All About Metal
Sterling Silver (Silver 925)
- What It Is: Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, with 7.5% other metals like copper to make it strong enough for jewelry.
- Tarnishing: It’s more likely to tarnish because silver reacts with air and moisture, causing it to darken over time. It can be polished back to a shine, but it will need more maintenance.
10K, 14K, and 18K Gold
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What They Are: Gold jewelry is measured in karats (K), which tell you how much pure gold is in the mix:
- 10K gold is 41.7% pure gold and very durable, but it has a lighter color.
- 14K gold is 58.3% pure gold and a good mix of durability and a rich gold color, which is popular for everyday jewelry.
- 18K gold is 75% pure gold and has a deeper gold color but is softer, so it’s a little more likely to scratch.
Plated Jewelry vs. Solid Gold or Natural Rose/White Gold
- Plated Jewelry: When jewelry is "gold-plated" or "silver-plated," a thin layer of gold or silver is applied over another metal, like brass. It gives you the look of real gold or silver without the cost, but the plating can wear off over time, especially if you wear it often.
- Natural Rose or White Gold: Higher-quality rose and white gold are actual gold alloys, mixed with metals like copper (for rose) or palladium/nickel (for white). They won’t "wear off" because the color is part of the metal itself, so they last longer and maintain their look.
In short, solid gold and natural rose or white gold will hold up better over time compared to plated jewelry. Sterling silver is beautiful but needs polishing to stay shiny, while solid gold alloys like 10K, 14K, and 18K offer durability and natural color without plating.