JEWELRY EDUCATION
Metals
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS
Choosing the Right Precious Metal
The metal you choose plays an important role in the appearance, durability and care of your jewelry. From the warmth of yellow gold to the bright finish of platinum, each metal offers its own advantages.
Consider your personal style, lifestyle, budget and how often the piece will be worn. Understanding the differences can help you choose a metal you'll love for years to come.
The Colors of Gold
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold has the warm, rich color traditionally associated with fine jewelry. Pure gold is combined with other metals to increase its strength and make it suitable for everyday wear.
BEST FOR
Classic styling and a warm, traditional look.
White Gold
White gold combines gold with white-colored alloys to create a bright, contemporary appearance. Most white gold jewelry is finished with rhodium to enhance its crisp white color.
BEST FOR
A bright look with the versatility of gold.
Rose Gold
Rose gold receives its distinctive blush tone from the addition of copper to pure gold. The result is a warm, romantic color that works beautifully in both vintage-inspired and modern designs.
BEST FOR
Warm color and distinctive style.
Understanding Gold Karats
Karat tells you how much pure gold is present in a gold alloy. A higher karat means more pure gold, while a lower karat contains a greater percentage of other metals for added strength.
24K Gold
24 karat gold is essentially pure gold. Its rich color is beautiful, but its softness makes it less practical for many types of everyday jewelry.
18K Gold
18K gold contains 75% pure gold. It offers rich color and a high gold content while gaining additional strength from the metals used in the alloy.
14K Gold
14K gold contains approximately 58.5% pure gold. Its balance of beauty, durability and value makes it one of the most popular choices for fine jewelry.
10K Gold
10K gold contains approximately 41.7% pure gold. Its higher percentage of alloyed metals makes it durable and generally more affordable.
NATURALLY WHITE & ENDURING
Platinum
Platinum is a naturally white precious metal known for its density, durability and purity. Unlike white gold, platinum does not require rhodium plating to maintain a white appearance.
Its strength makes platinum especially well suited for securing diamonds and gemstones, which is one reason it has long been a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands.
Why choose platinum?
Platinum is an excellent option for someone who wants a naturally white precious metal with substantial weight and long-lasting durability.
Good to know: Platinum develops a soft patina as it is worn. Some people appreciate this natural finish, while others prefer to have the metal professionally polished to restore its original shine.
Other Jewelry Metals
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver combined with other metals for added strength. Its bright appearance and approachable price make it a popular jewelry metal.
GOOD TO KNOW
Silver naturally tarnishes and may need occasional polishing.
Tungsten
Tungsten carbide is extremely hard and highly resistant to scratching. Its substantial weight and modern appearance have made it especially popular for men's wedding bands.
GOOD TO KNOW
Tungsten is very hard but can be brittle and generally cannot be resized.
Cobalt
Cobalt alloys offer a bright white appearance and excellent wear resistance. The metal has a contemporary look while remaining lighter than some other alternative metals.
GOOD TO KNOW
Resizing options may be limited depending on the ring and manufacturer.
Palladium
Palladium belongs to the platinum group of metals and has a naturally white appearance. It offers many of platinum's visual qualities while feeling lighter on the hand.
GOOD TO KNOW
Availability and repair options can vary, so professional service is recommended.
Titanium
Titanium is known for being exceptionally lightweight while offering impressive strength. Its modern gray tone makes it a distinctive choice for contemporary jewelry.
GOOD TO KNOW
Titanium rings typically have limited resizing options.
Which Metal Is Right for You?
There is no single best jewelry metal. The right choice depends on the look you prefer, how the piece will be worn and the qualities that matter most to you.
Appearance
Start with the color and finish you love. Yellow, white and rose metals each create a very different look and can influence how diamonds and gemstones appear.
Durability
Consider how often the jewelry will be worn and what it will encounter during everyday life. Different metals resist scratching, bending and wear differently.
Maintenance
Some metals need more upkeep than others. White gold may require rhodium refinishing, silver can tarnish and polished metals will naturally show wear over time.
Budget
Metal choice can significantly affect the final price of a piece. Compare the qualities that matter most to you rather than choosing based on price alone.
PROTECT YOUR JEWELRY
Caring for Precious Metals
Even durable metals benefit from proper care. Remove fine jewelry before strenuous activities and avoid unnecessary exposure to chlorine, household chemicals and abrasive surfaces.
Store pieces separately to reduce scratching and have frequently worn jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned as needed. Normal wear is expected, but routine care can help preserve the beauty of your jewelry for generations.