Repost from BHB - White gold vs. Yellow Gold vs. Platinum
Last night FH and I were hopping from store to store trying on wedding bands when I came across this bit of information that I think will answer anyone's questions on the varying types of metals in our rings.
'WHITE GOLD
Pure Gold is yellow in color. White gold is pure gold that has been combined with mostly white metals to create an alloy with a rich silvery hue. The proportion of gold to other metals is measured in K arats. 18 karat gold is 75% gold; 14 karat gold is 58% gold and 10 karat gold is 42% gold.
White Gold retains a trace of its original golden hue. Therefore white gold jewelry is commonly enhanced with a layer of rhodium, a precious platinum family metal to make it whiter and brighter. Rhodium will wear off over time showing the natural golden hue of the white gold alloy. A periodic reapplication of rhodium is necessary to maintain the bright white finish. The frequency of application necessary is determined by the wearer's individual body chemistry and wear patterns. In rare cases, the required frequency of the reapplication may make platinum a more suitable white metal alternative.
As with all gold, avoid rough wear and contact with chemicals, including chlorine in swimming pools. It is best to have white gold professionally cleaned by your jeweler, though a mild jewelry cleaner and soft cloth may be used at home.
YELLOW GOLD
In its pure form, gold is quite soft, so it is combined with other metals to produce strong alloys appropriate for jewelry. In the United States, these alloys are frequently described in karats. 24 karat is pure gold; 18 karat gold is 75% gold; 14 karat gold is 58% gold and 10 karat gold is 42% gold. The higher the gold content, the softer and more easily marred the jewelry will be.
In rare cases, the alloys may react with the wearer's body chemistry, causing a harmless green or black discoloration on the skin which is easily removed with soap and water.
Avoid scratching, rough wear, and contact with cleansers, bleach and even the chlorine in swimming pools. Yellow gold is best professionally cleaned and polished by your jeweler, though a mild jewelry cleaner and soft cloth may be used at home. Store yellow gold jewelry in a soft cloth or pouch to protect its surface.
PLATINUM
Platinum is amongst the purest and most valuable of the precious metals. It is more rare than gold and nearly twice as heavy.
Platinum in its purest form is one of the only naturally occurring white precious metals that will not tarnish. Platinum is often rhodium plated to provide a bright finish. Rhodium wears off over time, leaving the platinum with a natural soft patina. The rhodium finish may be reapplied or not according to personal preference. Platinum's purity makes it the perfect choice for those with allergies or fro those who have experienced reactions to other metals.
Although platinum is extremely durable, it is not indestructible. It can be scratched, dented, bent or cracked, similar to gold. As with all fine jewelry, it should be treated with care. Avoid rough wear and exposure to abrasives and chemicals. Platinum can be cleaned at home with a mild jewelry cleaner and soft cloth, but it is best cleaned and polished by a jeweler who specializes in the care of platinum.'
(From a pamphlet at Helzberg Diamonds)
I hope this helps anyone with questions or concerns about their metals.
'WHITE GOLD
Pure Gold is yellow in color. White gold is pure gold that has been combined with mostly white metals to create an alloy with a rich silvery hue. The proportion of gold to other metals is measured in K arats. 18 karat gold is 75% gold; 14 karat gold is 58% gold and 10 karat gold is 42% gold.
White Gold retains a trace of its original golden hue. Therefore white gold jewelry is commonly enhanced with a layer of rhodium, a precious platinum family metal to make it whiter and brighter. Rhodium will wear off over time showing the natural golden hue of the white gold alloy. A periodic reapplication of rhodium is necessary to maintain the bright white finish. The frequency of application necessary is determined by the wearer's individual body chemistry and wear patterns. In rare cases, the required frequency of the reapplication may make platinum a more suitable white metal alternative.
As with all gold, avoid rough wear and contact with chemicals, including chlorine in swimming pools. It is best to have white gold professionally cleaned by your jeweler, though a mild jewelry cleaner and soft cloth may be used at home.
YELLOW GOLD
In its pure form, gold is quite soft, so it is combined with other metals to produce strong alloys appropriate for jewelry. In the United States, these alloys are frequently described in karats. 24 karat is pure gold; 18 karat gold is 75% gold; 14 karat gold is 58% gold and 10 karat gold is 42% gold. The higher the gold content, the softer and more easily marred the jewelry will be.
In rare cases, the alloys may react with the wearer's body chemistry, causing a harmless green or black discoloration on the skin which is easily removed with soap and water.
Avoid scratching, rough wear, and contact with cleansers, bleach and even the chlorine in swimming pools. Yellow gold is best professionally cleaned and polished by your jeweler, though a mild jewelry cleaner and soft cloth may be used at home. Store yellow gold jewelry in a soft cloth or pouch to protect its surface.
PLATINUM
Platinum is amongst the purest and most valuable of the precious metals. It is more rare than gold and nearly twice as heavy.
Platinum in its purest form is one of the only naturally occurring white precious metals that will not tarnish. Platinum is often rhodium plated to provide a bright finish. Rhodium wears off over time, leaving the platinum with a natural soft patina. The rhodium finish may be reapplied or not according to personal preference. Platinum's purity makes it the perfect choice for those with allergies or fro those who have experienced reactions to other metals.
Although platinum is extremely durable, it is not indestructible. It can be scratched, dented, bent or cracked, similar to gold. As with all fine jewelry, it should be treated with care. Avoid rough wear and exposure to abrasives and chemicals. Platinum can be cleaned at home with a mild jewelry cleaner and soft cloth, but it is best cleaned and polished by a jeweler who specializes in the care of platinum.'
(From a pamphlet at Helzberg Diamonds)
I hope this helps anyone with questions or concerns about their metals.
