Precious Metals: The Differences

Choosing the Right Precious Metal

Not all precious metals are created equal, especially when comparing 14K gold, 18K gold, and platinum.

14K GOLD

≈58.5% Pure Gold

✓ Hard and durable

✓ Excellent for everyday wear

✓ More scratch resistant than 18K gold

✓ Lower cost

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18K GOLD

75% Pure Gold

✓ Richer, warmer gold color

✓ Higher precious metal content

✓ Luxury standard for fine jewelry

✓ Slightly softer than 14K gold

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PLATINUM PT950

95% Pure Platinum

✓ Extremely high purity

✓ Naturally white—no rhodium plating required

✓ Dense and substantial weight

✓ Outstanding security for diamond settings

✓ Develops a beautiful natural patina over time

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Why Bella Andrea & Co. Loves PT950 Platinum

For many engagement rings and important commissions, we often recommend PT950 platinum due to its exceptional purity and strength in stone settings compared to 14K gold and 18K gold. Its naturally white color and luxurious weight in the hand make it a preferred choice.

Rather than wearing away over time, platinum typically displaces when scratched, allowing more of the precious metal to remain in the ring for decades.

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Did You Know?

14K Gold = 58.5% pure gold

18K Gold = 75% pure gold

PT950 = 95% pure platinum