Precious Metals Buying Guide
The Village Goldsmithās experienced craftspeople are trained to work with all precious metals - from platinum and gold to sterling silver.Ā The range of metals to choose from when craftingĀ jewellery is quite extensive. To help with the selection process, we've provided a list of the most popular metals we work with in our workshop and described their distinctive qualities. We will always recommend the most appropriate metal in accordance with the ring or jewellery style, wearability, and your preferred budget.Ā At The VillageĀ Goldsmith, we pride ourselves on the quality of ourĀ craftsmanshipĀ and work to ensure that all materials used in the crafting of our jewellery are of the highest quality and ethically sourced.
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Yellow GoldĀ Ā Ā
Pure gold is often referred to as 24 carat (ct in UK, k in US), but because it's quite soft and malleable, it's not always suitable for an itemĀ intended to be worn daily. A more durable choice isĀ 9k, 14k, or 18k gold - which are pure gold that have been combined with other metal alloys to make it harder.Ā The higher the carat grade, the richer the colour, more expensive, and more resistant to tarnishing it will be.Ā These carat grades contain the following percentages of gold:Ā Ā
9 carat: 37.5%Ā Ā14 carat: 58.5%Ā Ā
18 carat: 75%Ā Ā
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White GoldĀ Ā
White gold is made from yellow gold and an array of added metal alloys to create a whiter colour. Traditionally, rhodium plating is applied to white gold to give it its deeper, whiter, more platinum-like look. It's important to note that this plating does wear offĀ and further applications of rhodium plating will be required to maintain the look over time.Ā The scale of carat grading is the same for white gold as it is for yellow gold. The higher the carat grade of white gold, the deeper the gunmetal white colour.Ā Ā
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Rose GoldĀ Ā
Rose gold is alloyed with a percentage of copper, which gives it its rosy pink tinge. With rose gold, the higher the carat grade the more subtle the colour appears.Ā
Gold Buying Tips:
- For gold in general, the lower the carat grade, the higher the amount of other metals within the alloyĀ which can increase the risk of allergic reaction.Ā Ā
- Always look for the carat mark ā for example an 18ct/18K or 750 stamp on your jewellery.Ā Ā
Platinum
Platinum is the most durable and dense precious metal used in jewellery. Because it's the heaviestĀ and most resistant to wear and tear. Platinum is a steely white colour and many people are attracted to its pure lustre.Ā Platinum used for jewellery is usually 95% pureĀ and often combined with ruthenium alloy which provides for the highest purity. Alternatively, platinum can be combined with other alloys, including cobalt, copper or iridium.Ā Platinum is naturally hypoallergenic and does not tarnish. Unlike many of its precious metal counterparts, when platinum is scratched, no metal is lost - rather the metal is "displaced" and can be polished back to its original state.Ā Ā
Tip:Ā remember to check for the PT950/950 or PLAT stamp on your jewellery.Ā
Palladium
Palladium is a platinum group metal thatĀ looks similarĀ to platinum, but with loer density. Due to its use in the electronics industry itās now the most expensive of the precious metals so not as widely used in jewellery. Like platinum, palladium is naturally silvery-white in colour and does not require plating as part of its maintenance.Ā Ā Ā
Titanium
Titanium is a natural element (no. 22 on the periodic table) and has a smoky-grey colour. Titanium is 100% hypo-allergenic, light in weight, very strong, and has impressive durability (superior to gold and platinum). It's also resistant to corrosion and tarnishing.Ā Titanium rings are extremely difficult to adjust in size so care should be taken whenĀ selecting the initial size for purchase.Ā Ā
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is an affordable option, but prone to scratches, tarnish and wear and tear. Because of this, sterling silver is not the best choice for engagement rings, wedding bands or any jewellery that will be worn daily.Ā Ā Ā
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It's important to us thatĀ all of ourĀ crafting processes - including diamond and precious metal sourcing - offer transparency so that our clients understandĀ where each element of their jewellery has come from.Ā If youād like to learn more about our standards and practices, check out ourĀ ethical diamond sourcingĀ andĀ precious metal sourcingĀ practices. We invite you to explore our range ofĀ engagement ringsĀ andĀ fine jewellery,Ā which you can be confident was sourced and crafted withĀ transparency and care.Ā If you have any questions about precious metals, pleaseĀ get in touch with us.