Gold
Gold is a very durable metal that will not rust, corrode or tarnish. Many jewelers prefer gold to other metals because of its ease of workmanship. Gold is very easy to work with and can be molded and shaped to create virtually any design. 24k gold is 100% pure and it is considered too soft for jewelry. This is why gold is alloyed with different metals to increase its strength and make it more wearable. Israel Diamond Supply’s jewelry is manufactured in 14k and 18k, both in white and yellow gold.
The purity of gold is measured in karats. Do not confuse this term with the term carats, which is used to describe the weight of a diamond. The higher the number of karats, the purer the gold, and higher the cost. The amount of pure gold in the various karats are as follows:
- 10k = 10/24 = 41.7% pure gold
- 14k = 14/24 = 58.3% pure gold
- 18k = 18/24 = 75.0% pure gold
- 22k = 22/24 = 91.6% pure gold
White Gold
Nature provides us with yellow gold then alloys are added to make it white. 18k white gold is 75% gold and 14k white gold is 58.3%, therefore jewelry made from these metals have a slight yellow color. White gold jewelry is plated with an extremely shiny and hard metal called rhodium. Depending on how the jewelry is worn, and the acidity of a person’s skin, this plating can wear off. The jewelry simply needs to be re-plated and this will restore the original luster and shine.
It is easy to maintain the beauty of your gold jewelry. Here are very simple steps to make sure the gold stays beautiful. It’s always better to remove your jewelry before strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects. Try to avoid wearing your jewelry in chlorinated pools, hot tubs and salt water. Taking showers and sleeping in your jewelry is not recommended. Routine visits to Israel Diamond Supply are recommended every six months to inspect your jewelry.
Platinum
Platinum is 35 times more rare than gold. It is the preeminent metal for fine jewelry. Platinum is 90% - 95% pure which causes the white luster of platinum to be very unique. It is the strongest metal used to create fine jewelry and it is twice as heavy as 14k white gold. Israel Diamond Supply only uses 95% pure platinum in our fine jewelry.
In comparing platinum and white gold, consider that 18k white gold is 75% pure and 14k white gold is 58% pure, compared to 90% - 95% purity with platinum. Platinum is also naturally white, which means there has been nothing added to the metal to produce that look. In comparison, white gold is rhodium plated to create the luster, whereas platinum achieves it’s white luster naturally. White gold can always be re-plated, but this is one less worry with platinum. However, platinum is also malleable, so it will scratch more than white gold. It will also develop a natural patina overtime. Platinum’s purity makes it hypoallergenic and ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Platinum is very durable, but it is also subject to damage. There are very simple steps to make sure your platinum stays beautiful. It’s always best to remove your jewelry before strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects. Try to avoid wearing your jewelry in chlorinated pools, hot tubs and salt water. Taking showers and sleeping in your jewelry is not recommended.
Many people will ask us which metal we recommend. We do not force anything onto our clients, and let you decide which metal suits you the most. White gold is perfect for the budget conscience, and the luster can always be restored. The rhodium plating for the white gold is complimentary. Once a year, Israel Diamond Supply will service the ring purchased from us at no charge. If platinum is your metal of choice, you will still need to maintain it in order to retain its beauty. Routine visits to Israel Diamond Supply to inspect your jewelry every six months is recommended.
