Metal Guide

Gold

Gold is a popular metal used in jewelry, known for its warmth and shine. It is a soft metal, which makes it easy to mold into different shapes and designs. Gold is also a versatile metal, available in different colors including yellow, white, and rose. Gold is typically mixed with other metals, such as silver and copper, to create a stronger and more durable metal alloy.

 

14k vs 18k 

The main difference between 14k and 18k gold is the amount of pure gold they contain. 14k gold is made up of 58.5% pure gold, while 18k gold is made up of 75% pure gold. This means that 18k gold is more valuable and typically more expensive than 14k gold.

In terms of appearance, there may be little to no difference between 14k and 18k gold. Both types of gold can be polished to a high shine, and they are available in a variety of colors including yellow, rose, and white. The higher gold content of 18k gold may make it slightly softer and more malleable than 14k gold, but this difference is not always noticeable.

One of the key differences between 14k and 18k gold is how durable they are. Because 14k gold contains less pure gold, it is generally more durable and resistant to scratches and dents. This makes it a good choice for everyday jewelry that is worn frequently. 18k gold, on the other hand, may be more prone to scratches and dents due to its higher gold content. This may make it better suited for special occasion or occasional wear jewelry.

In terms of cost, 18k gold is typically more expensive than 14k gold due to its higher gold content. This means that a piece of 18k gold jewelry may cost more than a similar piece of 14k gold jewelry.

Overall, the decision between 14k and 18k gold comes down to personal preference and intended use. 14k gold may be a good choice for everyday jewelry due to its durability, while 18k gold may be a better choice for special occasion or heirloom pieces due to its higher value and gold content.

 

14k vs 18k white gold

White gold jewelry is coated with a layer of rhodium plating to give it a brighter, more durable finish. Rhodium is a precious metal that belongs to the platinum family, and it has a bright, white color. It is also highly resistant to tarnishing.

Rhodium plating is applied to both 14k and 18k white gold to give the jewelry a brighter, more durable finish. The appearance of 14k and 18k white gold after rhodium plating will be similar, with both types of gold having a bright, white color.

Rhodium plating can help to protect white gold jewelry from scratches and other types of wear and tear. It can also enhance the appearance of the jewelry, giving it a brighter, more polished look. However, rhodium plating is not permanent, and it may need to be reapplied over time to maintain the jewelry's appearance. 

We at BocajNarima are proud to offer a lifetime rhodium plating service as part of our lifetime warranty policy. This service is available to all customers who have purchased jewelry from us. Our rhodium plating service will help to keep your jewelry looking its best for years to come.

We are pleased to offer a lifetime rhodium plating service for our customers. Our service includes a professional cleaning and polishing of your jewelry, followed by a rhodium plating process. The rhodium plating will help to protect your jewelry from tarnishing and discoloration and will help to keep your jewelry looking its best for years to come.

 

Platinum

Platinum is a rare and valuable metal that is often used in high-end jewelry. It is a dense and heavy metal, making it strong and durable. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin. Platinum is a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings, as it is resistant to scratches and tarnishing.

 

Allergy Considerations

According to the National Institutes of Health, nickel is the most frequent cause of metal allergy with allergic symptoms typically appearing within 24 to 48 hours of exposure. Nickel is not typically added to yellow gold or rose gold jewelry, thus the majority of metal allergies occur with white gold use.

If you have a nickel allergy and interested in a white appearance jewelry, it is important to choose jewelry that is made from nickel-free materials. The best option for nickel-free jewelry and white appearance is platinum.

Platinum is a rare and valuable metal that is often used in high-end jewelry. It is hypoallergenic and does not contain nickel, making it a safe choice for people with a nickel allergy. Platinum jewelry has a bright, white color and a polished finish, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other special occasion pieces.

Rose and yellow gold are nickel-free and considered hypoallergenic, however, a few rare cases may be allergic to the copper content.

 

In conclusion, there are many different metals used in jewelry, each with their own unique characteristics. Gold and platinum are among the most popular metals used, and each has its own unique qualities and benefits.

 

At BocajNarima, we are committed to using primarily recycled precious metals in our products. This commitment to environmental and social responsibility is at the heart of the company's mission and values.

Using recycled precious metals not only helps to reduce the environmental impact of mining for these materials, but it also helps to support communities that are involved in the process of recovering and refining these materials. By choosing to use recycled precious metals, BocajNarima is able to support these communities and help to preserve the environment for future generations.

Since our recycled precious metals are re-refined into their pure elements, they are of the same quality as newly mined metals.

BocajNarima sources its materials from reputable suppliers who share its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.