10k gold is a gold alloy containing 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% other metals like silver, copper, and zinc. This composition makes it more durable, scratch-resistant, and affordable than higher-karat golds, but results in a paler color and potential allergy risks. 10k gold is generally not magnetic unless mixed with ferromagnetic metals, and it’s not … Read more

999 palladium is 99.9% pure palladium with only 0.1% impurities, making it “fine” palladium used in investment bullion. It’s paramagnetic (not magnetic) and hypoallergenic for most people, though palladium allergies are increasing due to growing use in jewelry and dentistry. All modern investment-grade palladium bullion uses 999 purity, representing only 5-10% of annual palladium mining. … Read more

9k gold is a gold alloy containing 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals like copper, silver, or zinc. It’s durable and affordable, making it ideal for everyday jewelry. 9k gold is typically non-magnetic unless mixed with ferro-magnetic metals like iron or nickel. However, it’s not hypoallergenic and can cause skin allergies due to its … Read more

Sterling Palladium is a modern silver alloy containing 92.5% silver, 3% palladium, and 4.5% copper, created by replacing some copper in traditional sterling silver with palladium. This substitution makes the metal harder, more durable, and more tarnish-resistant than regular sterling silver while maintaining a similar appearance. Sterling palladium is hypoallergenic for most people, though those … Read more

8k gold is a gold alloy containing 33.3% pure gold and 66.7% other metals like copper, silver, or zinc. While legally considered “gold” in some European countries, it doesn’t meet the US legal standard which requires minimum 10k gold content. The high percentage of other metals makes 8k gold more durable and scratch-resistant but less … Read more

Gold-filled jewelry is an affordable alternative to solid gold, made by bonding a thick gold alloy layer to a base metal core (typically brass) through heat and pressure. By law, it must contain at least 5% gold by weight. This jewelry is non-magnetic, hypoallergenic, and can last 10-30+ years with proper care. While it can … Read more

Gold-plated brass jewelry consists of a brass base (copper-zinc alloy) coated with a thin layer of electroplated gold. While affordable and gold-like in appearance, it’s not real gold and has significant limitations. The thin gold plating is vulnerable to water, chemicals, and friction, causing it to deteriorate within months to three years. Water exposure should … Read more

Stainless steel gold jewelry consists of a durable stainless steel base coated with a thin layer of real gold through methods like PVD or electroplating. This hypoallergenic jewelry offers the appearance of solid gold at lower prices and resists tarnishing. While water-resistant, showering isn’t recommended as it can wear down the thin gold plating (.5 … Read more

14k gold vermeil is jewelry made by electroplating a thick layer of 14 karat gold (minimum 2.5 microns) onto sterling silver. This process creates durable, tarnish-resistant pieces that look like solid gold at a lower cost. It’s hypoallergenic and non-magnetic due to its precious metal composition. While it can get wet, avoiding chlorinated water prevents … Read more

12k gold is an alloy containing 50% pure gold and 50% other metals like copper or silver, making it stronger, more durable, and affordable than higher karat gold. It’s not magnetic unless alloyed with ferromagnetic metals like iron or nickel, and it’s not hypoallergenic due to its high content of other metals. No bullion is … Read more