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Create an accountPrecious Metals Guide
Precious Metals Guide for Davenport & the Quad Cities
Gold, platinum, and sterling silver each have their own color, weight, durability, and maintenance needs. At Expressions Jewelers in Davenport, we help clients throughout the Quad Cities choose a precious metal that suits their jewelry design, lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
Your Options
Gold
Available in 14K and 18K in yellow, white, or rose. Gold offers classic color with a comfortable balance of beauty and durability.
Platinum
Naturally white, dense, and highly durable. Platinum feels noticeably heavier and develops a soft patina as it is worn.
Sterling Silver
Bright white, lightweight, and more accessible in price. Silver is softer than gold or platinum and requires occasional tarnish removal.
Understanding Gold
What Is Karat?
Karat describes how much pure gold is present in an alloy. Pure gold is naturally soft, so it is combined with other metals to improve strength and influence color.
24K
Nearly pure gold
Too soft for most everyday jewelry
18K
75% pure gold
Richer color, slightly softer
14K
58.5% pure gold
A durable everyday balance
10K
41.7% pure gold
More alloy content than gold
Similar Color, Different Wear
White Gold vs. Platinum
Both appear white, but they differ in finish, weight, and how they change with wear.
White Gold
White gold is a gold alloy commonly finished with rhodium for a bright white appearance. With wear, the rhodium gradually thins and reveals the warmer natural tone beneath.
Maintenance: Rhodium can be reapplied when you want to restore the brighter white finish.
Platinum
Platinum is naturally white and does not require rhodium plating. Its surface develops a soft gray patina as tiny scratches accumulate with wear.
Maintenance: Platinum can be professionally polished when a brighter finish is preferred.
At a Glance
Platinum and 14K gold
Rhodium-finished white gold and platinum
Platinum and yellow or rose gold
Sterling silver
A Closer Look
Precious Metals Comparison
Compare how each metal looks, wears, and performs over time.
| Metal | Color | Purity | Durability & Wear | Maintenance | Weight | Relative Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14K Gold | Yellow, white, or rose | 58.5% gold | Very durable; a strong balance for everyday jewelry | White gold may need rhodium replating | Medium | $$ |
| 18K Gold | Rich yellow, white, or rose | 75% gold | Durable; higher gold content makes it somewhat softer than 14K | White gold may need rhodium replating | Medium | $$$ |
| Platinum | Natural white with a subtle gray undertone | Typically 90–95% platinum | Highly durable; develops a natural patina with surface wear | No plating; may be polished to restore shine | Heavy | $$$$ |
| Sterling Silver | Bright white | 92.5% silver | Softer; scratches, dents, and tarnishes more readily | Occasional tarnish removal and cleaning | Light | $ |
Relative prices are general comparisons. Actual pricing depends on the design, metal market, labor, and amount of metal required.
Good to Know
Platinum is rare, dense, and generally used in a higher-purity alloy than gold.
Gold and platinum will naturally scratch with wear. That does not mean the jewelry is defective.
Silver tarnish is a surface reaction and can usually be removed with appropriate cleaning.
Designed for Real Life
Choosing a Jewelry Metal in the Quad Cities
The best metal is not simply the most expensive one. Your ideal choice depends on the piece, how often you will wear it, the finish you prefer, and how much maintenance feels comfortable to you.
Engagement Rings
Consider how the metal’s color complements your diamond, how securely it supports the setting, and how it will wear every day.
Wedding Bands
Think about how the band pairs with an engagement ring, including metal color, width, profile, durability, and future maintenance.
Custom Jewelry
Choose a metal that supports the design, gemstones, desired finish, and the way you plan to wear your finished piece.
Expressions Jewelers serves clients from Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, and communities throughout the Quad Cities. After choosing your metal, learn how to protect it with our Jewelry Care Guide.
Made for Your Life
Choose the Right Metal for You
Visit Expressions Jewelers in Davenport to compare appearance, wear, maintenance, and budget so your jewelry feels right for the way you plan to enjoy it.
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