Precious Metals Guide
Beautiful gold, precious platinum, and more come together to create stunning pieces that help you shine.
You are worth it. Period. End of story. That’s why we at 302® Fine Jewelry make sure you have the best when it comes to the jewelry you wear. From quality design to ethical sourcing of materials, we make sure the pieces you choose to tell your story is something you can be proud of.
When it comes to the precious metals used in your jewelry, you have options. Color, strength, price, and many other factors that come into play when choosing the perfect piece. What are the different types of jewelry metals? What jewelry metal does not tarnish? What is the best jewelry metal for sensitive skin? Let’s get to your questions and help you find your next piece of 302 Fine Jewelry with our Metals Guide.
14K Gold: The Gold Standard
One of the most popular metal options in fine jewelry is 14K gold. Gold alloys are measured in karats (K) when it comes to purity out of a total of 24 karats. 14K gold is 58.3% (14/24) pure gold with the rest of the alloy made of other metals that contribute to color, strength, and other traits. 14K gold is so popular due to its balanced traits of purity, value, and durability.
When it comes to gold color options, the most common alloys are yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold — all three offered in 302 Fine Jewelry products. The primary consideration is your color preference, but hardness also plays a role in which alloy to choose. 14K white gold has the greatest hardness of the three alloys. 14K yellow and rose gold have similar hardness perfectly suited for daily wear.
Did You Know?
If you start to see your white gold start to yellow or wear down on the parts that encounter surfaces, you might need a new rhodium plating. Rhodium gives white gold its bright white appearance and adds an extra layer of protection. Contact your local jeweler for care and maintenance assistance.
Platinum: The Look of Luxury
Platinum is a rare and hypoallergenic precious metal. It shines with a naturally bright, white color that does not fade over time. Known for its resistance to tarnishing and corrosion, it will not oxidize or be affected by common acids. When it comes to fine jewelry, platinum is the hardest precious metal alloy option, which contributes to it being scratch-proof and durable. Due to its rarity, platinum has the highest price tag in fine jewelry, but quality is unmatched.
Enamored With Enamel
In 2021, we introduced fine jewelry pieces accented with enamel, giving you an extra splash of color. The enamel used in 302 Fine Jewelry products is a glossy resin. It is a hardy enamel that is not likely to crack or fracture so these pieces are perfect for everyday wear.
Sterling Silver: The Affordable Alternative
Sterling silver is the most affordable metal option offered in 302 Fine Jewelry. This metal is an alloy mixed with silver and other metals, such as copper, zinc, and germanium, to give sterling silver its strength. Sterling silver is also recognized as the "whitest" of the precious metals used in fine jewelry. While sterling silver is stronger than pure silver, it is susceptible to tarnishing and scratching, so pieces should be stored separately in tarnish-preventative bags.
302 Fine Jewelry believes in providing you with choices when it comes to building a personalized fine jewelry assortment. Regardless of the precious metal, we know you will shine with confidence and beauty. Shop your favorite metal quality on our website today!
