750 ‰ (75%)
Yellow / gold
18k yellow gold contains 75% pure gold, 12.5% silver and 12.5% copper (typical composition, varies by manufacturer). It is the most traditional gold color with the longest jewelry history — from Egyptian pharaohs through the Renaissance to today. Optimal balance of purity, hardness, and color.
White / silver (with rhodium)
18k white gold is an alloy of 75% pure gold with white metals — most commonly palladium (modern nickel-free alloys) or nickel + zinc (older/cheaper alloys). White gold itself has a slightly yellowish-white tone; it is standardly plated with rhodium (a platinum group element) for extra white shine and scratch resistance.
Rose / copper
18k rose gold: 75% pure gold + ~22% copper + ~3% silver. Copper gives the metal its characteristic warm pink-orange color. Higher copper content = more red color ("red gold"); lower = more subtle pink. It is the hardest of the three 18k gold colors because copper increases alloy hardness.
585 ‰ (58.5%)
Yellow, white, or rose
14k gold contains 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% copper, silver, and/or zinc mix. It is harder than 18k and more resistant to scratches, deformation, and daily wear. In the USA, 14k is the standard karat; in Europe, 18k prevails. Lower price than 18k while maintaining real gold content.
950 ‰ (95%)
Silver white — natural
Platinum (Pt) is the heaviest precious metal in jewelry — density 21.4 g/cm³ vs. gold (19.3 g/cm³). Contains 95% pure platinum + 5% iridium or ruthenium for hardness. Its naturally white color never fades and requires no rhodium plating. It is hypoallergenic for everyone. In jewelry it became established in Belle Époque (1890–1914) as the preferred metal for diamond jewelry.
925 ‰ (92.5%)
Silver white
Sterling silver (92.5% pure silver + 7.5% copper) is the international standard for silver jewelry. Pure silver (999) is too soft for jewelry — copper increases hardness. Silver has a natural antibacterial effect and was commonly the metal of medical instruments before the antibiotic era. It is the most historically common precious metal in jewelry.
Palladium (Pd) is a platinum group element with naturally white color similar to platinum. It is significantly lighter than platinum (density 12.0 g/cm³ vs. 21.4) and more affordable. As a jewelry metal it was established in the 2000s when platinum prices were astronomical. No rhodium plating required — naturally white and stable.
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.
