A guide to precious metal quality in fine jewellery
Are you thinking about proposing to your better half but don’t know what type of engagement ring to buy? The three most popular precious metals are gold, silver and platinum. Here’s a short guide to help you weigh your options.
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Gold
Gold is a very soft material. Therefore, it’s usually blended with harder metals like silver or copper to increase its strength and durability. The most common variations of gold include yellow, white and rose. Jewellers use the term karat (K) to describe the percentage of pure gold in the jewellery. For example, 24K gold is 100 per cent pure, while 14K gold is 58.3% per cent pure.
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Silver
Silver has been a popular precious metal for thousands of years. However, like gold, silver is too soft in its pure state for wearable use. Therefore, it’s typically alloyed with copper to prevent scratching and distortion. Jewellers use the word sterling to refer to very pure silver. For example, sterling silver jewellery in North America is made up of 92.5 per cent silver mixed with other metals. Such items are discreetly stamped .925 — on a ring’s inner band, for example.
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Platinum
Platinum is a silver-white metal that’s rarer than gold. In fact, it’s the rarest of the precious metals used in jewellery. Like gold and silver, platinum is typically strengthened with other metals, like iridium, osmium and nickel, for use in jewellery. Platinum pieces are stamped with a standardized platinum quality mark, indicating the percentage of platinum contained. For example, 950 platinum is made up of 95 per cent platinum and 5 per cent additional metals.
What’s the best precious metal for an engagement ring?
If you have the budget, platinum is an excellent choice for an engagement ring. Platinum is hypoallergenic and requires little maintenance, as it’s corrosion-resistant and doesn’t tarnish.
However, if you don’t have unlimited funds, gold is a classic choice. Eighteen-karat white, yellow or rose gold is the best choice because it’s higher in value, feels heavy and is luxurious to the touch. Keep in mind that fine silver is often too soft and isn’t typically recommended for engagement rings.
Engagement ring retailer in Kelowna, Edmonton and throughout Western Canada
Do you need help finding the perfect engagement ring for your sweetheart? Ben Moss has what you need. Our wedding collection includes something for every budget, including pieces from top brands like Glacier Fire and Diamond Revelations. We have over 16 locations across Canada from which to serve you. Contact us today for more information or visit us in-store to browse our impressive selection.
