Gold
Gold is the most popular metal for jewelry and is incredibly versatile. A karat is a unit of measurement for gold that is divided into 24 parts. Pure gold is 24 karats, which means that 24 of the 24 parts are gold. Because pure gold is too soft to be used in jewelry, it is alloyed with other metals to strengthen its strength. There is 22K gold, although most gold is 18K (75% gold), 14K (58% gold), and 10K (approximately 42% gold).
The remaining metals, such as silver, copper, nickel, and zinc, add strength and durability. The hue and color of gold are determined by the type and percentage of metal alloys employed. For example, 22K gold has a rich, saturated gold color, but 14K gold has a slightly milder yellow tone. Gold jewelry is typically available in the following hues:
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold’s warm patina is created by combining the red of copper and the green of silver. Yellow gold fell out of favor with white gold for a time but has recently regained popularity.
White Gold
White gold, which is more modern than yellow gold, derives its silvery white color from mixing yellow gold with copper, zinc, and nickel (or palladium). It’s coated with rhodium (a platinum group metal), which is four times the price of platinum, resists scratches and tarnishing, and provides white gold a reflective aspect. It may, however, wear away with time, necessitating a fast return to your jeweler for re-plating.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is a unique and beautiful metal with a warm, pink tint formed by blending yellow gold with a copper alloy. Rose gold has the exact general percentages of metal alloys as yellow or white gold; it’s just a different combination of alloys.
Green Gold
Green gold, while uncommon, is distinctive and nature-inspired; it has a delicate, mild green tint generated by combining yellow gold with silver, copper, and zinc. Use green gold in conjunction with rose and white gold for a unique tri-color effect.
The Ideal Setting
Now that you’ve learned the distinctions between metals, it’s time to fit the puzzle together. Choose your metal, style, and finish with a spectacular diamond or exquisite gemstone. You’ll learn things about your future wife that you didn’t know about her before, and that’s part of the joy. Finally, you’ll have an engagement ring that is as distinctive and exquisite as the woman who will wear it.