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Metal Types

A Lesson In Metallurgy

 

METAL COLOR FINISH CHARACTERISTICS
Platinum White with a cool undertone Resistant to wear;
shows scratches; slowly
dulls to a patina finish
Maintains surface embellishments such as engraving and milgrain; 95% pure metal
18kt Yellow Gold Rich yellow Shows scratches;
polishes as worn
75% gold content; international standard for jewelry; combines purity with performance
14kt Yellow Gold Yellow Shows scratches;
polishes as worn
58.5% gold content; traditional karat of choice in US
9kt Yellow Gold Pale Yellow Shows scratches;
polishes as worn
37.5% gold content; lower gold content makes the jewelry harder and more affordable
White Gold White with a yellow undertone Shows scratches;
polishes as worn
Rigid; more brittle than Platinum; wears over time
Sterling Silver Silvery-white with a slight pink undertone Shows scratches;
polishes as worn;
tarnishes
Malleable; less suitable for everyday jewelry because it wears away more quickly