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Precious Metal Guide

When choosing a precious metal for jewelry, it's important to
consider both form and function – not only personal style, but also factors such as durability and skin sensitivity.

Platinum vs. Gold vs. Silver

The main differences between platinum, silver and gold are purity, color, and price. Learn about the composition, appearance, durability, cleaning & care, and skin sensitivity factors to consider for each precious metal.

Platinum

Composition: Platinum is a mixture of 95% pure platinum and 5% alloys (ruthenium/iridium). Platinum is considered the rarest of metals, and therefore tends to have a higher price than other precious metals.

Appearance: Platinum is a lustrous silvery-white metal.

Durability:Platinum is a dense and durable metal that maintains its color for a lifetime. Over time, the surface of platinum will develop a soft matte layer called a patina.

Cleaning & Care: Under pressure, platinum is more likely to bend or move, so it’s recommended that platinum rings should be removed for physical activities that could put pressure on the ring. At riva, platinum can be refurbished for a fee of $150 to polish and restore its shine. To properly clean platinum, use warm water, mild dish soap (avoid harsh chemicals), a soft brush, and dry thoroughly.

Skin Sensitivity:Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it a safe option for those with metal allergies.

Recommendation:: Consider platinum if you love the sleek look of this rare precious metal or have a metal allergy.

White Gold

Composition: Platinum is a mixture of 95% pure platinum and 5% alloys (ruthenium/iridium). Platinum is considered the rarest of metals, and therefore tends to have a higher price than other precious metals.

Appearance: Platinum is a lustrous silvery-white metal.

Durability:Platinum is a dense and durable metal that maintains its color for a lifetime. Over time, the surface of platinum will develop a soft matte layer called a patina.

Cleaning & Care: Under pressure, platinum is more likely to bend or move, so it’s recommended that platinum rings should be removed for physical activities that could put pressure on the ring. At riva, platinum can be refurbished for a fee of $150 to polish and restore its shine. To properly clean platinum, use warm water, mild dish soap (avoid harsh chemicals), a soft brush, and dry thoroughly.

Skin Sensitivity:Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it a safe option for those with metal allergies.

Recommendation:: Consider platinum if you love the sleek look of this rare precious metal or have a metal allergy.

Yellow Gold

Composition: Platinum is a mixture of 95% pure platinum and 5% alloys (ruthenium/iridium). Platinum is considered the rarest of metals, and therefore tends to have a higher price than other precious metals.

Appearance: Platinum is a lustrous silvery-white metal.

Durability:Platinum is a dense and durable metal that maintains its color for a lifetime. Over time, the surface of platinum will develop a soft matte layer called a patina.

Cleaning & Care: Under pressure, platinum is more likely to bend or move, so it’s recommended that platinum rings should be removed for physical activities that could put pressure on the ring. At riva, platinum can be refurbished for a fee of $150 to polish and restore its shine. To properly clean platinum, use warm water, mild dish soap (avoid harsh chemicals), a soft brush, and dry thoroughly.

Skin Sensitivity:Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it a safe option for those with metal allergies.

Recommendation:: Consider platinum if you love the sleek look of this rare precious metal or have a metal allergy.

Silver Gold

Composition: Platinum is a mixture of 95% pure platinum and 5% alloys (ruthenium/iridium). Platinum is considered the rarest of metals, and therefore tends to have a higher price than other precious metals.

Appearance: Platinum is a lustrous silvery-white metal.

Durability:Platinum is a dense and durable metal that maintains its color for a lifetime. Over time, the surface of platinum will develop a soft matte layer called a patina.

Cleaning & Care: Under pressure, platinum is more likely to bend or move, so it’s recommended that platinum rings should be removed for physical activities that could put pressure on the ring. At riva, platinum can be refurbished for a fee of $150 to polish and restore its shine. To properly clean platinum, use warm water, mild dish soap (avoid harsh chemicals), a soft brush, and dry thoroughly.

Skin Sensitivity:Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it a safe option for those with metal allergies.

Recommendation:: Consider platinum if you love the sleek look of this rare precious metal or have a metal allergy.

How to Tell the Difference Between Platinum, White Gold, and Silver Jewelry

Platinum, white gold and silver are all similar in appearance, yet have subtle differences. Platinum has a naturally white, and bright hue, while white gold’s appearance has a creamier color with a yellow undertone and mirror-like finish. Silver has a gray-white color, with a naturally duller cast and true sterling silver is stamped with 925 or SS. 14K White Gold is stamped with 14KW, 18K White Gold with 18KW, Platinum with PT, 14K Rose Gold with 14KR, 14K Yellow Gold 14KY and 18K Yellow Gold with 18KY. The only true verification of whether a precious metal is platinum, white gold or silver is through a reputable jeweler’s test.

Gold Vermeil vs. Gold Plated vs. Gold Filled

Learn about the differences among gold vermeil, gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry, comparing appearance, durability, cleaning and care as well as skin sensitivities.

Gold Vermeil

Composition: Platinum is a mixture of 95% pure platinum and 5% alloys (ruthenium/iridium). Platinum is considered the rarest of metals, and therefore tends to have a higher price than other precious metals.

Appearance: Platinum is a lustrous silvery-white metal.

Durability:Platinum is a dense and durable metal that maintains its color for a lifetime. Over time, the surface of platinum will develop a soft matte layer called a patina.

Cleaning & Care: Under pressure, platinum is more likely to bend or move, so it’s recommended that platinum rings should be removed for physical activities that could put pressure on the ring. At riva, platinum can be refurbished for a fee of $150 to polish and restore its shine. To properly clean platinum, use warm water, mild dish soap (avoid harsh chemicals), a soft brush, and dry thoroughly.

Skin Sensitivity:Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it a safe option for those with metal allergies.

Recommendation:: Consider platinum if you love the sleek look of this rare precious metal or have a metal allergy.

Gold-Plated

Composition: Platinum is a mixture of 95% pure platinum and 5% alloys (ruthenium/iridium). Platinum is considered the rarest of metals, and therefore tends to have a higher price than other precious metals.

Appearance: Platinum is a lustrous silvery-white metal.

Durability:Platinum is a dense and durable metal that maintains its color for a lifetime. Over time, the surface of platinum will develop a soft matte layer called a patina.

Cleaning & Care: Under pressure, platinum is more likely to bend or move, so it’s recommended that platinum rings should be removed for physical activities that could put pressure on the ring. At riva, platinum can be refurbished for a fee of $150 to polish and restore its shine. To properly clean platinum, use warm water, mild dish soap (avoid harsh chemicals), a soft brush, and dry thoroughly.

Skin Sensitivity:Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it a safe option for those with metal allergies.

Recommendation:: Consider platinum if you love the sleek look of this rare precious metal or have a metal allergy.

riva Jewelry

Gold-Filled

Composition: Platinum is a mixture of 95% pure platinum and 5% alloys (ruthenium/iridium). Platinum is considered the rarest of metals, and therefore tends to have a higher price than other precious metals.

Appearance: Platinum is a lustrous silvery-white metal.

Durability:Platinum is a dense and durable metal that maintains its color for a lifetime. Over time, the surface of platinum will develop a soft matte layer called a patina.

Cleaning & Care: Under pressure, platinum is more likely to bend or move, so it’s recommended that platinum rings should be removed for physical activities that could put pressure on the ring. At riva, platinum can be refurbished for a fee of $150 to polish and restore its shine. To properly clean platinum, use warm water, mild dish soap (avoid harsh chemicals), a soft brush, and dry thoroughly.

Skin Sensitivity:Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it a safe option for those with metal allergies.

Recommendation:: Consider platinum if you love the sleek look of this rare precious metal or have a metal allergy.

riva Jewelry