Metal guide
Jewelry metal guide: gold, platinum, silver and vermeil
We make pieces in 925 sterling silver, gold vermeil, solid 10K, 14K and 18K gold in white, yellow and rose, and platinum 950. For an engagement ring you wear every day, 14K gold is the usual choice: a rich color, strong and fairly priced.
- Your metal is recorded on your certificate
- Vermeil is always named as vermeil
- Limited lifetime warranty
Meet the metals
Four metals, many looks
- 92.5% silver
Sterling silver
Bright white at the friendliest price. Softer than gold, and it can darken slowly; a polishing cloth brings it back.
Colors: white
- Gold over silver
Gold vermeil
The look of gold at close to a silver price: a thick layer of gold over 925 sterling silver.
Colors: yellow, rose
- 10K, 14K, 18K
Solid gold
Gold mixed with other metals for strength. More gold means a richer color and a softer metal.
Colors: white, yellow, rose
- 95% platinum
Platinum 950
Naturally white, dense and heavy. It develops a soft satin finish that polishes back to a shine.
Colors: white
At a glance
How the metals compare
Purity, colors, durability, care and price for every metal we use.
| Metal | Purity | Colors | Durability | Care | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 925 sterling silver | 92.5% silver | White | Softer, so it can scratch and bend sooner | Darkens slowly; a silver polishing cloth brings it back | $ |
| Gold vermeil | A thick layer of gold over 925 sterling silver | Yellow, rose | The gold layer can thin with years of daily wear | Keep from chlorine and perfume; wipe dry after wearing | $ |
| 10K gold | 41.7% gold, solid | White, yellow, rose | The hardest gold and the most scratch resistant | Warm water and mild soap | $$ |
| 14K gold | 58.3% gold, solid | White, yellow, rose | Strong enough for every day, with a richer color | Warm water and mild soap | $$$ |
| 18K gold | 75% gold, solid | White, yellow, rose | The deepest color; softer, so it shows wear sooner | Warm water and mild soap | $$$$ |
| Platinum 950 | 95% platinum | Naturally white | Dense and very durable; wears to a soft satin finish | A jeweler can polish it back to a high shine | $$$$ |
Purity figures are the standard for each karat and fineness. Price runs from $ (lowest) to $$$$ (highest) for the same design. For cleaning by metal, see our care guide.
By collection
Which metals each piece comes in
The metal options on each product page are the ones that piece is made in. Pick your metal at the top of the page.
- Moissanite rings and earrings
- 925 sterling silver, solid 10K, 14K or 18K gold, or platinum 950
- Lab grown diamond engagement rings
- 925 sterling silver, solid 10K, 14K or 18K gold, or platinum 950
- Lab grown diamond earrings and tennis bracelets
- 925 sterling silver, gold vermeil, or solid 10K or 14K gold
Your metal is recorded on your certificate, and gold vermeil is always named as vermeil.
Not sure?
Our short answer
- Everyday engagement ring
14K gold
A rich color that is strong enough for daily wear, at a fair price. In white, yellow or rose.
- Most durable white metal
Platinum 950
Naturally white, so the color never changes, and a common choice for sensitive skin.
- More budget for the stone
925 sterling silver
The same stone and design at the lowest price. Perfect for earrings and fashion pieces.
- Certified, every pieceEstara certificate, plus IGI on every lab grown diamond
- Free insured shippingUS and Canada, dispatched within 2 business days
- 14-day returnsFree return label, US and Canada
- Limited lifetime warrantyAgainst manufacturing defects
Metal questions
Questions, answered
Want a second opinion on your metal? Email care@houseofestara.com and we reply within one business day.
14K or 18K gold: which is better for an engagement ring?
14K is 58.3% gold and 18K is 75% gold. 18K has a deeper color and costs more; 14K is harder, so it holds up better to daily knocks and shows fewer fine scratches. For a ring you wear every day, most people choose 14K. If you love a deep yellow, 18K is a beautiful choice.
Is gold vermeil real gold?
Yes. Vermeil is a thick layer of real gold over 925 sterling silver, not gold-plated base metal. It gives you the look of gold at close to a silver price. With years of daily wear the gold layer can thin, which is normal wear. We always name it as vermeil on the product page and on your certificate.
Does white gold need re-plating?
White gold is solid gold mixed with white metals, so the gold itself does not wear off. Many jewelers add a thin rhodium finish for extra brightness. If that finish softens over the years, the warmer natural white of the gold shows through, and a jeweler can refresh it quickly. If you want a white metal that never needs this, choose platinum 950.
Platinum or white gold: what is the difference?
Both look white. Platinum 950 is 95% platinum, naturally white and heavier, and it develops a soft satin finish instead of wearing away. White gold is lighter and costs less. Choose platinum for the most durable white metal, and white gold for the same look at a lower price.
I have a nickel allergy. Which metal should I choose?
Nickel is the most common cause of metal allergies. Platinum 950 is the usual choice for sensitive skin, followed by higher karat yellow gold. Email care@houseofestara.com before you order and we will tell you the alloy used for your piece.
Found your metal?
Choose your metal at the top of any product page. Questions about a specific piece? We reply within one business day.
