Metals & Plating

Jewelry metals fall into three main groups. Precious metals include platinum, gold and sterling silver, prized for their beauty and value. Durable alloys such as stainless steel offer strength and easy care at a lower price. Plated metals pair a base metal with a thin layer of gold, rhodium or another precious metal for a luxurious finish at a friendly price.

The metals you’ll see most often are gold (in yellow, white and rose), sterling silver, platinum and stainless steel. Many pieces also feature plating, such as rhodium for a bright white shine or gold for a warm glow, so you can enjoy a precious-metal look for less.

Start by looking for a small stamp, usually inside a ring band or near a clasp. “925” or “Sterling” means sterling silver; “10K,” “14K” or “18K” (or 417, 585, 750) shows gold content; “PT,” “PLAT” or “950” points to platinum; and “316L” or “SS” marks stainless steel. Color and weight help too, since platinum feels noticeably heavier than silver. For a definite answer, a professional jeweler can test the metal for you.

For everyday durability, stainless steel and platinum lead the way, followed by 10K and 14K gold. Higher karats like 18K and 24K are softer, and sterling silver is the softest of the group, so it benefits from a little extra care. For value, platinum and gold sit at the top (and their prices shift with the market), with higher karats worth more. Sterling silver offers beautiful style at an affordable price, and stainless steel is the most budget-friendly.

Platinum is treasured for its rarity, purity and strength. It’s naturally white, so its color never fades, and it’s durable enough to hold diamonds and gemstones securely for years. That’s why it has long been a favorite for engagement rings, wedding bands and heirloom pieces, a lasting symbol of something meant to be forever.

That little 925 stamp means your piece is genuine sterling silver: 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals, usually copper, for strength. You should also see a registered trademark alongside it.

It comes down to gold content. 10K gold is 41.7% gold and 14K is 58.3% gold. 14K has a richer, warmer color, while 10K contains more alloy metals, making it lighter in color and more budget-friendly.

Yes, it’s more durable. Traditional “wet” plating dips the piece in metal and can wear away over time. Ion plating bonds the finish at an atomic level and has been found to resist wear and corrosion up to eight times better.