The most common rare metal used for jewelry mounting we could see on the market is 18K gold.
However, there are also many other options like platinum (PT950), 14K and 9K gold. When choosing what to buy, countless consumers would probably run into a question concerning the metals: what are the differences between them?
Therefore, it is a good idea for us to first understand the properties of these metals, and then we can choose the material for our jewelries based on our needs and preferences.
5 strengths of 18K gold
1. Diamond protection
Gold is a stable and corrosion-resistance material which can maintain its luster for years and thus is popular, but jewelries using pure gold (999 gold or 24K gold) are too soft and can deform easily. Using that for diamond ring could mean insufficient protection to the diamond.
18K gold means when the gold is divided into 24 servings, and 18 of them (75%) are pure gold. Then 25% of other metals are added in to create this high purity metal. Mixing with other metals can increase the hardness of 18K gold and this solve the issue of the metal deforming easily. This helps a lot in protecting the diamond, so different kind of gems can also be mounted.
With precise mounting technique, diamond could be securely mounted on the ring and the risk of it falling off could be minimized.
2. Exquisiteness
The decent versatility of 18K gold means that it is suitable for making into different jewelries.
18K gold could be turned into what the jewelry designer wants it to become, whether it is luxurious goldware or delicate and sophisticated light jewelry. It can be crafted into thin yet sturdy necklace or ring, and it can also have complex pattern engraved. 18K gold is usually used for personal engraving designs like wedding rings or vintage style jewelries.
3. Preventing allergies
Allergies to metal is also something one has to consider when purchasing jewelries.
Some people will suffer from itchiness caused by allergy to jewelry, which is the result of coming in contact with common allergen like alloy products containing nickel. If the composition of metal is pure and stable, it will be less likely to cause allergies. Gold is highly stable material, and the purity of 18K gold is higher than that of 14K, 10K and 9K. Gold is thus suitable for long-term wearing as it is rarely allergy inducing.
4. Value maintaining
Goldware is a common choice for investment or hedging to many people. Since it can be worn and stored physically for investment, it is very popular among the elderlies. The price of gold is universally recognized, and goldware can be melted and crafted into other shapes. Pure gold has a high value, but its extravagant look makes goldware difficult to be worn in our daily lives. As time passes, pure gold is slowly being replaced by 18K gold when it comes to jewelry material.
18K is still a good choice for hedging as its price is 75% of that of pure gold, and it has a high liquidity.
5. Different color choices
There are color options for 18K gold. The most common color would be white K gold, followed by yellow gold and rose gold. All the 3 types of color are formed by mixing 75% pure gold and 25% of different metals.
In Europe and the US, people tend to have yellow gold goes with diamond, ruby or sapphire as their wedding rings, while white K gold is more common in Asia.
In recent years, rose gold jewelries start to become popular in above mentioned regions.
Different metal color could bring different, albeit small, perception to a diamond, and mixing the color to your liking could add uniqueness to your diamond ring.