Buying Guide - Precious Metals

When it comes to choosing a precious metal, personal preference is often the deciding factor, as it should be. Both metals are similar in price and have their own advantages. And at Mariloff, no matter which metal you choose, you are sure to select a brilliant piece that will delight you for years to come. Because we decide which metal will be used in the beginning phases of the design process, we can be sure to design a piece that maximizes the attributes of the metal and displays the gems in the most flattering way. A little planning in the beginning makes for a more inspired design in the end.

Gold
Gold jewelry has been popular for centuries, and for good reason, too. It’s an elegant, versatile metal that can easily be shaped into any design imaginable – from thin, gold strands to thick, ornate bands. In the beginning, gold was only available to the privileged elite. Today, gold remains the status symbol it’s always been, but it is no longer reserved for royalty.

Gold is measured in karats. Karats describe the percentage of pure gold in an item of jewelry; therefore, the higher the karat number, the higher the percentage of gold and the more brilliant the color.

It is necessary to alloy gold with other metals since, on its own, it is soft and easily damaged. These other metals are also used to change or intensify the color. Gold, in its natural state, is a rich yellow color. To maintain this warm tone, gold is alloyed with silver and copper. White gold is achieved by alloying gold with palladium or nickel. White gold with its cool white sheen is a less expensive alternative to platinum.

Platinum
Platinum seems to have been gaining in popularity lately, but the truth is it has been a revered precious metal for thousands of years. It is very rare, approximately 35 times rarer than gold, and can only be found in certain areas. Due to its rarity, there are several decades throughout history where it has seemingly vanished.

One of platinum’s most defining qualities is its durability. It is strong enough on its own to withstand a lifetime of wear and tear. True, platinum can be scratched just like any other surface, but unlike other metals, when a scratch occurs, no platinum is lost. The molecules are simply displaced and can easily be buffed back into place.

Obviously, the other most notable characteristic of platinum is its brilliant white luster. Many believe it is this quality that sets off the true radiance of diamonds, making it the preferred metal for engagement and wedding rings.