Clear Cut Classroom: Metal Types

Welcome to The Clear Cut Classroom where we take deep dives into all things diamonds (and jewelry)! Let’s take it back to the foundations: metals! We’re talking 14k & 18k white, yellow, and rose gold, and platinum. We’re explaining their differences, and how to decide which metal is best suited for you!

Watch the full video below!

Today is all about metals! When designing your ring, there are many different things to consider: what is best for my lifestyle and what is best for the look I want? At The Clear Cut, we work with 14K and 18K white, yellow and rose gold, and platinum. 

If you want a white metal, you can go for 14K white gold, 18K white gold, or platinum. It depends on your lifestyle -- one way or another you will have to maintain it! White gold is an alloy of yellow gold, aka it is a mixture, so there’s a bit of yellow in there. This means that overtime, the metal may start to turn yellowish. Because of this you might need to have your ring dipped every 18 months or so. White gold is more resistant than platinum, meaning that it withstands wear and tear better than platinum. This is because platinum is more malleable, but on the other hand, it is denser than gold. One thing that I LOVE about platinum is that it is inherently white -- it will never turn yellow! You won’t have to dip platinum, but you will need to polish any scratches out. Also, platinum is a bit more expensive than white gold. 

If you are considering yellow gold and want something that is a tougher metal -- 14K is perfect for you! 18K has more of a saturated yellow color, but it is more malleable because it is more pure. At the end of the day, many of our clients choose between 14K and 18K yellow gold based on the color! If you have a more olive skin tone, 18K looks amazing! If you have more pink undertones, 14K is stunning! That being said, it is all about your personal style and preferences.

I LOVE rose gold. We are seeing more and more clients opt for this fresh and dainty metal. If you are considering rose gold, keep in mind that it is a softer metal. This is why I usually recommend 14K because it is tougher than 18K and will wear better over time. 

All in all, there is no wrong answer! Think about the color you want most and your daily lifestyle! Let us know what you want to see next week in the comments below!