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Rose gold
Precious Metals by Rosanna Mignacca Why does fine jewelry set our hearts racing? Are we compelled by its sparkling beauty? The pure aesthetics of precious metals that become a work of art through a talented designer’s hand? Its symbol of status, love, and commitment?
If you’re like me, you answered “yes” to all of the above. The fact that women and men have adorned themselves in precious metals since ancient times suggests that we are not alone. Throughout history, the wearing of precious metals has been a distinguishing mark between the ruler and the ruled. And, while we may not have the means to amass a collection that rivals those of kings and queens, we can and should indulge our love for ornamentation. Today, there are so many choices for every budget and taste. All that glitters
Gold jewelry is the standard in precious metals. It does not corrode or tarnish with time or wear and is unaffected by air and moisture, retaining its original luster for thousands of years. It is also a malleable metal, making it a jewelry designer’s delight. It can be stretched, etched, cut, and polished in endless ways. Because of gold’s softness, other metals are added to strengthen it, creating an alloy. The purity of this alloy is measured in karats. The higher the number of karats, the 16 Nights
higher the percentage of gold. 24 kt gold is pure gold and far too soft for jewelry. 18 kt gold contains 75% pure gold, while 14 kt contains 58.5% pure gold and 10 kt is equal to 41.7% gold.
Yellow gold
Natural gold has a warm, yellow color, which remains even when mixed with other metals. However, the richness and depth of yellow gold is directly related to the percentage of gold in its alloy. For example, 18 kt gold is a deeper, richer color than 10 kt gold. Trends come and go, but yellow gold jewelry always endures. White gold
Since pure gold is naturally yellow, what exactly is white gold? Well, to transform gold’s yellow hue to a silvery shade, white metal, usually nickel, silver, or palladium, is added to its alloy. To create its dazzling white shine, it is then plated with rhodium, a shining white, hard, and durable metal. Rhodium is also a precious metal. In fact, it can cost almost ten times as much as gold but, because of its hardness, it is not ideal for making jewelry. Rhodium plating, however, adds a mirror-like shine, and nothing sets off diamonds like rhodium-plated white gold. The stones appear larger because of its brightness. In most light, it’s hard to see where the diamonds end and the metal begins. Top photo by Can Stock Photo. Middle photo by iStockphoto. Bottom photo by Roumen Baytchev
Rose gold gets its pink hue from its copper alloy, which warms its color from a soft pink to a deep, glowing red, depending how much copper is used. Right now, the world is blushing with love for rosy pink gold, calm and soothing to the eye. It is also very feminine, especially when combined, as is the trend, with pink diamonds, pink sapphires or rose quartz. While you may think of rose gold as new, it is in fact, just the opposite. Rose gold is sometimes called “Russian gold” because of its popularity in 19th-century Russia, a popularity that spread throughout Europe and the United States. In the Victorian era, women wanted an engagement ring of rose gold, perceiving it as the most romantic and elegant precious metal. Today, rose gold is popular because its rich warmth flatters all skin tones, as it imparts a healthy glow when worn close to the face, making it perfect for earrings and pendants. Can’t decide which gold is right for you? Why choose? Mixed metals are the height of fashion. Look for stackable bands in yellow, white, and rose gold. Choose an artistic piece that combines two or more colors of gold. One unifying item will give you license to pair all your colored gold jewelry with abandon. The only rule should be not to let jewelry languish in a chest. If a brooch is no longer your thing, try it swinging from a long chain as a pendant.
platinum ring will weigh more and cost almost twice as much as an 18 kt white gold ring. For this reason, it is often the choice for an engagement ring and wedding band. Its silvery white color always makes it a striking setting for diamonds. Men often prefer platinum for its solid weight and durability. Sterling treasures
Throughout time, men and women have been captivated by silver’s splendor. A silver spoon has symbolized privilege and fortune since Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes declared that not every man was born with one in his mouth. Today, silver is a favorite medium for creative designers, who use sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy material. Silver can look casual or elegant, modern or vintage, depending on the design. Some pieces feature a combination of sleek polished silver and oxidized silver, which results in a gorgeous antiqued finish, adding depth and
detail. With proper care, silver lasts forever. When tarnished from exposure to air, a soft-cloth polishing restores silver’s brilliance in seconds. Keep your silver jewelry in a separate cloth jewelry pouch or airtight plastic bag when not wearing it. Of course, wearing your silver jewelry is the best way to keep it gleaming. Steel yourself for a modern look
Stainless steel has gained in popularity, thanks to its rugged, clean look and the fact that it is virtually carefree and affordable. Men like its modern look in chunky designs, though designers are now pairing it for women with noble gems like rubies and sapphires. Assert yourself in style
Fine jewelry has always been linked to love and romance, but buying one’s own jewelry is an intoxicating symbol of independence. We no longer keep our gold and gems for special occasions, but throw them on as casually as a favorite pair of faded jeans and white T-shirt. Don’t wait. Commemorate your milestones, years, accomplishments, or hurdles by treating yourself. Tans pale, memories fade, but an exquisite ring, necklace, or pair of earrings – fashioned from precious metals – is wearable art that will endure forever.
The platinum bombshell
Platinum, about 30 times rarer than gold, is an irresistible, silvery-white metal. One of the few precious metals that can be made into jewelry in its almost pure (95%) form, platinum is dense and heavy, making it more expensive than gold. A 18 Nights
Top photos, from left to right, by Dreamstime, iStockphoto, and Paolo Toffanin. Bottom left photo by Arman Zhenikeyev. Bottom right photo by iStockphoto