Metals

    The beauty in fine jewelry comes not only from the attractive diamonds and gemstones, but also the metal in which they are contained.  In addition to gold and platinum, Eternal Jewelers provides silver, titanium, and stainless steel pieces.

Gold

    Gold, the chemical element, is a dense, shiny, deep yellow precious metal.  It has several qualities that have made it valuable throughout history, both as a medium of exchange and for decorative use as jewelry.  It is attractive in color, brightness and durability.  Gold is relatively rare and is usually found in its pure form in nature.  In addition to being visually pleasing, gold is workable and does not tarnish or corrode.  It is commonly alloyed with other metals in proportions that yield desired strength, durability and color in jewelry items (for example: yellow, white or rose gold).

    Yellow gold is alloyed with silver and copper and is the most frequently seen color in jewelry.  White gold is alloyed with a large percentage of silver, palladium, nickel, or a selection of other white metals.  The percentage of gold naturally varies according the amount used.  White gold is highly reflective and not subject to tarnish like silver.  Rose gold is alloyed with copper and sometimes silver.  The proportions are about one part copper to three parts of 24k gold.  When there is a hint more silver added, it is referred to as pink gold.

    The purity of gold is expressed in karats (on a scale of 24).  For instance, an alloy containing 75% gold would be describe as 18kt gold.  The most common karat weight in the United States is 14k, being both pliable and valuable.

 

Platinum vs. White Gold

    The silver-tone of platinum and white gold has been becoming increasingly popular in jewelry.  When deciding which metal is right for you, there are a few things to consider:

 

  Platinum vs. White Gold

Weight

All other things equal, platinum is a heavier and denser metal

than white gold.  The weight difference can be noticed when

a piece of each is placed in each hand.
Durability

White gold maintains its sheen longer than platinum.  After a

polish(*), white gold will look shinier for a longer time than

platinum will.  Platinum also has the tendency to scratch

easier.
Wearability

White gold can wear thin over time and parts of jewelry may

need to be replaced over time.  However, platinum will be as

thick as the day you bought it 50 years later.
Color

Platinum will maintain its white color forever.  On the other

hand, white gold may eventually tinge to a very light yellow

color.  This change in color may be caused by the acids in

skin.  White gold will need to be rhodium finished to revive

its white color.
Price

White gold is very inexpensive compared to platinum.  The

price of platinum is three to four times more than gold.
Maintenance

Long-term maintenance on platinum involves visits for

polishing.  Over time, maintenance on white gold can

include polishing, rhodium finishing, and possible

replacements of jewelry components.

 

    * Whether you select platinum or white gold, Eternal Jewelers provides its Lifetime Warranty on its pieces (see Our Services for further details).

 

Return to Our Product

 

Our Company | Our Services | Product | Locations

© Copyright Eternal Jewelers 2006