Precious metal knowledge
PlatinumPlatinum
About platinum
Platinum originates from very few places, mainly from South Africa, Russia and other places. Its rarity is 30 times that of gold. Platinum does not tarnish or fade, so it is often considered a symbol of everlasting love. In addition to highlighting the sparkle of diamonds, it also does not cause skin allergies, so platinum is the most popular metal for casting engagement rings and wedding rings.
Density and durability
Platinum has a very high density, so it is heavier. If the volume is the same, a platinum ring will be about 50% heavier than an 18K gold ring.
Platinum is a natural white metal that does not require electroplating and is not easily dull, scratched or worn. It can withstand high temperatures and remain in perfect condition for a long time.
purity
The purity of platinum is generally 90-95% (called Pt900 or Pt950), mixed with 5-10% iridium, palladium, ruthenium and other metals. Its high purity makes it a natural hypoallergenic metal, very suitable for people with sensitive skin. .
price
Platinum is extremely rare, durable and tough, has a higher weight, and is in high demand, so its value is 50-70% higher than 18K gold.
care
Just soak your platinum in warm, soapy water and rub it gently with a soft-bristled brush.
When not wearing, store platinum jewelry separately in a soft cloth bag or jewelry box.
If platinum becomes rusty, dull or worn over time, Diamond can clean and polish it on your behalf.
Gold (K gold)
About gold (K gold)
Gold has a unique traditional significance and unparalleled properties, and has long been used to create precious jewelry. Natural gold has high plasticity and is very suitable for making exquisite jewelry, but it is also not very durable due to its soft texture. Therefore, gold is often alloyed with copper, zinc, nickel or silver to increase its strength. These alloys also add pleasing colors to gold jewelry such as rose red, golden yellow or silvery white, so that they can match different skin tones. The proportions of various alloys also dominate the purity of gold, that is, the K number.
purity
99.99% or 24K gold – It is suitable for traditional wedding goldware or pure gold decorations, but is not suitable for jewelry inlays because it is too soft.
75.0% or 18K gold – The best choice for most fine jewelry pieces and is strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
or 58.3% or 14K gold – Due to its low purity, it is generally used for relatively affordable jewelry and is rarely used for luxury jewelry.
Fineness
White Gold – The pure white color can highly reflect light and make jewelry look more shiny. It is the most popular color of modern K gold. The method of adding a white tone to gold is to mix an inherently white alloy, usually a combination of nickel, copper and zinc, and then coat the surface with rhodium. However, rhodium will wear off over time and needs to be re-plated to restore the sparkle of the jewelry.
Gold – Natural gold mixed with saturated alloys for a warm tone. The most commonly used alloys include copper with reddish tones and silver with bluish tones.
rose gold – Rose gold is a hot K gold color that has emerged in recent years. Its beautiful pink tone is created using copper alloy.
price
The price of K gold jewelry depends on the weight of the gold used, the market value of the gold, the level of craftsmanship and the design of each jewelry item. The overall price is lower than platinum, but 70 times higher than silver.
care
To clean gold jewelry, it is recommended to use a soapy solution and wash gently with a soft-bristled brush.
When not wearing, store gold jewelry separately in soft cloth bags or jewelry boxes.
Because gold can be affected by chemicals such as chlorine and other cleaning products, remove your jewelry before using chemicals to reduce daily wear and tear and prolong the shine.
If gold becomes rusty, dull or worn over time, Diamond can clean and re-plat it on your behalf.
silver
Sterling silver
Sterling silver is affordable and in abundant supply, so it is mostly used in daily small jewelry.
Durability
Sterling silver is relatively soft, highly malleable, and easier to damage, so it is generally combined with other metals to form more durable alloy jewelry.
purity
The most common is 925 sterling silver, which is usually a ratio of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper (sometimes 7.5% zinc or nickel).
price
The price is approximately 70 times lower than gold.
care
Silver needs careful care to keep it as clean as new and avoid oxidation and blackening. It should be cleaned regularly with special silver cleaners.
Silver is easy to shape and is susceptible to wear and scratches if not properly cared for. To minimize scratches and other damage, place silver jewelry in separate compartments in a cloth bag or jewelry box.
Avoid exposing your silver to household chemicals when cleaning with bleach or ammonia or swimming in chlorinated water, as these chemicals can damage the silver.
Gold-plated silver products
The industry standard definition of gold-plated products is that 925 pure silver is plated with at least 2.5 microns of 10k gold to improve durability. Generally, the electroplating on the surface is relatively thin, and the surface layer will fall off quickly if not properly maintained. The price is the same as that of 925 pure silver without gold plating. No different than silver.