Precious Metals
The metal of your jewelry serves as both the foundation for setting gemstones and the canvas that defines the piece's overall aesthetic.
Among the metals often used, gold and platinum stand out as two of the most sought-after in fine jewelry, offering distinct properties that appeal to different preferences and lifestyles.
Whether it's because of their beauty or their superior durability, these metals form the backbone of the piece, complementing the brilliance of lab-grown diamonds and other gemstones.
Understanding the qualities of gold and platinum can help you make an informed decision when selecting a metal for your next piece, whether it's an engagement ring, a wedding band, or a cherished everyday accessory. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of both gold and platinum to help you determine which best suits you and your preferences.
Gold:
Gold has been used in jewelry for centuries due to its natural luster and rarity. In modern jewelry, gold is typically alloyed with other metals to improve its strength and durability. This is because pure gold is far too soft for everyday wear.
In addition to improving durability, the alloying process also allows for gold to take on different hues, each with its own characteristics.
Gold Purity & Karats
Gold purity is measured in karats (K). The karat system is based upon the proportions of pure gold to alloyed metals in parts of 24, with 24K being pure gold (99.9% gold).
As an example of these purity calculations: 18K gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals, making it 75% pure gold, while 14K gold consists of 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals, making it 58.3% pure gold. The metals typically alloyed with gold are silver, copper, nickel, or zinc— each enhances gold’s strength and scratch resistance while giving possibilities to alter its hues and color.
Common Gold Purities in Jewelry
Gold jewelry comes in all different karats, you can find pieces ranging from 10k all the way to 24k. In Canada, the most popular purities found in jewelry are 10k, 14k, and 18k. Below is a brief breakdown of each.
18K gold (75% gold, 25% alloy metals) offers a rich color and is considered a luxury standard in fine jewelry. Even though it retains a lot of gold’s natural warmth, its softness does make it more prone to scratches and dents. 18k gold pieces are best suited for heirloom-quality or occasional-wear pieces. 18K gold appeals to those who prioritize gold content over durability.
14K gold (58.3% gold, 41.7% alloy metals) provides a solid balance between beauty and durability. It still has that warm gold appearance, all the while being significantly stronger than 18K. This makes it one of the more popular choices for engagement rings, wedding bands, and pieces meant for everyday wear.
10K gold (41.7% gold, 58.3% alloy metals) is the most durable and affordable of the three but has a paler gold color due to its lower gold content. Its hardness makes it highly resistant to scratches and bending, making it ideal for bracelets, fashion rings, and pieces worn daily. However, the higher presence of alloy metals can sometimes cause skin sensitivities.
Each gold karat level offers a different balance of color, strength, and price. 18K gold is prized for its rich appearance, 14K gold is the most versatile for fine jewelry, and 10K gold is best for durability and affordability. Choosing the right karat depends on lifestyle, wear frequency, and personal preference.
Gold Colors:
In addition to providing durability, alloying gold with other metals also allows for a range of distinct colors and hues.
By adjusting the mix of metals, jewelers can create rose gold, white gold, and different shades of yellow gold, each offering a unique look.
Alloying gold with copper gives gold a warm, pinkish hue, creating rose gold. Alloying with palladium, nickel, or silver results in the cool-toned white gold. Note that white gold is oftentimes finished with rhodium plating for extra brilliance.
Even yellow gold can vary in shade, depending on the specific blend of silver and copper. These variations provide a number of possibilities for the final look of the piece, ensuring there’s a gold option to match every style and preference.
One thing to keep in mind is that pure 24k gold itself does not tarnish, but the metals used in gold alloys can oxidize over time, leading to tarnishing or patina. Generally speaking, the lower the karat, the more susceptible the piece is to tarnishing due to its higher alloy content.
Platinum:
Platinum is a naturally white metal known for its density and durability. Unlike white gold, it does not require rhodium plating to maintain its color. Its strength makes it ideal for securely holding gemstones, which is why it is commonly used in engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Platinum is significantly rarer than gold and has a higher density and melting point, making it heavier and more durable - a great choice for a long-term investment. These factors come together to give platinum’s higher price point. It’s an incredibly rare metal and one that is difficult to work with when it comes to making jewelry.
This all being said, even with gold prices as high as they are today, platinum pieces still command premium prices.
Choosing the Best Precious Metal for Your Jewelry
Choosing the best metal for your next piece comes down to your personal preferences, with durability, aesthetics, and maintenance all playing a role.
If long-term strength and robustness are the priority, platinum is a great choice due to its durability and natural white luster. It is highly resistant to wear and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for heirloom-quality jewelry and pieces that will be worn daily, such as engagement rings and wedding bands.
Gold, on the other hand, offers a balance between beauty and versatility and comes in at a variety of price points. With its range of karats and colors, gold provides endless customization options to match personal style. White gold is a popular alternative to platinum, offering a similar look at a more accessible price point, though it requires occasional rhodium plating. Yellow and rose gold bring warmth and character to a piece, with 14K gold being an especially durable choice for everyday wear.
At Vena Nova, we have one of Canada’s largest collections of lab-grown diamond jewelry. Our showroom features pieces made out of platinum and 10k, 14k, and 18k gold in different hues and colors.
We warmly invite you to visit us at our Market Mall location, where you can experience the expertise and service that has made us Calgary’s leader in lab-grown diamonds.