Learn more about the characteristics of silver metal.
Gold is a precious metal that has been a symbol of wealth since the beginning of time. In its most expensive, pure form of 24 karats, gold is quite soft and malleable. To gain strength and tenacity, gold is commonly combined with other metals, usually with silver and copper in a process called alloying. Although this may decrease the value of the gold slightly, it increases durability and allows gold to be used for long lasting fine jewelry.
Purity
The purity of the gold Karatage is indicated by a number followed by "k" and shows how much of gold is in that piece of jewelry. Karatage is expressed in 24ths, making 24k gold, 100% gold.
We craft our jewelry using both 18k and 14k gold; both are alloyed with other metals to make it strong enough for everyday wear:
18-karat gold is made of 75% pure gold and 25% of other metals (18/24 ratio). Jewelry of this fineness is marked as "18k.” The European designation is "750," meaning 75 percent gold.
14-karat gold is made of 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% of other metals (14/24 ratio). Jewelry of this fineness is marked as "14k.” The European designation is "585," meaning 58.5 percent gold. Because 14k gold is composed of only 58.5% gold, and 41.5% other metals that give it strength, its gold color is not as rich as 18k gold.
Color
The color of gold is determined by the type of metal alloys included and the percentage of each metal alloy.
Yellow Gold Gold natural color is yellow, however the alloys is what give the gold more saturated and rich shine. An specialist combination of copper, silver and pure gold gives this precious metal its signature warmth.
White Gold A silvery white character is what makes white gold jewelry so appealing. White gold is created by combining gold in its purest form with varying alloys such as zinc, copper or palladium and occasionally tin or nickel. Because 18k white gold is 75% gold, and 14k white gold is 58.5% gold, jewelry made from these metals has a slight yellow color. To enhance the whiteness, almost all white gold is plated with rhodium, a shiny, white metal which is extremely hard. Depending on the amount of wear to a piece of jewelry, over time this rhodium plating may wear off, revealing the original metal color. Re-plating is a simple process that can be done to restore your jewelry's whiteness if needed.
Rose Gold The beautiful pink hue of rose gold jewelry is created by using a copper alloy. Again, the overall percentages of metal alloys is the same for rose gold as it is for yellow or white, there is just a different mixture in what alloys are used.
Pricing
Gold jewelry prices are dependent on the purity of the gold, the used karat weight on the piece, the market value of gold, and the level of craftsmanship and design of each jewelry piece.
Care
Since gold is a natural component; it is affected by unkind chemicals such as chlorine or other cleaning products. We recommend that you remove your jewelry when using chemicals to reduce daily abrasions and prolong the luster. To clean gold jewelry, use a solution of warm water and detergent-free soap with a soft-bristled brush. When not worn, store your gold pieces in soft cloth bags or the original box to protect them from the elements of daily exposure.
Diamond Traces is proud to offer jewelry in 14k and 18k white and yellow gold. Platinum, silver and other metals are also available by special order.
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