Yellow or white?
This is a question that arises often when buying jewelry, especially an engagement ring. It really all comes down to personal preference. Most pick one color over the other, and while two-tone jewelry is fun, very people mix the colors. So if you plan on buying your significant other a piece of jewelry, be sure to note what which color and metal they like the best.
If you like yellow, you will be getting gold. In the U.S. Yellow gold typically comes in 10 karat, 14 karat, and 18 karat. . Pure gold is 24 karats. The other karats are alloys, part gold and part other metal (usually copper or nickel). The number in 10k, 14k, 18k, and 22k represents the parts out of 24 that are pure gold.
The purer the gold means the richer the yellow color. An 18 karat piece has a rich and luxurious yellow hue. Contrary to popular belief, 18k is not significantly softer than 14k. The two karats wear about the same way.
If you like to don a white piece there are several options. They are Silver, white gold, platinum, and palladium. Silver is the least expensive, and is one of the most popular metals for jewelry pieces. Silver is very soft, and sterling silver tarnishes easily (this means lots of up keep). Sterling silver is 92.5 % pure silver. Fine silver (pure silver) is 100% silver.
White gold comes is the same karats as yellow gold. The other metals (nickel and palladium) mixed with the gold are what gives it that white color. Because gold is so yellow, white gold is actually off-white, and is plated with rhodium to make its appearance a bright white. As the rhodium plating wears off the gold will appear yellow. Most rings need be re-plated at least once a year to maintain the brilliant hue. Precious metals can re-plate for $50.00, while you wait. Keep in mind the considerable up keep of white gold when purchasing your nest piece.
Platinum is the king of precious metals. It is the most expensive, and the most coveted. The high price is because most platinum is 95-98% pure platinum. This dense (heavy) metal does not tarnish like silver or wear away like gold. Settings in platinum can last twice as long as gold. The color of platinum (clean grey-white) does not change over time and is a fantastic choice for an engagement ring that will last a long time. Platinum is hypoallergenic and is a great for those with sensitive skin and fine taste.
Palladium is the newest kid on the white metal block. This Precious Metals favorite has all the benefits of platinum without the high price. Like platinum it is hypoallergenic and is mostly pure. Palladium is twelve times harder than platinum, but weighs less. This means you can make bigger pieces that keep their shine and resistance, and will not weigh your hand, neck, and wrist down. I can not express how incredibly affordable this metal is, with a price close to 14k gold. You may not have heard of it, but trust me, this divine metal is on the rise of popularity. You can expect to be seeing it in your jeweler’s case as consumers become more budget conscious.
18K Yellow Gold Bracelet By Precious Metals
Sterling Silver Tie Dye Cuff By Precious Metals
14K White Gold Humming Bird Earrings By Precious Metals
Platinum Engagement Ring by Precious Metals
Palladium Ruby Earrings By Precious Metals
