Gold is pricey. In fact, it’s getting more expensive everyday. If you just don’t have the budget or the inclination to spend lots of money on solid gold jewelry, 14k gold filled jewelry is a wonderful alternative to pure 14k gold.

14k gold filled jewelry is a solid layer of 14k gold bonded to the outside of a base metal such as brass. What’s the difference between 14k gold filled jewelry and 14k gold plate? 14k gold filled has significantly more gold than the few microns of gold in gold plate. Actually, 14k gold filled jewelry has a hundred or more times gold than gold plate.

Under the normal wear and with the care you would give any precious metal jewelry, 14K gold filled jewelry will not flake or peel. 14k gold filled jewelry can be treasured for years.

Like solid 14k gold, 14k gold filled jewelry is tarnish-resistant and safe for most people with sensitive skin. In the end, 14k gold filled jewelry is a beautiful and economical alternative to solid 14k gold.

You can’t go wrong with 14k gold filled jewelry!

Recently my friend Julie announced she was getting married.  Of course I was over the moon.  Her fiancé is a great guy and it seems they’ve been together forever.  It was time!

A couple weeks later she called me up with a jewelry question.  All my friends know that I know a lot about jewelry (as I should).  Anyways, Julie wanted to know what kind of precious metal I thought she should get for her wedding ring.  Julie was torn.   On the one hand, she felt pressured to get a traditional yellow gold ring but on the other she’s always been a silver kind of girl.  This is true.  In all the years I’ve known her, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Julie wear gold jewelry.  Of course, Julie went on, sterling silver would be inappropriate.  She was disheartened.  She thought her hands were tied.  She thought she was going to be stuck with a yellow gold wedding ring.  Of course, I knew better.

Let me begin by saying that in my opinion, I don’t think anyone should feel pressured to buy any particular type of ring for their wedding ring.  In my opinion, if a couple wants to buy quarter machine rings to represent their eternal love then that’s what they should get.  That said, I thought it was worth mentioning to Julie that if she wanted a silver ring then she should get a silver ring.  Julie though, did not take to the idea.  Although she didn’t want a yellow gold ring, she did want to stick to some tradition.

Given all this information, I did have some suggestions.  Because it’s so hardy, I’ve always thought platinum is the way to go when buying a silvery-white metal.  However, platinum is pricey.  Both Julie and her husband to be work, but they are on a budget and let’s face it, weddings are expensive.  Taking all this into consideration, I suggested Julie choose a white gold ring. 

Now it’s not as though white gold is a new phenomena, but it’s really only been recently that people have been choosing white gold or platinum for wedding and engagement rings.  Thirty years ago it would have been a real rarity.  These days, even though white gold is becoming more popular, I still don’t think many people consider white gold straight away.  People have to be reminded about white gold.  Suffice to say, I reminded Julie about white gold.
  
Well Julie and her fiancé bought their white gold engagement rings and I’m delighted to say the white gold rings are beautiful!  Both Julie and her fiancée are thrilled.  They love the white gold.

I love platinum!

An elegant, rare and sturdy precious metal, platinum is an ideal metal for fine jewelry.

Platinum is corrosion and tarnish resistant making platinum jewelry beautiful for years. Because it’s hypoallergenic, platinum is also great for those with sensitivities. The natural pale patina of platinum makes it a wonderful setting for diamonds and gemstones as well. Platinum has a natural elegance which makes it a beautiful choice when there are no gemstones involved at all. Although you can buy many different grades of platinum, the purest platinum should be marked “950 Plat” or “950 Pt.”

Now there are some reasons why one would rather buy gold than platinum. First of all, platinum costs and weighs more than gold. Furthermore, although platinum provides a hardy setting for diamonds and gemstones, the strength of platinum itself makes resizing difficult. Nonetheless, platinum is sure to outlast other common precious metals available today.

Although I don’t have too much platinum jewelry, I do love the platinum I have. Unlike gold which is naturally soft and fragile, platinum is a hardy metal which can handle stress and strain and come out gleaming like the day it was made!

Classic bands are timeless in that they feature a look of stylish simplicity and elegance. The understated style of these rings is popular across generations, transcending fads in fashion. The distinguished appeal of the classic band doesn’t mean that they are not available in fresh, updated styles. You can find classic bands in traditional designs, contemporary styles and everything in between. Classic bands are available in a variety of metal finishes including platinum, white gold, sterling silver, gold or silver/gold plating.

Classic Gold Band

The traditional gold band rings is often used in the wedding or engagement rings. Though their simple, classic look can stand alone, gold bands complement a variety of settings. This quintessential style looks great on many skin tones and holds up through the years.

Tri-Color Rolling Band

This look adds some zest to the look of the classic band. Gold, Rose-gold and white gold intertwine to create a unique blend of contemporary and traditional styles. Tri-Color bands are also known as Cartier or rolling bands.

Beaded-Granulated Band

This design is also known as the classic millegrain edged band and features a band (gold, platinum or sterling silver) sandwiched between beaded edges. This elegantly styled ring is a great choice for matching wedding bands or to wear simply as an accessory.

Eternity Rings

This band is decorated with a continuous row of diamonds or gemstones around the entire ring. An anniversary ring is similar but the number of gemstones is determined by the anniversary year of its gift.

Dome Rings

This shape is most often found in sterling silver or silver plated rings. Boasting a sleek, polished appearance, the band widens on one side of the ring. The wider area of the band is also curved to create a dome-like style. This simple style is versatile – it is appropriate with both casual and formal attire alike.

Classic Solitaire

The classic solitaire is a truly timeless classic. Featuring a single set gemstone (usually a diamond or cubic zirconia) affixed to a simple band, the classic solitaire has long been associated with the engagement and wedding rings. However, the solitaire is often styled to be worn to accentuate personal style. It is popular featuring the traditional clear gemstone, but has become more widely available with a variety of gemstones – in many vivid, fanciful colors.

What is White Gold

White gold is an alloy of gold and other white metals including silver and palladium. Like yellow gold, white gold can be 18kt, 14kt, 9kt or any karat.

Just like 18kt yellow gold which is 75% gold mixed with 25% of other metals like copper and zinc, 18kt white gold is 75% gold mixed with 25% other metals such as silver and palladium.

What Constitutes White Gold

The properties of the white gold vary dependant metals and proportions used. As a result, white gold alloys can be used for different purposes. Whereas a white gold, nickel* alloy is hard, strong and great for rings and pins, white gold palladium alloys are soft, pliable and great for gemstone settings.

*Although nickel was traditionally used in white gold, it can cause skin reactions. Now white gold is commonly made with other white metals.

White Gold Jewelry

You can find all sorts of white gold jewelry. From pins and brooches to necklaces, chains, bracelets and rings, beautiful white gold jewelry is easy to find. White gold wedding bands and engagement rings are also becoming increasingly popular.

Taking Care of White Gold

White gold rings are coated with Rhodium. Rhodium is similar to platinum and shares many its properties including its white color. Because the natural color of white gold is light grey, rhodium plating makes white gold whiter. Since rhodium eventually wears away, white gold should be re-rhodium plated every 12 to 18 months.
Whatever white gold you choose, however you choose to buy it, white gold is beautiful. Get what you want and enjoy!

Choosing a wedding ring is important!  A wedding ring can reflect your culture, family tradition, relationship or personal style. It’s essential that you choose the wedding ring you love.

Wedding Ring Style

What is your wedding ring style?  Whether you’re looking for a traditional or trendy wedding ring, here are some ideas to help you on your way.

Cultural Wedding Ring

• Irish Claddagh Wedding Ring: In a Claddagh wedding ring, the heart symbolizes love, the crown, eternity and the clasped hands, friendship.  
• Jewish Wedding Ring: The traditional Jewish wedding ring is an unbroken gold circle representing pure and eternal union.    
• Russian Wedding Ring: A Russian wedding ring has three interlocking rings representing the Holy Trinity.

Gold or Platinum Wedding Ring?
 
Most wedding rings come in gold or platinum.  Both metals are beautiful so make sure to choose your favorite.

• Gold Wedding Ring: A gold wedding ring is most traditional and can be found in yellow, white or rose gold. Gold is soft.  The purer the gold, the softer it is.  As karat weight increases, price, vibrancy, and purity increase but durability decreases so keep this in mind if you are planning on buying a gold wedding ring.  Although a 24k wedding ring might be the most beautiful gold, it will also bend, so you may be better off with an 18K or 14K gold wedding ring. 
• Platinum Wedding Ring: Platinum is becoming a very popular wedding ring metal once again.  If you buy a platinum wedding ring, you are sure to be at the height of wedding ring style.

Wedding Ring Settings 
 
There are many setting available for your wedding ring.  Here’s a list to help you decide.

• Shared Prong Wedding Ring Settings:Gemstones are held in place using grooved metal wire.
• Channel Wedding Ring Settings:Gemstones are set side by side into the metal so no metal shows between the stones.  
• Pave Wedding Ring Settings: Small jewels are set into drilled holes so the entire surface of the ring glimmers with a “paving” of gemstones.

The Perfect Wedding Ring for Your Hand

When buying a wedding ring, you’ll want to buy a style that complements your hand.  Whereas people with larger, wider hands may want to choose a larger wedding ring with large stones, a person with a small hand would probably do best to buy a delicate or narrow wedding ring.  Take height into consideration when buying a wedding ring. A slim finger can look very graceful when wearing a wedding ring with a tall setting. 

Your wedding ring should be a reflection of your love.  Choose what you love and cherish your wedding ring always.

It is important to know your ring size when buying a ring.  Factors such as season and time of day can affect your ring size.  Also, ring sizes may vary internationally.  Here’s a list of ring sizes and international conversion. 

Ring Size 6

An American size 6 ring is 0.650 diameters in inches and16.5 in millimeters.  Its circumference is 2.041 in inches and 51.8 in millimeters.  The Irish, Australian and British size equivalent is L ½, the Japanese equivalent is 11 and the Swiss equivalent is 12.75.

Ring Size 7

An American size 7 ring is 0.682 diameters in inches and 17.3 in millimeters.  Its circumference is 2.141 in inches and 54.4 in millimeters.  The Irish, Australian and British size equivalent is N ½, the Japanese equivalent is 14 and the Swiss equivalent is 15.25.

Ring Size 8

An American size 8 ring is 0.714 diameters in inches and18.1 in millimeters.  Its circumference is 2.242 in inches and 56.9 in millimeters.  The Irish, Australian and British size equivalent is P ½, the Japanese equivalent is 16 and the Swiss equivalent is 17.75.

Ring Size 9

An American size 9 ring is 0.746 diameters in inches and18.9 in millimeters.  Its circumference is 2.342 in inches and 59.5 in millimeters.  The Irish, Australian and British size equivalent is R ½ and the Japanese equivalent is 18.