For over 80 years, Medawar Jewelers has been Michigan’s leading source for an amazing selection of engagement rings, wedding bands, fashion jewelry, as well as luxury-quality Swiss-made timepieces.
Throughout this time, we at Medawar have often been asked about the differences and advantages of the beautiful precious metals our pieces are made with. Although very similar, every precious metal has unique properties all their own that can have a major influence on their versatility, maintenance, and all-around beauty.
So, to help with picking the right precious metal for your needs, here is an explanation of the differences of some of the most popular precious metals available in the Okemos, West Lansing, Portage, Jackson, and Brighton showrooms of Medawar Jewelers today!
Precious Metal #1: Yellow Gold
(From Left to Right: Yellow Gold Bulova Watch, Kirk Kara Engagement Ring, and Parade Earrings)
Perhaps the most instantly-recognizable of any precious metal, yellow gold is a timeless and traditional metal for nearly any kind of fine jewelry item. Typically mixed with silver or copper, most yellow gold pieces are made of at least 75% pure gold, giving these items their distinctive shine and glow. In addition to yellow gold’s classic look, this precious metal also has the advantage of being mostly hypoallergenic, often less expensive than other metals, and is totally resistant to tarnish.
Whether used as the primary or accent metal, yellow gold is a great way to make any diamond really pop, as well as remain gleaming for a lifetime.
Precious Metal #2: White Gold
(From Left to Right: White Gold Mars Engagement Ring, A. Jaffe Wedding Band, and Dahnov Necklace)
Yellow gold’s closest metallurgic cousin, white gold is renowned for its silver-like color, which is caused by the addition of long-lasting and tarnish-free rhodium. Brought back into popularity by Kate Middleton and Princess Diana, white gold jewelry – especially engagement rings — are subtle and straightforward, while at the same time are anything but boring.
Additionally, because of the metal’s cool tone, white gold can feature gemstones and diamonds of any color, as well as are fabulous for pairing with other gold colored embellishments and detailing.
Precious Metal #3: Rose Gold
(Rose Gold Bulova Timepiece, A. Jaffe Engagement Ring, Parade Fashion Ring)
Despite its vintage look, rose gold has only recently come into fashion and has quickly become one of the most popular options for fine and bridal jewelry today at Medawar Jewelers. Extremely romantic and dreamy, the bold red-like color of rose gold has the unique advantage of appearing flattering on all skin tones and colors.
Also, like yellow and white gold, rose gold is extremely durable and adverse to tarnish, in addition to being the strongest of the three metals.
Precious Metal #4: Platinum
(Platinum Verragio Wedding Bands, Mars Engagement Ring, Parade Necklace)
One of the world’s rarest materials, platinum jewelry items make up some of the hardiest and brilliant precious metal pieces available. Featuring a bold, natural silver color, platinum is typically about 95% pure, meaning that it is totally and absolutely hypoallergenic. Further, like sterling silver (see below) platinum is extremely easy to keep clean and scratch-resistant, making it perfect for wearers who work outside or in other hands-on situations.
Precious Metal #5: Sterling Silver
(925 Sterling Silver Necklace, Bracelet, and Earrings from Galatea)
The brightest of all precious metals, sterling silver has a strength similar to platinum and a gold-like flexibility, making it the perfect material for intricately designed fashion jewelry items, including bracelets, earrings, fashion rings, necklaces, and more. When shopping for pieces made of sterling silver it is always important to look for 925 sterling silver, as this is the highest-quality silver on the market today.
Additional Precious Metal Fine Jewelry Available Today at Medawar Jewelers!
These are just five of the precious metal pieces available now in the five amazing locations of Medawar Jewelers. In addition to the materials mentioned above, we also proudly offer a wide variety of wedding band and engagement rings made with popular “alternative metals†such as cobalt, palladium, and titanium, along with bold Swiss-quality watches constructed with black, rose, and silver plated stainless steel.
For more information on the designer-made precious metal fine jewelry available now at Medawar Jewelers, please call 855-850-8015, explore our selection at MedawarJewelers.com, and visit us today in any of our West Lansing, Jackson, Okemos, Brighton, and Portage locations!
