What is karat gold?

24 karat Gold is 24 out of 24 parts gold or 100% pure gold.  Another way of expressing 24k gold content is .999 fine gold.

18 karat gold is 18 out of 24 parts pure gold mixed with 6 parts of alloy.  Another way of expressing 18k gold content is .750 which means 75% pure gold and 25% alloy.

14 karat gold is 14 out of 24 parts pure gold mixed with 10 parts of alloy.  Another way of expressing 14k gold is .585. 

10 karat gold is 10 out of 24 parts pure gold mixed with 14 parts of alloy.   10k can also be expressed as .417.

Changing the elements in the alloy may change the color or the hardness of the finished gold but it does not change the karat.

What is Sterling Silver?

Pure Silver is .999 fine

Sterling Silver is .925 fine or  92.5% Silver and 7.5% alloy.  The small amount of alloy makes the Silver more durable. 

What is Platinum?

Platinum is considered the most precious metal.   Platinum is a white, hard and very dense metal.  Platinum is usually combined with Iridium (90% Plat. and 10% Iridium).

 

What are the four C’s of Diamonds?

 

The four C’s is the universal grading system of the precious gemstone, the diamond.

 

Diamond Carat Weight – is the size measurement of the diamond. The standard diamond size used in jewelry is 1 carat or less.

 

Diamond Color – is the measurement of color of the diamond. The less color, the more precious the diamond. 

 

Diamond Clarity – is the measurement of the internal inclusions or external blemishes. The more flawless the diamond the more precious it is considered.

 

Diamond Cut – is the shape measurement of the diamond: round, princess cut, emerald cut, oval, marquise, pear shape, etc.