While Adiamor uses only the highest quality precious metals in our fine jewelry, we understand that the choice between the various metals can be confusing. Each metal has its advantages and disadvantages and you need to consider the characteristic of each metal, the price, and the care required to maintain the metal at its optimum beauty. If you read through this section you will be able to determine which metal fits your lifestyle and is the best choice for you.
Gold
Gold is a very timeless and durable metal that will not rust, corrode, or tarnish. Jewelers throughout the ages have preferred gold to all other metals for its lustrous beauty and the ease with which it can be worked into gorgeous and timeless designs. It can be alloyed with a number of other metals to increase its strength and produce a variety of colors. The most common colors in addition to yellow are rose and white gold. Since 24k pure gold is considered too soft for jewelry manufacturing, Adiamor manufactures all our jewelry in 14k 18k 19k white, 14k 18k yellow, and 14k 18k rose gold.
When purchasing gold jewelry, always look for the karat mark which should be stamped somewhere on the jewelry; for rings it is usually on the inside of the shank. Gold karat marks are often just 14k, 18k, or 19k; however it is also quite common to encounter the numbers 750 and 585. These three digit numerals are referring to the approximate percentage of pure gold within the alloy mix; for example, 750 equals 18k because 18k gold is 75% pure while 585 is the standard value for 14k because this karat mix is 58.5% pure gold.
Further Reading:
The Color Differences between 14K and 18K Rose Gold
Are Rose Gold Rings More Expensive than Yellow Gold?
How is Rose Gold Made for Engagement Rings?
Gold Characteristics and Terms
Gold content is measured in karats (not to be confused with the term carat that measures a diamond’s weight). The higher the karat, the greater the gold content and price. The “k” number specifies how many parts (by weight) of pure gold is contained in 24 parts of the alloy. Therefore the content of pure gold in the various karats are as follows below:
10k = 10/24 = 41.7% pure gold |
14k = 14/24 = 58.5% pure gold |
18k = 18/24 = 75.0% pure gold |
19k = 19/24 = 79.2% pure gold |
24k = 24/24 = 100% pure gold |
The decision between which gold karat weight to go with is a matter of personal taste and preference. 14k has the advantages of added strength, but lacks the higher gold content found in either 18k or 19k.
Browse Adiamor’s collection of white, yellow, and rose gold engagement rings.
What is White Gold?
White gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as nickel, silver, and palladium. Adiamor offers white gold in 14k, 18k, and 19k. Since 14k white gold is 58.3% gold and 18k white gold is 75% gold, both will naturally have a yellowish tint. To give 14k and 18k white gold its brilliant white luster, in the final process of manufacturing it is rhodium plated. Rhodium is a shiny white metal, which is extremely hard and durable; however over time the rhodium plating may wear away and leave the natural yellowish tint of the underlying metal. To keep 14k and 18k white gold looking its best it may require re-rhodium plating every 6-12 months, which is included in our complimentary preventative maintenance service for the life of your fine jewelry. In contrast, 19k is 79.2% gold and is naturally white in color. It does not need to be rhodium plated and stays white. 19k white gold compares to the elegance and color of platinum.
Shop Adiamor’s collection of white gold engagement rings.
Gold Care
Proper care for your gold jewelry is important to maintain its lifelong beauty and value. Between professional cleanings, most jewelry can be maintained with our Adiamor Foaming Cleaner or one like it. It is not recommended to use professional grade cleaners or an ultrasonic cleaning device without professional assistance. Storage is also important. At the time of shipment, all of our jewelry is packaged in a protective rosewood box. Between wearing, we recommend that you place your jewelry in its original box or another suitably lined box. Our Adiamor fabric lined pouch doubles as a polishing cloth, and it is a great alternative to the original box. Take care to protect your jewelry from impact against hard surfaces and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces. Be sure to check any diamond settings periodically for possible damage; if you see a loose prong or if the setting looks out of line immediately bring it to a professional for inspection.
Read more about Adiamor’s diamond and jewelry care.
Platinum
At Adiamor, all platinum jewelry is made of the finest quality of 950 grade platinum. Platinum is regarded as the preeminent metal for fine jewelry. It is 35 times more rare than gold, has a naturally bright or true white color that never requires additional rhodium treatments, is 90-95% pure, and most importantly is eternal. The white luster of platinum is unique as it will patina over time unlike other metals. Platinum is almost twice as heavy as 14k gold; it is also the strongest precious metal used in jewelry, and for that reason it is highly sought after. Platinum’s purity level makes it the only hypoallergenic metal and ideal for those with sensitive skin. Platinum jewelry is a perfect choice for everyday wear.
Shop Adiamor’s collection of platinum engagement rings.
Platinum Characteristics and Terms
Platinum is 35 times more rare than gold. Each year 88 tons of platinum is crafted into jewelry, compared to 2,700 tons of gold. It requires 8 weeks and 10 tons of ore to produce a single ounce of platinum. There is just one platinum mine for every 10 gold mines, which makes platinum one of the most uncommon metals on earth. Platinum jewelry is at least 90-95% pure. By comparison, 19k gold is 79% pure, 18k gold is 75% pure, 14k is 58% pure gold. Platinum is also a naturally white metal that requires no additives or rhodium plating. Platinum’s brilliant white luster makes it an ideal choice for fine jewelry because its white luster brings out the true beauty of diamonds. Its incredible density and weight make it more durable than other metals; it can scratch, but platinum does not wear away and decrease its volume, unlike other metals. Over time platinum develops a natural patina that many people prefer over the high polished appearance. This look is unique to platinum and can be simply re-polished for those who prefer the high polish.
Further Reading:
Platinum Rings are Not Indestructible
Platinum Care
Proper care for your platinum jewelry is important to maintain its lifelong beauty and value. Platinum is strong and durable, but can still be subject to damage. Between professional cleanings, most jewelry can be maintained with our Adiamor Foaming Cleaner or one like it. It is not recommended to use professional grade cleaners or an ultrasonic cleaning device without professional assistance. Storage is also important. At the time of shipment, all of our jewelry is packaged in a protective rosewood box. Between wearing, we recommend that you place your jewelry in its original box or another suitably lined box. Our Adiamor fabric lined pouch doubles as a polishing cloth and is a great alternative to the original box. Take care to protect your jewelry from impact against hard surfaces and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces. Be sure to check any diamond settings periodically for possible damage; if you see a loose prong or if the setting looks out of line immediately bring it to a professional for inspection.