Gold is probably the most widely used metal in jewelry making. The reason being it doesn’t tarnish or corrode making it a popular chose for fine craftsmen over the centuries to preserve their artworks. Gold is measured in Karats and the most pure being 24k. Jewelry is usually made with a mixture of gold and zinc or copper to make it stronger as pure gold is very soft so most gold jewelry will come in 18k or 10k. The higher the karat the more yellow in color the gold becomes, pink gold is mixed with copper to strengthen it giving it a lovely pink hue.
White gold on the other hand is coated in rhodium to enhance the white color of the gold although this will wear over time you will need to get the piece re-plated eventually and this is done in most jewelry stores now. You can obtain a pure with gold that doesn’t require plating and its called x1 gold but can be very weak and break easily.
Silver is also a soft metal and needs to be mixed with another metal to make it durable.
Platinum jewelry is the most expensive due to its appeal of durability and beauty. Platinum will not wear over time it will scratch but not splinter. It is the most durable of all the metals but can easily loose its shine over time and may need to be regularly polished. Platinum is usually 95% platinum and 5% other alloys. It needs less maintenance then other alloys due to its strength and can be easily washed in warm soapy water and polished with a soft cloth to maintain its beauty and shine
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