Voted Norman’s Best Jewelry Store

Platinum

Platinum continues to steal the spotlight and it is no wonder. Platinum is among the finest, purest and most rare of precious metals. To produce a single ounce of finished platinum, a total of 10 tons of ore must be mined. Platinum is the heaviest of all precious metals. It is the purest metal and weighs almost TWICE the weight of karat gold. Additionally, platinum’s rich white luster never tarnishes and is hypoallergenic.

Platinum jewelry generally contains anywhere from 85 to 95 percent pure platinum. Jewelry marked “Platinum” contains at least 95 percent pure platinum. Jewelry with 85 to 95 percent pure platinum is marked “950 Plat.” or “950 Pt.”, “850 Plat.” or “850 Pt.”, etc. Jewelry containing at least 50 percent pure platinum and at least 95 percent platinum group metals (platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium and ruthenium) is marked with the platinum content followed by the content of the other metal. For example, “600 Plat.” 350 Irid.”

The beauty and strength of platinum make it an obvious choice for setting your precious stones. Nothing is more secure. We have beautiful ring settings available in platinum in addition to our platinum earrings and pendants. Come in to try on one of our platinum pieces. Nothing feels like platinum.

Karat Gold

Gold purity is measured by the percentage of gold. Pure gold or 24-karat gold is generally considered too soft for use in jewelry so it is alloyed with other metals to increase its strength. Eighteen-karat gold is 18/24ths, or three-quarters pure gold. Jewelry of this fineness is marked 18K meaning 75 percent gold.  In the United States, 14-karat is most commonly used for jewelry. Fourteen-karat is 14/24ths, or slightly more than one-half pure gold. Jewelry of this fineness is marked 14K. Nothing less than 10-karat gold can be legally sold as gold jewelry in the United States. These pieces are marked as 10K.

Alloying gold with small amounts of other metals can enhance gold’s natural color. Alloying with platinum or palladium allows us to enjoy white gold, which has become a leader in bridal settings. White gold provides a fabulous alternative when platinum is cost prohibitive.

Care of Your Fine Jewelry

Chlorine is gold’s worst enemy and repeated exposure can weaken gold’ s structure. Keep your jewelry free from dust, moisture, perspiration and makeup. Gold should be cleaned with a cleaning solution of sudsy water or bring it to Mitchell’s Jewelry to be professionally steam-cleaned.

General Tips

• Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place.
   

• Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined case with dividers.
   

• Remove all jewelry before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form on karat jewelry making it appear dull.
   

• Bring in your jewelry at least once every six months for professional cleaning and inspection for general wear and tear