FAQ: Karat, Sterling Silver, and Gemstones
What is the difference between karat grades of gold?
Karat indicates the percentage of pure gold in a piece of gold jewelry. Pure gold is designated as 24 karat. Because pure gold is relatively soft, it is usually alloyed with other metals when used in jewelry. An 18-karat gold piece therefore contains 18 parts gold out of 24, while the remaining parts consist of other metals. Similarly, 14-karat gold corresponds to 14 parts gold out of 24.
The difference can be both felt and seen. A higher karat means a greater proportion of pure gold and typically a warmer, more intense gold color. A lower karat contains more of the other metals, which can make the alloy harder and more resistant to daily wear and tear.
This does not necessarily mean that a higher karat is always the best choice. For example, 18 karat strikes a classic balance between the characteristic gold color and the strength required for jewelry meant to be worn regularly.
It’s also important to distinguish between 18-karat gold and 18-karat gold plating. A piece of 18-karat gold jewelry has gold mixed throughout the metal itself, while a gold-plated piece has a different metal as its base material with a layer of gold on the surface.
Is gold-plated jewelry any good?
Yes—gold-plated jewelry can be a great choice if you want the look and color of gold combined with a core made of another metal. At STRØM, for example, you’ll find RAGBAG jewelry, where sterling silver is plated with 18-karat gold.
The gold plating gives the jewelry its characteristic warm golden color, while sterling silver serves as the base material. This makes it possible to create intricate gold jewelry without the entire piece having to be made of solid gold.
How long the plating lasts depends, among other things, on the thickness of the plating and how the jewelry is worn. Repeated contact with skin, water, perfume, creams, and other chemicals can affect the surface over time, and the gold layer itself may gradually wear away.
This makes gold-plated jewelry particularly attractive if you want to be able to switch between different pieces and looks. With the right care, it can stay beautiful for a long time, while still offering the elegant look associated with gold.
What are freshwater pearls, diamonds, and cubic zirconia?
Freshwater pearls, diamonds, and cubic zirconia are three very different materials, even though they are all used to give jewelry a decorative and exclusive look.
- Freshwater pearls are organic gemstones formed inside freshwater mussels. Most freshwater pearls on the market are cultured pearls, where the pearl-forming process is initiated under controlled conditions.
- Diamonds are natural or lab-grown crystalline materials with an origin entirely different from that of pearls. Natural diamonds form deep within the earth, while lab-grown diamonds are produced through controlled technological processes. Lab-grown diamonds essentially have the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, though they should not be confused with diamond imitations. When you purchase a piece of diamond jewelry from STRØM, you receive a certificate of authenticity.
- Zirconia, often referred to as cubic zirconia or CZ, is, in contrast, a man-made diamond imitation based on zirconium oxide. It can be colorless and faceted to give it a diamond-like appearance. CZ is relatively hard and durable, but does not have the same chemical and physical properties as a diamond.
These are therefore three very different materials: The pearl has its characteristic organic luster, the diamond is known for its hardness and light reflection, while zirconia offers a diamond-like visual appearance in a different type of material.
What is sterling silver?
Sterling silver is a silver alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This is the standard found in many modern silver jewelry pieces, which is why the “925” hallmark is often seen on rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Pure silver is relatively soft, and the addition of other metals makes sterling silver more suitable for jewelry intended for everyday wear. It is also a material with a bright and classic look that works well on its own or as a base for, say, gold plating.
STRØM offers several pieces of jewelry made of 925 sterling silver. RAGBAG’s Daruta Long Drop Earrings, for example, are crafted from 925 sterling silver, while other RAGBAG designs use sterling silver as the base material beneath an 18-karat gold plating.
Over time, the surface of sterling silver may darken. This is a natural reaction of the material and can usually be removed or reduced with proper silver care.