Frequently Asked Questions - Metals - Gold / Platinum / Titanium

What is the difference between 14kt and 18kt?

14kt gold is 58.5% gold and 31.5% alloy (other metals). 18kt gold is 75% gold and 25% alloy. Alloys are metals other than gold that are added in to give the gold durability, strength, and in some cases, color. White, rose, and green gold all get their color from the alloys that are mixed in with the gold, which always comes out of the ground yellow. 14kt has less gold content, therefore is harder than 18kt. 18kt on the other hand has more gold content, giving it a richer yellow color.

Why does my white gold look so yellow?

White gold looks yellow because all gold comes out of the ground yellow. Pure gold is very soft, so it is then mixed with other metals (alloys) to make it look white and add strength and durability. The downside to this is that white gold will always have a tinge of yellow.

Is there any way to make my white gold whiter?

Many times white gold is rhodium plated to make the jewelry appear pure white. Rhodium is a metal in the platinum family. It is a finish that is electrically charged to the metal and will wear away in time. This process can be repeated as often as you like to keep your jewelry looking like new.

What is the difference between white gold and platinum?

White gold and platinum are completely different metals. One major difference between the two is the color. As explained above, white gold has a yellow tinge to it, while platinum is pure white. Also, platinum is a more dense metal, so it is heavier than gold (white or yellow). Both metals scratch, they just scratch differently. As you wear your jewelry, everyday activities add wear. With white (or yellow) gold, the metal physically comes off the jewelry as it wears away. With platinum, the metal just moves with the rest of the metal, staying on the jewelry instead of shaving off.

Help! I'm allergic to gold!

Actually, what you're allergic to is the alloy mixture in the gold. The FTC states the 14kt gold must be 58.5% gold and 31.5% alloy…but they don't provide for specific formulas. Therefore, every gold manufacturer in the world makes their gold differently. (This is also why you can find different shades of 14kt yellow gold) Your best bet if you're allergic to some alloy in gold is to go with a higher karat gold (18kt 75% gold) or even platinum, which is an inert metal.

Do you carry Titanium?

Yes! For you gentlemen who don't want to wear a ring, because you're afraid you can't get used to it, Titanium is for you! Titanium is extremely light-you won't even know you're wearing it. It's also extremely durable. The only downside to Titanium, is that it is so durable we can't repair it. Don't worry though! We have a wonderful company that we get our Titanium bands from and they have a Lifetime Insurance Policy. If you ever need your ring sized, or if you lose or break it, you just send them the ring (if you have it) with the small deductible and you get a brand new ring!

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