The jewelry that we carry on Blingdd is made of one of three main metals: gold, platinum, or silver. You might be wondering what the real differences are between these metals and how it affects the cost of your jewelry, so we’re here to explain it to you!
Appearance
When it comes to yellow gold or rose gold, it’s pretty easy to tell the difference between the gold and other metals. But what about when you’re trying to discern white gold, platinum, and silver?
The easiest way to tell the difference is to look for shine and color. White gold will look a bit yellower and warmer than the other two metals and platinum will appear much brighter. Of the three, silver will be the most dull - almost close to gray.
Durability
Of all the metals, you might be surprised to find that platinum is actually the most durable! This mostly has to do with its higher density and chemical structure. Platinum doesn’t wear away as quickly and is less likely to get scratched.
The second most durable of the metals is gold. Even though gold, especially pure gold, is a lot softer and more malleable, gold in general is more scratch-resistant and doesn’t tarnish or rust.
Wear and Care
Platinum and gold are especially easy to clean and maintain. As more durable metals, simply putting them in a soapy solution and gently scrubbing the metal with a soft toothbrush will keep them sparkling and grime free! Learn more about this easy at-home cleaning method here (link to cleaning article)
Since silver is a lot less durable, while the same solution can be used, our Blingdd jewelry experts recommend simply rubbing your silver jewelry clean with a polishing cloth instead of a toothbrush.
When it comes to actual wear, platinum is the perfect option for more sensitive skin since it is hypoallergenic
Price
As you might have guessed, gold is the most expensive of all these three metals, as of right now. Next comes platinum, and then silver as the most affordable. Even though gold is the most expensive metal, platinum is more rare. According to the World Platinum Investment Council, “All the platinum ever produced would only cover your ankles in one Olympic-sized swimming pool. All the gold ever produced would fill three Olympic-sized swimming pools.”
At times, platinum can actually cost more than gold - mainly because of its scarcity and extreme durability.
White Gold vs. Yellow Gold
We’ve gone over the different metals out there, but what about the specific differences between different types of gold we offer? The main difference between white, yellow, or even rose gold is simply the metal mixture that’s used. Depending on the amount and type of metal mixed with gold, you’ll get a different result!
Gold Karats
Rather than the color of gold, what you as a shopper should really be paying attention to is the karat weight. Karat is different from carat - karat with a k is used to measure the purity of gold white carat with a c is used to measure the weight of diamonds.
24 karat gold is pure gold. Like mentioned earlier, this type of gold is incredibly soft and malleable and not recommended as a choice when it comes to jewelry as it can very easily change shape. Not to mention that pure gold is also incredibly bright, brighter than the normal color of gold we are used to seeing in jewelry, and is incredibly expensive! Pure 24 karat gold can cost almost double the same amount of 14 karat gold.
10, 14, and 18 Karat Gold
So if 24 karat gold is the purest form of gold, what is all other gold? The “24” in 24 karat actually means that all 24 “parts” are gold. Similarly, in 18 karat gold only 18 of 24 parts are gold (75%). In 14 karat gold only 14 of 24 parts are gold (58.3%), and so on. The other “parts” are other alloys mixed with gold like copper, nickel, silver, or palladium.
(Include chart showing parts of gold and purity?)
Not only does adding other alloys to gold help strengthen it, but it can also change its color. This is how white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold are made.
When it comes to picking the best type of gold for your jewelry, it really does depend on preference. Each purity level has its own advantages and disadvantages, from 18 karat gold being incredibly rich looking, yet very expensive and easy to scratch, to 10 karat gold being more affordable and durable, yet not as striking in color.
Ultimately, regardless of the type of metal used in your piece of jewelry there are so many other factors that increase its importance. Whether a piece of jewelry holds sentimental value, reminds you of someone special, or is just the perfect accessory to complete your look - Blingdd’s got it all!
