The gilding process applies a thin layer of gold (18k) to less valuable metals such as silver. The gold layer wears off over time and for this reason, gold-plated products are considered less durable compared to gold products.

Rhodium is an element with the symbol Rh, a silvery white and hard metal. It is one of the rarest and most valuable precious metals. It is resistant to corrosion and does not oxidize. For this reason, white gold is coated with a thin layer of rhodium to give it a shiny, silvery white color. Silver can be rhodium plated to prevent pitting. Since the layer of rhodium that is applied to white gold and silver is very thin, this process needs to be repeated to restore the shine of the product. Rhodium is about eight times more expensive than gold.

Rose and yellow gold are made from an alloy of gold and copper. 750 proof (18K) gold products contain 75% gold, while 585 proof (14K) gold products contain 58% gold. The rest is made up of copper, or copper in combination with silver. The different percentage of copper used determines the color of the gold. Rose gold has the highest copper content.

White gold is made from yellow gold alloyed with at least one white metal. Nickel or palladium are most often used for the alloy. 750 proof (18K) white gold contains 75% gold, while 585 proof (14K) white gold contains 58.3%. To enhance the white shade, almost all products are covered with rhodium - a shiny, white metal, which also gives additional hardness. Depending on how often the item is worn, the rhodium layer may wear off over time, revealing the original metal color. The product can be replated with rhodium to restore the white shade.

Yes, even products made of gold can dull over time and not be as bright as originally. To restore the original look and shine, you need to go to a jeweler and ask for the product to be polished. At higher gold proof values ​​(585 and 750 proof) there is a very small chance that the gold could tarnish and become dull. The tarnishing of gold is facilitated by other metals mixed with it. Other factors that affect it are perfumes, perspiration, soaps, chemicals, body creams and lotions.

It might seem that white gold begins to tarnish over time, but in fact it does not - it changes its color to the original, yellow color. The reason is that white gold consists mainly of an admixture of yellow gold and other metals - palladium, nickel. To bring out the silvery white color, all gold products are usually covered with a thin layer of rhodium paint. White gold turns yellow when the rhodium coating starts to wear off and this process is inevitable for white gold products. Yes it does, white gold items need to be taken to a jeweler to re-apply the rhodium layer, thus restoring the item to its original appearance.

Prove represents the percentage of gold to alloy. For example, 585 proof (the most popular in Latvia) means that the alloy contains 585/1000 parts of gold and 415/1000 parts of other metals.

On the other hand, 999 proof gold (24k) is 100% pure gold and is too soft to make jewelry. Pure gold needs to be alloyed with other metals to gain strength. 999 proof gold is used in jewelry, covering other metals, such as brass or silver, with a thin layer of gold to make them look like gold.

It is 999 proof (24K) gold.

999 gold is 100% pure gold and is too soft to make jewelry. Pure gold needs to be alloyed with other metals to gain strength.

750 proof gold consists of 75% gold and is suitable for making fine jewelry. 750 proof gold is more expensive than 585 proof gold and also has a lighter and richer color. The remaining 25% consists of metals such as silver, copper and zinc. Considering that 750 gold has a higher percentage of gold compared to 585 gold (75% / 58.3%), it is softer and not as strong as 585 gold. For everyday items such as rings and bracelets, 585 gold would be a better choice due to its hardness. However, with proper care, 750 gold is durable enough to be used in any jewelry.

585 proof gold consists of 58.3% gold and is very suitable for jewelry making. Gold of this grade is the most popular type of gold because it is safe to wear every day, it is scratch resistant and is much more durable than higher karat gold products.