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Gold
Both beautiful and easy to work with, gold has been a favorite with both jewelry designers and jewelry lovers throughout history and around the world, from ancient Egypt to modern America.
Pure gold is soft and impractical for daily wear, so it is usually mixed with other metals such as silver and copper to increase strength and durability. These mixes, or alloys, are measured on the karat scale.
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100% pure gold is 24 karat |
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75% gold is 18 karat |
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58% gold is 14 karat |
The most common alloys in the U.S. are 18 and 14 karat.
Gold color can also change by adding proportions of other metals. White gold, for example, mixes gold with silver or nickel, while rose gold contains more copper.
Remember:
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Always look for a karat mark on a gold item |
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The higher the karat number, the more valuable |
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The price of gold jewelry also depends on design and craftsmanship |
Platinum
Because of its beauty and value, platinum jewelry has always been given as a special expression of love for engagements, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and holidays.
Platinum, one of the rarest of precious metals, is found in only a few locations around the world. Thirty-five times more rare than gold, platinum is also more expensive. However, it is also 95% pure and hypoallergenic, doesn't fade or tarnish, and is heavier and more dense than gold.
Remember:
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Platinum's cool color makes it perfect to pair with a brilliant white diamond |
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Prong settings made of platinum offer diamonds added safety. |
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Look for a 950 Plat or Plat mark on a piece of platinum jewelry |
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