- QUALITY BESPOKE JEWELERS
all about metals
YOUR NEED-TO-KNOW GUIDE
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT: PLATINUM
WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL QUALITIES OF PLATINUM?
- Luster. Like many other white metals, platinum has a natural white luster and shine.
- Density. As one of the densest substances on Earth, platinum is noticeably heavy. A jewellery piece made from platinum is about 30% heavier than the same piece done in 18k white gold.
- Hardness. Platinum has a Mohs hardness rating of 4 to 4.5 (the maximum hardness is 10), which makes it harder than both gold and silver.
- Malleability. Being a reasonably malleable metal, platinum can bend without breaking. This protects it from shattering when struck or dropped, as can happen to more brittle metals such as tungsten.
- Non-reactivity. Like gold and most other precious metals, platinum is resistant to environmental damage because it does not react with oxygen, water, or most acids.
THE 'JESPER VELLING' PLATINUM STANDARD
Here at Jesper Velling Jewellery, we pride ourselves on being the jeweller that cares. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that our pieces are sourced and consumed ethically and sustainably.
As we continue to make new and diverse collections for our customers to love, our jewellery will always be made with a focus on quality, responsibility, and authenticity.
The standard for platinum jewellery is that it must contain at least 500 parts per thousand of pure platinum; however, as we value quality so highly, we do not create jewellery containing any platinum graded under 950.
SO WHY IS PLATINUM SLIGHTLY MORE EXPENSIVE?
Platinum is far rarer than gold and silver. Only about 6 million ounces (170 metric tons) of platinum is produced annually, compared to about 108 million ounces (3,062 metric tons) of gold, and about 860 million ounces (24,381 metric tons) of silver.
The limited supply and high demand for platinum makes it expensive- platinum is currently being traded at around £720 per ounce!
Metal purity is another factor that increases cost. In jewellery, platinum purity is typically 95% or higher. By comparison, gold jewellery alloys are usually only 75% (18 karats) or 53.4% (14 karats) pure.
Platinum jewellery is also harder to produce; specialised equipment is needed to heat platinum to its 1768°C melting point in order for it to be worked with, whereas gold and silver have much lower melting points.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF PLATINUM?
PROS
CONS
PROS
Platinum is a highly popular jewelry metal, especially for engagement rings and wedding rings. Reasons you might want to put a platinum ring in your shopping cart can include:
- Aesthetics. Platinum is undeniably beautiful. Whether polished to a high sheen or allowed to take on the character of patina, a platinum piece makes a striking impression.
- Diamond Color. Because white diamonds reflect the color of the metal they are set in, diamonds set in a white metal like platinum can look whiter and brighter than they actually are. On the other hand, diamonds set in yellow gold can look more yellow than they really are.
- Engraving. Platinum is an excellent option if you want to get your wedding band engraved. We can engrave messages or intricate designs on the band of a platinum ring, which will hold up far better than engravings on soft or “springy” metals, which can become worn and faded over time.
- Practicality. Platinum rings are more durable and hold gemstones more securely than either gold or silver. And unlike gold and silver, they do not wear down when scratched.
- Safe for Sensitive Skin. Platinum is among the most hypoallergenic jewellery metals. If you have sensitive skin, platinum is a safe bet, even for earrings and other types of jewellery that pierce the skin.
CONS
The only real down-sides to choosing platinum as the metal for your jewellery come down to personal preference, and are as follows:
- Price. A piece of platinum jewellery generally costs about 30% more than the same piece done in 18 carat white gold. This is because platinum has greater density than gold, so more of it is needed to create items of the same size. Platinum alloys also have higher purity than gold alloys.
- Upkeep. If you do not like the look of patina on your platinum ring, you will need to take it to a professional for polishing whenever it starts to appear dull. You can stretch out the time between polishings by removing your ring before doing any manual labour or sporting activities that are likely to expose it to scratches and dents.
platinum jewellery: saftey and care
Due to platinum being a noble metal, it does not tarnish, oxidize, or undergo other forms of corrosion. Noble metals are chemically inert, meaning they do not react with chemicals or moisture; however, because platinum jewellery is not made from 100% pure platinum, it is not always immune to every type of chemical corrosion. To be safe, remove your jewellery before you get in a chlorinated swimming pool, or handle harsh cleaning agents such as bleach.
Pure platinum is hypoallergenic, meaning that it hardly ever causes skin irritation. Additionally, most platinum jewellery alloy metals are 95% pure, and the other metals commonly used in them are also hypoallergenic- so you should not have any problems wearing platinum, even if you have sensitive skin.
Platinum is susceptible to scratching, especially platinum rings. You cannot prevent scratches entirely, but you can reduce them by taking off your rings before working with tools, doing manual labour, or performing any task that impacts your hands against hard objects.
When storing your platinum pieces, keep them separately in a cloth bag or lined box, so they do not get scratched from bumping against your other jewellery.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT: GOLD
One of the most precious metals, gold is a timeless must-have for every jewellery collection. Discover what makes gold so special, plus how to choose and care for your perfect gold jewellery pieces.
WHAT IS REAL GOLD JEWELLERY?
Genuine gold jewellery is crafted with alloys containing the precious, naturally occurring metal, gold. Gold in its purest form is known as 24ct gold. Pure gold is generally too malleable for everyday wear, and so it is blended with other metals to improve its durability. The result is known as an alloy.
Jewellery crafted from these alloys are real gold pieces, and there are various levels of gold purity available. Beginning with 9ct, the percentage of pure gold increases up to 18ct and 22ct which are generally the highest purity levels available for most jewellery.
THE 'JESPER VELLING' GOLD STANDARD
Here at Jesper Velling Jewellery, we pride ourselves on being the jeweller that cares. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that our pieces are sourced and consumed ethically and sustainably.
As we continue to make new and diverse collections for our customers to love, our jewellery will always be made with a focus on quality, responsibility, and authenticity.
We do not like to use any less than 18ct gold in our jewellery, wanting the pieces that represent our brand to be of the highest possible quality. We would also like to assure our customers that our gold alloys will never contain lead, cadmium, mercury, or any other toxic heavy metals.
What is the difference between gold jewellery, and gold-plated jewellery?
Gold jewellery is crafted from genuine gold alloys, in which the gold content is consistent throughout the piece. Gold jewellery may be solid in construction, or hollow; which means the piece is carefully crafted to comprise some empty space inside (for instance, the space inside a ring band or inside a chain link). Hollow pieces by their nature will be more delicate than solid gold and should be treated with care; but the beauty is that they offer a genuine piece of gold jewellery at a more accessible price (essentially – the more gold a product contains, the higher the price). Gold-plated jewellery also contains real gold; however, these pieces are crafted from a metal core overlayed with a fine layer of gold. The metal core may be sterling silver or a non-precious metal such as brass or steel. Gold plated jewellery is also likely to require re-plating, as over time it will wear and expose the metal core.
If a jewellery piece is labelled as ‘gold toned’, this refers only to the colour of the jewellery and it means the piece does not contain real gold.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YELLOW, WHITE, AND ROSE GOLD?
Yellow, white, and rose are all shades of gold jewellery, which are created by alloying pure gold with metals in various other colours.
YELLOW GOLD
WHITE GOLD
ROSE GOLD
YELLOW GOLD
Yellow gold is the closest reflection of the colour of pure gold (which is a dark, deeply lustrous yellow). As the gold is alloyed with other metals to create gold jewellery, the resulting shade is often softer. The higher the gold purity of your jewellery piece, the more intense its yellow hue will be.
WHITE GOLD
White gold offers a similar appearance to platinum, and it is the most popular shade of gold for engagement rings due to its neutral colour that emphasises the brightness of white diamonds. This timeless colour is achieved by alloying metal such as silver or palladium and sometimes nickel with pure gold to neutralise its yellow nature. White gold jewellery is then plated with rhodium as a final step; another type of white metal that is brighter, rarer, and highly valuable. This finishing technique has been used since the 1930s as a solution to conceal the yellow tone, in addition to enhancing the brightness of white metals like white gold and sterling silver. It is highly recommended to have your rhodium plating reapplied from time to time as part of regular maintenance.
ROSE GOLD
Rose gold is a beautifully warm and romantic shade. The most unique of the three shades, rose gold is nonetheless timeless; often thought of as a modern trend, in fact it was first created in the 19th Century. Its colour is created by blending pure gold with copper, and often silver to soften the shade and produce a pink tone.
* It is important to note that there is no such thing as ‘pure’ or naturally occurring white gold or rose gold. These colours can only be achieved by blending pure gold with other metals. Similarly, yellow gold is only pure if it is 24ct.
Is there a difference between white gold and platinum?
Yes, white gold and platinum are entirely different metals and properties. White gold is created by blending pure gold with white metals; whereas platinum is another, naturally occurring white metal.
Platinum is favoured for jewellery such as engagement rings because of its naturally white property, its durability, and its strong resistance to scratches due to the high density (20% denser than white gold) this material offers. As platinum is very hard, it is often alloyed with a small amount of other metals to improve its malleability. White gold, on the other hand, is more obtainable and lighter than platinum. It offers substantial durability and affordability at the same time. However, it does require periodic re-plating of rhodium over time to maintain that high-shine white appearance.
how do i care for my gold jewellery?
While good quality gold will give you years of lustre, it is important to care for your jewellery properly to keep it shining like new.
Polishing your gold with a soft cloth (such as a jewellery cleaning cloth or glasses cloth) regularly will remove dust and keep it shining. Over time, your jewellery will gather dirt in the form of oils, makeup, and so on from wear, and you can clean it using a small amount of mild detergent and warm water. Soak your jewellery in the solution, then gently scrub with a very soft toothbrush to remove grime. Rinse and dry your jewellery thoroughly and gently.
It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals coming into contact with your gold jewellery, especially chlorine – so try not to wear your jewellery in the pool or spa. It’s also best to remove your jewellery or wear protective gloves before using chemicals such as household cleaners.
Take your jewellery off at the end of the day, and store it somewhere safe such as a jewellery box. Ideally, keep your pieces separated – either in their original boxes, or in a jewellery box that allows you to store your pieces separately. Hang up your chains, or store them somewhere they can be laid flat and away from other jewellery so they do not become tangled.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT: SILVER
You know us, we love gold. But there is another, equally popular precious metal that’s also deserving of the spotlight. Bright and beautiful with a bit of edge, we are taking a moment in appreciation of silver.
WHAT IS STERLING SILVER?
At ‘Jesper Velling’, our beautiful silver jewellery is always crafted in 925 sterling silver. The figure ‘925’ refers to the percentage of pure silver in your jewellery piece – 92.5%. Sterling silver jewellery is real and precious, and it is made by creating an alloy out of pure silver (also known as fine silver) and 7.5% copper. The addition of copper makes the silver harder and more durable, making it suitable for use in jewellery.
925 sterling silver is the standard for fine quality jewellery. You will know that your piece is genuine sterling silver if it has an engraved ‘925’ hallmark; and this stamp can be found on jewellery pieces from many of the world’s most prestigious jewellery brands.
THE 'JESPER VELLING' SILVER STANDARD
Here at Jesper Velling Jewellery, we pride ourselves on being the jeweller that cares. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that our pieces are sourced and consumed ethically and sustainably.
As we continue to make new and diverse collections for our customers to love, our jewellery will always be made with a focus on quality, responsibility, and authenticity. Our overarching aim is to be customer-focused and synonymous with quality- so, while silver can be used in your design, we strongly advise switching it our for platinum due to its heightened durability and longevity.
This being said, any silver that is used in our jewellery is always of the highest standard available. We hallmark each piece with a mark of authenticity; this is showcased by a stamp on each sterling silver piece that reads ‘925’, to illustrate its high-quality precious metal composition.
IS STERLING SILVER AS GOOD AS GOLD JEWELLERY?
The question of gold versus silver jewellery only has one true answer: the precious metal you love most is the one for you. Both gold and silver are precious metals, and if you choose quality crafted pieces and care for your jewellery properly, you will enjoy lots of wear from both metals.
Sterling silver is a highly versatile and modern metal. In a polished finish, it can be worn anywhere from a casual brunch to the office to a night out.
Of course, a key selling point for sterling silver is its affordability. Comparatively, it is much more accessible than gold – so if you are looking for a statement piece, or multiple jewellery styles to layer and stack, sterling silver is a great choice.
It is also important to note that you do not have to choose one or the other! Sterling silver and gold are both beautiful, high quality, and precious choices for your jewellery. You can switch between the two depending on the occasion, or wear both together (we love the contrast of silver metals alongside classic yellow gold).
THE BEST WAYS TO STYLE SILVER JEWELLERY
With its versatile, modern vibe, sterling silver is perfect for experimenting with layering and stacking. Here are some of our favourite ways to wear silver:
Layered silver necklaces. Layering jewellery is a trend that will not be disappearing anytime soon – especially since it is easy to make this trend your own. Try layering two silver necklaces; this could be two chains in contrasting textures (such as a snake chain and a curb chain), or a chain and a pendant necklace. Once you are comfortable with stacking, add an extra layer or two to build your statement look.
Stacked silver rings. Another major trend in jewellery, stacking rings is timeless and totally customisable. Start with a simple sterling silver ring, such as a barrel ring or dome ring, then stack another ring on top or on your next finger. To make your stack interesting it is best to mix your textures, so try a unique ring shape or even a style set with diamonds. As with necklaces, you can continue to stack up your rings to build a look you love.
Silver layered with gold. Forget the old rules – you can most certainly mix your metals! The bright, cool tone of silver contrasts beautifully with lustrous yellow gold. A handy guide to getting your mixed-metal look right is to balance your ratios. For instance, layer one yellow gold chain with one sterling silver chain. Carry your mixed metals through to another area as well, such as your rings. Two-toned layers will look great in the same or similar jewellery styles, such as two polished dome rings or two snake chains.
how do i care for my SILVER jewellery?
Sterling silver jewellery is at its best when it is beautifully polished and reflective. To keep your silver jewellery shining, there are a few general rules to follow:
– Your jewellery should be the last thing you put on in the morning (after skincare, makeup, perfumes, and so on) and the first thing you take off when you get home. This way you can avoid accidentally exposing your jewels to chemicals that might damage them; soaps, shampoos and makeup which could build up grime; or potential tangles that can occur by sleeping with your jewellery on.
– Wear your sterling silver regularly. The natural oils in your skin can help prevent tarnish.
– When you are not wearing your silver jewellery, store it somewhere safe and dry, away from direct sunlight and air. You can find specialised jewellery boxes and pouches that are designed to prevent tarnish.
how do i CLEAN STERLING SILVER jewellery?
Give your sterling silver jewellery some regular TLC at home to keep it looking its best.
– Clean your silver jewellery in a simple solution of warm water and mild soap to remove everyday build-up of oils, products, and grime- soak your pieces in the solution for a few minutes, then gently clean using your fingers or a very soft toothbrush. Gently pat your jewellery dry and then allow to air-dry completely before putting them away.
– For extra care, tarnish prevention, or to remove tarnish, a specialised silver jewellery cleaner is the best option.
If in doubt, or if you would rather leave the care of your precious pieces to the professionals, bring your jewellery in to our workshop on your next visit for complimentary cleaning!