Choosing a Metal Type for Your Jewelry
When ordering your jewelry, you are asked to select a metal— so what should you know before choosing one? We offer white, yellow and rose gold, along with platinum for all of our designs. Below, you can explore the unique properties of each to help you select the perfect metal for your piece!
Commitment to Responsible Materials
To ensure unparalleled quality, we partner with trusted casting houses that utilize expert techniques along with cutting-edge equipment while prioritizing sourcing from responsible, reputable, eco-friendly suppliers. These partners are dedicated to using recycled metals when possible and proudly manufacture in the USA. Our primary casting partner uses 100% recycled platinum and nearly 100% recycled gold; their target for power use is 100% renewables in 2025.
Gold Purity Options
We offer a wide selection of gold options to meet your design preferences and lifestyle needs, including 14K and 18K white gold, yellow gold and rose gold.
The term karat (K) refers to the proportion of gold in a metal, with 24 karats representing pure gold. The larger the karat number, the more pure gold content in the alloy. Since 24K gold is too soft for everyday wear, other metals are added to create an “alloy” (a metal consisting of two or more metallic elements) to enhance gold’s durability, change its color, and increase its affordability.
- 14K Gold: Contains around 58% pure gold, making it quite durable and the most budget-friendly alloy for heirloom-quality jewelry.
- 18K Gold: Contains around 75% pure gold, offering a richer color compared to 14K. The higher gold content means this alloy is slightly softer, making it more prone to wearing over time.
- 20K Pink Gold: Developed as a more stable alternative to 18K rose gold, which can be brittle. This unique alloy provides a beautiful balance between color vibrancy and structural integrity.
The Different Gold Colors
- White Gold: Combinations of palladium, silver, zinc and nickel are added to yellow gold to create a whiter gold alloy. Due to its natural slightly yellow undertone, both 14K and 18K white gold is typically plated with rhodium for a bright white finish. Please note that some people have a contact allergy to nickel; while we can source nickel-free palladium white gold as an alternative, we generally recommend hypoallergenic platinum- which never needs plating!
- Yellow Gold: Known for its classic golden color, which is slightly paler in 14K and slightly richer in 18K. Subtle changes in the alloy contents can alter the intensity of the yellow color.
- Rose & Pink Gold: Copper is added to yellow gold to create a rosy, pinkish gold alloy, which is pinker in 14K and peachier in 20K.
If you are unsure which metal type will look best, your designer can create digital renderings of different options to help inform your decision!
Rhodium Plating
All of our white gold jewelry is rhodium plated unless otherwise requested. Rhodium is a rare and corrosion-resistant metal that gives white gold a very bright white finish. Rhodium plating will wear off over time, but re-plating is a simple process available for a small fee.
For those seeking a bright white metal that does not require plating, we always reccomend platinum.
Platinum
For those seeking a naturally bright white metal that doesn’t require plating, platinum is a fantastic choice. Platinum is exceptionally durable and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or active lifestyles.
Choosing the Right Metal for Your Jewelry
- Consider Durability: 14K gold offers the best gold option for active lifestyles, while platinum provides unmatched strength.
- Consider Color: Opt for yellow, rose, or pink gold for warm tones, white gold for versatility, or platinum for a sleek, modern look.
- Consider Budget: 14K gold is the most affordable option, followed by 18K and 20K alloys. Platinum is typically slightly more expensive due to its rarity and density, as well more labor-intensive during finishing.
- Two-Toned: Most of our designs can be created with a two-tone design, meaning it will be constructed from two different metals. If you are interested in a two-toned style, reach out to us for more information!