Our Precious Metals

There are many different metals and alloys used in modern jewelry making. The type of jewelry you can wear is not just determined by your wallet – but also by the way your body reacts to and tolerates the exposure to metals.

All stock Diamond Nexus Labs jewelry is 100% solid 14 karat gold (14k), and most items can be ordered in either yellow or white gold colors. By special order, our jewelry is also available in 18 karat gold, solid platinum or palladium. We use only 950 grade platinum, the purest grade available. Please call our Customer Care Center if you wish to upgrade your precious metal selection.

As always, Diamond Nexus Labs is conscientious of the environmental and social impact of gold mining.  This is why, whenever possible, we obtain our precious metals only from Canadian mines: the most well-regulated and environmentally safe source in the world.

GOLD ALLOYS, 14K GOLD & EASY CARE

Gold is one of the most precious metals in the world. It is present in the rivers, seas, and the earth's crust. Trace amounts are also found in plants and animals. It is estimated that only 125,000 tons of gold have been mined the world over since the beginning of time. It is, however, difficult and expensive to extract. In modern mining operations, approximately 3 tons of ore are needed to extract one ounce of gold.

Gold is very durable.  To see this firsthand, look no further than the nearest museum where gold jewelry, coins, and artifacts from ancient civilizations attest to the metal's enduring beauty and permanence. The many desirable qualities found in gold, along with its scarcity, have made it the most popular metal for use in jewelry today.  Jewelers throughout the ages have preferred gold to all other metals for its beauty and ease of workmanship. Gold can be melted, hammered, or otherwise shaped to create any design.

Gold is commonly known to be a non-reactive metal, which means it is almost always hypoallergenic. 14K gold has a melting point of about 1550 degrees Fahrenheit. Gold is more malleable than any other metal and can be hammered into foil so thin that it is almost transparent. It has a unique ductile property, allowing it to be drawn into wire so fine it can barely be seen.

Gold is deep yellow in color. Its great reflectivity help keep its brightness and color from fading with time. Gold will not rust, tarnish, or corrode. Gold jewelry recovered from ancient Egyptian tombs is in the same state as when placed there over 4000 years ago.

Gold is softer than most other metals. Pure gold may easily be scratched. Fortunately, gold becomes harder when alloyed with other base metals.  14k gold is 14/24ths, or slightly more than one-half pure gold.

To care for your gold jewelry, protect it by keeping it wrapped in a soft cloth when not being worn. Clean your gold jewelry with a cleaning solution of sudsy lukewarm water. Dry and polish jewelry with a chamois or soft cloth after cleaning and rinsing. To help your gold jewelry stay clean longer, keep it free from dust, moisture, perspiration, and makeup.