Gold

• Treasured for its warm sensuous glow, gold is the most beloved of all metals.  Its versatility and ductile nature has made gold the perfect medium for countless artisans and craftsman throughout the ages.  For thousands of years, gold has been shaped into jewelry, ornaments, into religious icons and talismans and currency.  Gold in its purest state is referred to as 24 karat gold.  This is normally too soft for use in jewelry wear, so jewelers will mix gold with an alloy to render it more durable.

 Karats Of Gold

• Karats are a unit of measure indicating the fineness of gold.  Most gold jewelry contains gold and another metal, making it an alloy.  10 karat gold contains 41.7% pure gold.
• 12 karat gold contains 50% pure gold.
• 14 karat gold contains 58.3% pure gold and is often preferred in jewelry for its durability.
• 18 karat gold is 75% pure gold and is often preferred in jewelry for its beauty and durability.
• 24 karat gold is 100% pure gold and therefore too soft for most jewelry.

Platinum

•  Thirty-five times rarer than gold, platinum is a treasured and highly sought after precious metal.  Platinum is 95% pure, reflecting a brilliant white luster that does not fade or tarnish.  Its purity also makes it hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin.  With a higher density than most metals, platinum is more durable and less likely to wear away over time.  Plus, it is highly pliable and can be shaped into many intricate patterns not possible with other metals.

What Is Rhodium?

• A member of the platinum group, rhodium is a shiny white metal that is highly reflective, durable and expensive.  It is often used as a hardening agent for platinum.  In jewelry it is plated on other metals to increase luster and eliminate tarnishing.

What Is Gold Filled?

• Gold filled refers to the mechanical process of applying two thin gold sheets to core metal such as nickel.  To qualify as "gold filled" the amount of gold must be at least 1/20 of the total weight.
• Gold plated refers to an item with a layer of 10kt gold bonded to a base metal.
• Gold tone is jewelry finished in a gold color.

Hopefully these terms and definitions will help you understand what you may be purchasing in a piece of jewelry as they are sometimes incorrectly used in a description. 

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