metals, their properties, and their applications in the world of jewelry design. Having immersed myself in the subject matter for an extensive period, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise that goes beyond the surface level. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article you provided, shedding light on the unique properties of each precious metal.
Platinum: Platinum, renowned as the rarest metal, surpasses even pure gold in terms of scarcity. A mere 85 tons of platinum are mined annually compared to the vast 1,500 tons of gold. This rarity contributes to its higher price. What sets platinum apart is its purity—being the only precious metal in fine jewelry that can be 95% pure. It often incorporates small amounts of iridium and ruthenium from the platinum family. Platinum is not only hypoallergenic but also stands out as the strongest metal, weighing 60% more than gold and displaying exceptional resistance to wear and heat.
Gold: Gold, while not as rare as platinum, remains highly coveted for its natural yellow hue. Its purity is measured in karats, with 24-karat gold being the purest but too soft for setting diamonds. The most common variations are 14-karat and 18-karat gold, where the karat indicates the amount of gold mixed with other metals. Various alloys produce different colors of gold; for instance, white gold incorporates nickel and zinc, while rose gold achieves its distinct color through the addition of copper.
Rose Gold: Rose gold, a popular choice in contemporary jewelry, is an alloy of pure gold and copper. The proportion of these metals determines both the color and karat of the final product. The common 18k rose gold, for instance, consists of 75% pure gold and 25% copper. Additional silver can be introduced to create a milder shade known as "pink gold." Despite its durability, rose gold is not hypoallergenic, and its softer variant requires careful consideration regarding wear and maintenance.
Silver: Silver, valued for centuries, is a soft and malleable metal with applications in currency, jewelry, and ornamentation. Sterling silver, an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, is a popular choice for jewelry. Silver jewelry often undergoes plating with fine layers of .999 fine silver or rhodium to enhance its lustrous finish. However, silver tarnishes and necessitates regular maintenance to preserve its appearance.
Understanding these nuances in precious metals empowers individuals to make informed choices when selecting jewelry. Whether it's the rarity and strength of platinum, the timeless appeal of gold in various hues, the contemporary charm of rose gold, or the classic elegance of silver, each metal brings its unique characteristics to the world of fine jewelry.
