Metal

The most popular metals used in jewelry are gold, silver and platinum.

These metals are all malleable (easy to mould for creating fancy jewelry shapes) and also resist rusting or oxidation (retaining the shiny luster for long). Another reason is that these elements are rare makes them more expensive to mine. People wear jewelry mostly because it is aesthetically appealing, but the fact that it is expensive and rare makes it more special.

Gold

Gold is perhaps the oldest of the precious metals used for jewelry. It is soft enough to be worked into interesting shapes, has a shiny luster, is rare and does not corrode or tarnish making it perfect for jewelry.

How precious is my gold?
Purity of gold is measured in Karats (k), 24k gold being the purest. 24k gold is very soft and malleable and cannot endure daily wear and tear; hence it is rarely used in jewelry. Pure gold is mixed with other metals, usually copper or silver, to make a stronger gold alloy making it apt for jewelry.

Purity	Metal Content	% Pure Gold
24k	Pure Gold	100% Gold
18k	18 parts gold, 6 parts another metal(s)	75% Gold
14k	14 parts gold, 10 parts another metal(s)	58.3% Gold

Gold Color

Yellow Gold - Originally pure gold is warm, sunny yellow in color. As the karat weight drops, gold becomes more durable but less yellow. For people who prefer a brighter yellow, lower karat weight will be plated in high-karat gold to enhance the color. This is perfectly acceptable as long as you are aware and pay a fair price. However this plating wears off with time and the jewelry needs to be re-plated.

White Gold - Following the gold karat weight rule, 18K yellow gold and 18K white gold contain the same proportion of gold; only the remaining 25% of the alloy is different. White gold is created by increasing the white colored alloys (zinc, silver, nickel) normally mixed with gold and decreasing the yellow colored alloys (copper). White gold is plated with an even whiter metal, rhodium (a very rare member of the platinum family), to add a smooth, shiny luster to the metal.

Rose Gold - Rose gold, also known as pink gold, is an alloy of gold containing gold and copper (that gives it a reddish tint). 14k rose gold has a more pronounced rose color as compared to 18k rose gold.

Gold Pricing
The value of gold jewelry is determined by collectively considering gold karatage, weight / total grams of metal in the jewelry as well as the design and detail of the piece. For instance 18k gold band weighing 3-5 grams, plain design, would cost approximately from $115 to $195, and the same band with design and detailing can cost approximately between $140 to $235.

Gold Care
In daily use, gold tends to develop a film build up of oils from lotions, powders, soaps, and natural skin oils which takes the luster away. Avoid gold's contact with chlorine, bleach or other chemicals when you are doing household chores because it can damage jewelry over time. Use a mild soapy liquid and a soft cloth to clean your jewelry. Store gold jewelry wrapped in soft cloth to retain its luster for a longer time.

Silver

A soft white, lustrous metal, silver has been used in jewelry since ages. In its pure form, silver is a lustrous metal, although it tarnishes easily turning silver objects turn greenish to black with age. However, when this tarnish is gently removed, the silver underneath regains its luster. Like gold, silver in its pure form silver is malleable, too soft for practical use in jewelry, giftware or flatware. Other metals are added to make silver workable for jewelry. Adding alloys also curbs silver's tendency to tarnish easily.

Sterling Silver
For purposes of jewelry, the most popular silver alloy is Sterling Silver. Sterling Silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Sterling Silver is durable, long lasting and does not tarnish easily.

Hallmarks
Only jewelry that is a minimum 92.5 percent pure silver can be called or labeled "silver," "solid silver," "sterling silver," or "sterling" to be able to meet U.S. government standards. "925", ".925 or 92.5" are also considered appropriate markings or stamps for sterling silver assuring that you are buying genuine sterling silver jewelry.

Silver Care
As with any fine jewelry, each piece of sterling silver should be stored individually, either in its own soft pouch or separately in plastic bags to prevent from tarnishing. Store your silver in a cool, dry place preferably wrapped in tarnish-proof cloth or in drawers lined with tarnish-resistant strips. If sterling does become tarnished, it is easily restored to its original luster by using a paste, liquid polish, or a treated polishing cloth intended for use on silver.

Other Tips :

» Store in a plastic bag or tarnish resistant cloth to keep free from exposure to air.

» Do not store in wooden drawers; wood contains acids that may damage silver jewelry.

» To avoid tarnish, wear your jewelry!

Platinum

Platinum is amongst the purest, finest and rarest of precious metals. Platinum's understated elegance that appeals to both men and women. Platinum makes for perfect daily wear jewelry as it shows less wear and tear. In fine jewelry, diamonds are sometimes set in platinum prongs irrespective of the metal used in the jewelry because of its durability. It's also hypoallergenic and resists tarnish.
Platinum is:

Pure
When used in jewelry, platinum is either 95% or 90% pure as compared to 18K gold, which is only 75% pure. And because it is as pure, it is hypoallergenic.

Durable
Platinum does not wear out making it perfect choice for engagement rings. It is one of the most durable metals that is specially used in prong settings to secure diamonds.

Rare and Precious
Platinum is rare found in only a few places around the world, including Africa, Russia and the USA.

Smooth, white, lustrous texture
Platinum's rich, white luster enhances the brilliance of diamonds and is preferred for engagement rings.

Elegant and Distinctive
The sophisticated allure of platinum creates a subtle elegance that is stylish, discreet and exclusive.

Platinum Care
Platinum jewelry should be cleaned the same way you clean other fine jewelry. Avoid platinum's contact with chlorine, bleach or other chemicals when you are doing household chores because it can damage jewelry over time. Use a mild soapy liquid and a soft cloth to clean your jewelry. Store gold jewelry wrapped in soft cloth to retain its luster for a longer time.