White Gold is a combinations metals, nickel, silver and palladium are added to gold in the creation of white gold, see {White Gold Rings} below This was developed to circumvent the restrictions on platinum imposed during WWI, and is still a popular choice among contemporary jewelry designers.

Gold is usually classified by carat weight, ranging from 8-24k. The addition of copper, silver and other base metals is what can allow for variation in both weight and color. In early 20th century, white metals such as nickel, silver and palladium were added to gold.

Pure gold is a rich, shining yellow, full of luster. 18K gold is also an intense yellow but 14K gold may be a slightly muted in tone compared to 18K or 24K gold because of the higher percentages of metal alloys which dilute the brilliant gold color.

In early 20th century, white metals such as nickel, silver and palladium were added to gold in the creation of white gold, as s action of white gold, as seen in this 18k white gold engagement Ring. This was developed to circumvent the restrictions on platinum imposed during WWI, and is still a popular choice among contemporary jewelry designers.

More gold means a richer yellow tone, and also a softer final product. Jewelry from India, for example, is known for having a higher concentration of gold. This results in the bright yellow look and a softer feel, and makes it 24k in most cases.

In mid-19th century Imperial Russia, the iconic Peter Carl Fabergé created what he referred to as ‘Russian gold’ by adding copper. This is more commonly known nowadays as rose gold – as seen in this rose gold wedding Ring:

How to Tell if My Jewelry is Silver

Most silver jewelry is sterling silver and should be stamped with a hallmark of either “.925” or “sterling.” Sterling is 92.5% silver. The other 7.5% metal generally is copper.

If your jewelry is stamped “German Silver”, “E.P.N.S.(Electro Plated Nickel Silver), “Alpaca”, or “Nickel Silver” you don’t have sterling silver but rather you have an alloy of Nickel and copper with no silver. Unfortunately we don’t buy these items. If you can’t find the hallmarks on your jewelry, don’t worry. Bring it in and we will gladly test it for you at no cost.

How to Tell if Gold is Valuable

How can I tell if my items are Gold and is Valuable?

On gold pieces, look for Karat markings. Any one of these indicates that your jewelry is gold:

For 8 Karat you will see 375 – this is used primarily in items
For 10 karat you will see: , 10kt, or 417
For 14 karat you will see: , 14kt, or 585
For 18 karat you will see:  18kt, or 750
For 22 karat you will see .917