Oh, and by the way, all of our gold is recycled. What does Karat represent? The karat is a unit of measurement for the purity of gold used in the jewelry industry. It is generally abbreviated as "kt" or "k". One karat is equivalent to 1/24th of the total purity of gold. Thus, an object made of 100% pure gold would be 24 karats. However, 24-karat pure gold is relatively soft, making it less suitable for jewelry as it is more prone to bending or deforming. Therefore, gold is typically alloyed with other metals to make it more durable. For example, 18-karat gold is composed of 75% pure gold (18/24) and 25% other metals such as copper or silver. It is more malleable than 14-karat gold and is often used for delicate and intricate jewelry. The higher the karat number, the higher the proportion of pure gold in the alloy, meaning the gold is of higher quality and purity. At Proud Diamond, we offer 14-karat and 18-karat gold and all of our gold is recycled. 14-karat gold is a popular choice as it strikes a balance between durability and affordability. It is composed of 58.3% gold and is mixed with other metals, as explained above, creating a more durable and resilient alloy. Gold colors offered at Proud Diamond White gold: White gold is widely used in jewelry to create elegant pieces and is often plated with rhodium to give it a brilliant finish and protect the alloy from oxidation. Rhodium plating typically lasts on gold for about 6 months, which underscores the importance of having your jewelry cleaned every 6 months. White gold is a popular choice, less prone to scratches, and ideal for those seeking durability. Yellow gold: Yellow gold is becoming increasingly popular in jewelry due to its beauty and durability. Its warm and vibrant color complements all types of gold, making it a great choice for those who like to mix different gold colors. Fun fact: 18K yellow gold will appear richer in color than 14K yellow gold. Our yellow gold is gentle and subtle, so it won't look excessively yellow. Rose gold: Rose gold is known for its warm and romantic pinkish hue. Primarily composed of pure gold, it also contains a proportion of copper, giving it a characteristic rosy tint. The amount of added copper varies, allowing for different shades of pink, from pale to more pronounced. Fun fact : 18K rose gold will appear richer in color than 14K rose gold. What is Platinum? Platinum is a precious metal commonly used in the world of jewelry. It is a rare, silvery-white metal appreciated for its purity, resistance to corrosion, and natural luster. Here are some characteristics of platinum in the field of jewelry: Purity: The platinum used is typically pure at 95% or more. Unlike gold, which is often alloyed with other metals to enhance its durability, platinum is naturally robust and does not require significant alloying. Neutral color: Platinum has a natural silvery-white color that does not tarnish over time, unless proper maintenance is not performed. This neutral hue enhances the brilliance of diamonds and other gemstones, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other gem-set jewelry. Resistance: Platinum is extremely resistant to corrosion and oxidation, meaning it retains its luster and beauty over time. Hypoallergenic: Due to its purity, platinum is less likely to cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to metals. Weight: Platinum is denser than gold, which means platinum jewelry tends to be heavier than similar-sized gold jewelry. Due to its exceptional characteristics, platinum is often used to create high-end engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, and other high-quality jewelry pieces. It is also stamped with a quality mark, typically "Pt," followed by a number indicating the purity percentage, such as "Pt950" for platinum with 95% purity. At Proud Diamond, we understand the importance of properly maintaining your pieces, which is why we offer professional jewelry cleaning and polishing services. Our skilled artisans can restore your old jewelry to its former glory, making them as beautiful as new. Whether your jewelry is white gold, yellow gold, rose gold or platinum, our experts will ensure they shine brightly and remain in perfect condition.