PRECIOUS METALS
Choosing the metal of your jewellery is an important decision. Color, durability, care – these are the most important metal characteristics. Right metal for your jewellery is the decision that you will endure all trends. Consider the following details and you’ll make the right decision on the perfect metal for your jewellery.
Gold
Gold is an extremely versatile metal, and the most common choice for jewellery. The standard measurement of gold is a karat, which is divided into 24 parts. Pure gold is 24 karats, meaning 24 out of 24 parts are gold. Pure gold is too soft to be used for jewellery, so it’s combined with other metal alloys to increase its strength. You’ll find 22K gold, but most often gold comes in 18K (75% gold), 14K (58% gold) and 10K (about 42% gold). The remainder is made up of other metals — like silver, copper, nickel and zinc — to lend strength and durability. The type and percentage of metal alloys used determine the shade and color of gold. Diamond jewellery is only made from 18k gold or below.
Gold Jewellery usually comes in these colors:
YELLOW GOLD
Classic yet fashionable, yellow gold achieves its warm patina from the red of copper and the green hue of silver. Yellow gold lost favor to white gold for a while, but has recently regained popularity.
WHITE GOLD
More contemporary than yellow gold, white gold gets its silvery white character from combining yellow gold with copper, zinc and nickel (or palladium). It’s plated with a hard element called rhodium (a platinum group metal), which costs about four times as much as platinum, resists scratches and tarnishing, and gives white gold a reflective appearance. However, it may wear away over time, requiring a quick trip to your jeweler for re-plating.
ROSE GOLD
Unique and romantic, rose gold has a warm, pink hue created by combining yellow gold with a copper alloy. The overall percentages of metal alloys are the same for rose gold as they are for yellow or white; it’s just a different mixture of alloys used.
GREEN GOLD
While not all that common, green gold is unusual and nature-inspired; it has a soft, pale green color is created by mixing yellow gold with silver, copper and zinc. Use green gold together with rose and white gold for an interesting, different tri-color look.
Platinum
Platinum is a naturally white metal with a cool luster that showcases the brilliance and sparkle of diamonds beautifully. It’s a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands, and is considered the most precious of all jewellery metals.
Compared to gold, platinum is five times as rare and purer when used in jewellery. Platinum is durable, making it a good option if your fiancée leads an active lifestyle — its density provides a secure setting for diamonds or gemstones. Platinum is also naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
Its elegant sheen will not fade or change color over time, making re-plating your platinum ring is not necessary. Over time, it develops a stunning finish called a patina. Because of its strength, it’s a popular choice for setting diamonds.
Silver
Silver makes a fine choice for jewellery. Silver has been valued for centuries and once was considered more valuable than gold. Today, it’s the most affordable of the precious metals. Silver has a more modern, stylistic feel than yellow gold. Depending on the design, silver jewellery can be classic or contemporary. Since pure silver is very soft and malleable, sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver; mixed with other metals such as copper, it forms an alloy. Mani Jewel’s sterling silver is also rhodium plated. This means your silver jewellery will be stronger, less prone to damage, and more resistant to tarnish. If you do notice some tarnish, gently cleaning your silver with a polish and cloth will keep it looking immaculate.
A stunning combination of strength and beauty, sterling silver is used to create incredible pieces that you’ll love wearing. It also complements most skin tones, making it a safe purchase for those needing to mark a special occasion.