Choosing a precious metal can be an especially puzzling process for a first time shopper. It is important to keep in mind that there are a number of factors to consider when it comes to selecting which precious metal will perfectly house your diamond or gemstone. Each precious metal has unique and special properties that make the appropriate choice a very personal and case-by-case decision. For example, bracelets and rings are pieces that are typically more prone to damage due to their location on or near the hands; consequently, a customer who is shopping for jewelry should take the piece’s durability into consideration, as well as scratch resistance, hardness, and the ability to maintain color and appearance.

Of course, one can’t forget that aesthetic trends in precious metals are constantly changing, so your personal taste regarding look and style should also play a key role when choosing between the variety of precious metals available.

PLATINUM
Platinum is the precious metal most known for and sought after for its durability. It does not wear away over time, nor does it scratch easily from daily wear and tear. However, while platinum is the strongest of the jewelry metals, it can scratch and develop a matte finish in place of its original shine over time. Many consumers actually prefer this look that is unique only to platinum but if you prefer that high shine, a nice polish can bring your piece back to its original reflective finish. To care for your platinum jewelry, soaking it in a mild solution of soap and warm water then gently scrubbing the surface with a soft bristled brush is usually all that is required to maintain the metal’s original luster. Because platinum may be counted on to maintain itself better than other precious metals, it is a favorite ring and necklace setting for loose diamonds and gemstones.

GOLD
Historically, gold is one of the most extraordinary and enduring elements when it comes to unwavering popularity and value over time. Occurring naturally with a distinct yellow color, gold is completely resistant to corrosion, rust or tarnish. Interestingly, although gold is quite strong, it is the most malleable of all the precious metals. In fact, pure gold is too soft for everyday jewelry wear; to make it practical for use in day to day life, pure gold is alloyed with a combination of other metals like copper, silver, zinc and nickel to supplement it’s lacking strength and durability. Gold’s purity is determined by it’s karatage, which is measured in 24ths, hence 24 karat gold is 100% gold. 18 karat gold contains 75% gold and 14 karat gold is 58.3% gold, with the differences being made up of a combination of other metals. The percentage and type of alloys gold contains also affects its ultimate color. Color saturated alloys such as copper and green hued silver are what give yellow gold its signature warm yellow tone. White gold is created when pure gold is combined with metal alloys that are naturally white, then it is plated with a famously durable element called rhodium. However, strong as it may be, rhodium does have a tendency to wear away over time, uncovering the original warmer yellow tone of the gold underneath. Do restore the original whiteness to your jewelry, you can choose to have it replated after time has worm away the outer layer of rhodium. The lovely pink hue of rose gold is concocted also by using a copper alloy. Remember that the final percentage of metal alloys used is the same for rose, white or yellow gold; the difference is simply the combination and which exact alloys are used in the mixture.

When pricing gold jewelry, you will need to consider the purity of the gold, the karat weight, the market value, and the expertise in craftsmanship of the piece of jewelry in question. To care for your gold and make it truly last, remember that it is a naturally occurring element, and is thus affected by harsh chemicals such as cleaning agents or chlorine. GGS always recommends that you remove your gold jewelry when coming in contact with such chemicals in order to prolong its luster and reduce the change of abrasions. Clean your hold jewelry with a detergent free soap, warm water, and a soft bristled brush. When you chose not to wear your gold jewelry, store your pieces in their original boxes or soft cloth bags.

SILVER
Fine silver, a term referring to silver in its purest form, is quite malleable, relatively soft, and has high risk of damage when worn as a piece of jewelry. To combat this risk, like gold, fine silver is often combined with other metals to transform it into a more durable product. The most popular and commonly known of these silver alloys is sterling silver, containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. While there are a variety of metals that could be used to make the more durable 7.5% of sterling silver, copper has historically proven to be the most reliable component when alloying fine silver to improve its raw strength while leaving the lovely color untainted. Luckily, this small amount of copper seems to have very little affect on the overall value of pure silver. The price of pure silver is more greatly determined by the manpower involved in its creation, including the intricacy of design and sheer skill of the craftsman. Be sure to look for the quality or fineness mark that can be found on most high quality silver jewelry pieces. This stamp indicated the precious metal content of the piece and, under federal law, must be accompanied by a registered trademark or maker’s mark on the piece.

If you continually practice proper care techniques, your fine silver should last a lifetime. In order to minimize damage such as scratches GGS recommends that you store your silver jewelry in a separate compartment in your jewelry case, or in a soft cloth pouch all to itself. GGS also encourages you to remove your silver jewelry before coming into contact with harsh household chemicals such as cleaning agents or chlorinated water. Unlike other precious metals, silver has a tendency to tarnish over time, causing it to look dull and discolored. To clean your silver of any tarnish, use specially formulated polishes that will remove the tarnished layer. Tarnish is most easily removable when it first appears, and is most easily avoided by wearing your silver jewelry often.

PALLADIUM
Palladium is one of the rarest metals on earth. It may come as a surprise to know that Palladium is actually a member of the Platinum family of precious metals, also known as Noble Metals in part due to their unmatched ability to avoid oxidation or corrosion. Palladium is lighter in weight than its cousin Platinum, naturally white in color, hypoallergenic, and completely immune against tarnish or discoloration. When used as a jewelry metal, Palladium is 95% pure, requiring no alloys, plating, or protection to enhance durability or strength. Not only is palladium beautiful and rare, it is also typically the chosen super metal when it comes to withstanding the natural course of time that can diminish the value of your fine jewelry.