Your wedding rings are the ultimate symbol of the pledge of eternal love. As such, your ring is one of the first major investments as a couple. We know that as you would with any other major purchase, you would also like to know more about the rings that you will be wearing everyday for life.
Here are answers to most commonly asked questions that will guide you in your decision.
Question : What kind of gold do you use in your rings? Chinese gold or Italian gold?
Ans : Chinese gold, Italian gold, Saudi gold, etc. These are just coined phrases. The truth is, gold is the same regardless of where it came from or where it was mined. The physical characteristics of a piece of gold jewelry will only vary as a result of the kind and quantity of alloy mixed with the gold.
Gold jewelry classified as “Chinese gold” are generally high in karat value. Gold in its purist form is 24 karats. “Chinese gold” is usually 22 karat gold, which means that the piece of jewelry is 22 parts metal alloy containing zinc which results in a richer gold tone. The “Chinese gold” phrase came about because Asians, at some point before, regarded jewelry as an investment more than as a fashion accessory, thus their preference for the more expensive and richer toned gold jewelry.
“Italian gold” is generally in 14 karat gold, which means that the piece of jewelry is 14 parts gold and 10 parts metal alloy containing more copper, thus the reddish hue of many “Italian” pieces.
The higher the gold content usually makes a jewelry piece more expensive but does not necessary mean better in quality. There are many pieces of jewelry in 14 or 18 karat that have far superior quality in workmanship that 22 karat ones.
Question : What is the difference between white gold and platinum?
Ans : White gold is a mix of gold and white metal alloy such as nickel or palladium. The whiteness of 14 karat or 18 karat white gold may not be very white because of gold’s natural yellow color. The piece is usually rhodium plated to achieve a whiter look and to make a clearer distinction between yellow and white colors. White gold is generally harder to work with than yellow gold, hence the higher the price tag for jewelry pieces containing it.
Platinum is an entirely different white metal. It is an extremely rare white metal known for its hardness and is significantly more expensive than gold or any other metal for they matter.
Question : What is an alloy and why is it important?
Ans : Gold by nature, is a soft and malleable (can be shaped easily without breaking) metal. Jewelry crafted in 24 karat gold generally lose its shape over time with daily wear and tear because of these inherent qualities. Metal alloys are basically mixed with gold to harden the metal, to create different colors and also to make jewelry more affordable. The kind of alloy mixed with gold contributes to the workability of the combined metal and the overall quality of the finished piece of jewelry. Mixing gold with an inferior type of alloy may cause the jewelry to tarnish, crack or become porous; hence, the importance of purchasing alloys from reliable and tested sources.
Question : Which is better, 14 karat or 18 karat gold?
Ans : Only the experts can tell the difference! The higher gold content in 18 karat jewelry makes the color generally richer in tone and the price tag more expensive but overall quality remains the same. A 10 karat piece of jewelry, if crafted properly and mixed with good alloy, will still be durable but will not have as much value as the 14 or 18 karat item because of the lower gold content.
Question : I would like my rings will done in 24 karat gold. Is that possible?
Ans : Yes, it can be done. However, given the fact that gold is a soft metal in its purest form and given that your wedding rings are intended for everyday wear, it is not recommended.
Question : Which is better, white or yellow gold?
Ans : The choice of white or yellow gold or any other color really depends on the customer’s preference although white gold is generally recommended for stone setting because it is harder than yellow gold.
