Type
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GOLD
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STERLING SILVER
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PLATINUM
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VALUE |
Value differs based on karat. 24k and 18k are the most valuable, followed by 14k and 10k gold.
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One of the most affordable precious metals, it will be stamped with a ".925" hallmark verifying it is 92.5% pure silver.
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High value, as one of the most prized precious metals. It will have the hallmark "PLAT" indicating a minimum of 90% platinum.
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CARE |
Clean with warm water and dish soap, carefully dry with a soft cloth.
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Sterling silver can tarnish. Store in a cool, dry place or in tarnish-preventative bags.
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Clean with warm water and dish soap, carefully dry with a soft cloth.
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LIFESPAN |
18k, 14k, and 10k gold rings can last a lifetime.
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With proper care, sterling silver lasts for several decades of wear.
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Can last a lifetime and be passed down through the generations.
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HYPOALLERGENIC |
Gold can contain copper, nickel and zinc. Yellow gold is the most hypoallergenic compared to white gold and rose gold.
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Sterling silver can contain zinc or nickel. It is not 100% hypoallergenic.
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Platinum jewelry is hypoallergenic.
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STRENGTH |
Higher purity gold (24k and 18k) is softer and can be scratched while 14k and 10k gold is more durable.
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Sterling silver is a durable metal that can hold up to everyday wear.
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Platinum is incredibly strong and is the most durable precious metal.
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RESTORATION |
Gold rings can handle resizing and professional polishing for restoration.
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Tarnished sterling silver can be restored in the hands of a professional and this metal can handle resizing.
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Overtime platinum patina (a frosted appearance from years of wear) can develop. This can be polished away to restore its original shine. Platinum can also handle resizing.
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RARITY |
While the metal itself is not rare, the work it takes to refine high quality gold for jewelry gives it its value.
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Pure silver, used to make sterling silver, is rare because of its limited supply. Since sterling silver is alloyed with other metals, it less expensive.
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Platinum is thirty times rarer than gold, which makes it more valuable and expensive.
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HEFT |
The purer the gold, the heavier the ring will feel to wear.
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Sterling silver has a more lightweight feel to wear.
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Platinum is one of the densest precious metals and will have more of a heft than gold.
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