KraguljevichJewelry
The color of gold is determined by the metals added to it. Yellow gold contains silver and copper in addition to gold, rose gold contains more copper, and white gold contains palladium or nickel, which bleach the color of the gold. At the same fineness, all colors contain the same proportion of gold: 18-karat yellow, white, and rose gold all contain 750 parts per thousand of gold; only the added metals differ.
Fineness also affects color: 18-karat yellow gold is usually warmer and more saturated than 14-karat, although the exact color depends on the alloy. Because of its copper, rose gold is slightly harder than yellow gold.
White gold is not entirely white but slightly grayish or yellowish, so we rhodium-plate it: we coat it with a thin layer of rhodium, a hard, bright, silvery-white metal of the platinum group. The plating is usually only a few tenths of a micrometer thick and wears away gradually, faster on rings, which rub against objects all day, than on earrings or pendants. When the natural color of the alloy begins to show through, we clean, polish, and replate the piece. How quickly the plating wears depends on its thickness and on how the piece is worn, so no exact interval can be given. We do not rhodium-plate yellow or rose gold, nor platinum, which is white on its own.
Some people are allergic to nickel. The European Union therefore limits how much nickel jewelry may release onto the skin, and rhodium plating covers the nickel in white gold only as long as it is intact. Platinum, yellow and rose gold, and sterling silver normally contain no nickel, while white gold is made both with and without nickel. If you are allergic to nickel or another metal, let us know and we will choose a suitable alloy.
Jewelry metals
Tiny stamped marks on jewelry tell you what it's made of. We explain hallmarks, karat and how to verify that gold is genuine.
Redness and itching under jewelry are often a sign of nickel allergy. We explain which metals are safe for sensitive skin and how to avoid problems.
Proper care extends jewelry life and keeps the shine. Practical tips for cleaning, storage and daily wear — by material.
Karat means purity, not weight. The difference between 18K and 14K affects color, hardness and price. We explain when to choose which.
At first glance they look the same, but they differ in weight, durability, care and price. We explain when platinum is worth it and when white gold.
Gold color is not about fashion but alloy. We explain how white, yellow and rose are created, who they suit, and what it means for care.