Formulas
These are our formulas for the metals we have currently listed in our catalog:
14k Yellow Gold - 58.5% gold, 29.5% copper, zinc 7%, 5% silver
14k Rose Gold - 58.5 % gold, 38.5% copper, 2% silver, 1% zinc
14k Champagne Gold - 58.5 % gold, 22.5% copper, 9% silver, 6% nickel, 4% zinc
14k White Gold - 58.5 % gold, 22.5% copper, 9% silver, 6% nickel, 4% zinc with a rhodium finish
24k Gold - 100% pure gold
Platinum - 95.2% platinum, 4.8% ruthenium
There’s quite a few things to consider when choosing your metal but let’s start with formulas. Most metals used for jewelry are alloyed with other metals for durability or to change their color. While most jewelry companies don’t readily list what’s in their alloys, metal allergies and sensitivities are fairly common so knowing what's in your jewelry can be as important to your health as it is to your style.
However, our jewelry is not limited to these metal types or formulas. We can create custom pieces in silver, all colors of 9k, 10k, and 18k gold, as well as yellow 20k, 21k, and 22k gold. We can also create your piece in nickel-free white gold by using palladium.
Strength and Durability
The durability of your metal is an important factor when selecting your jewelry.
Sterling Silver is a metal alloy that gives a beautiful natural white shine, however, it's a relatively soft material that can be scratched easily. The band of a sterling silver ring can lose its shape over time, but can easily be re-shaped by a jeweler. Silver is also prone to tarnishing and oxidation which can change its color unless it's cared for properly, like keeping it away from chemicals and frequently cleaning and polishing it. Silver is great for someone who is delicate with their jewelry and enjoys putting care into their pieces.
Gold is also a soft metal in its natural form but gains strength as an alloy, for example, 14k gold is stronger than 24k gold. Gold has an incredible resistance to tarnishing and corrosion and with care, gold jewelry can last centuries (archeologists in Bulgaria found a 24k gold pendant from around 4,300 BC that was still intact). Gold is ideal for people who want maximum shine with minimal effort however gold jewelry should still be kept away from abrasive chemicals and rough treatment as it can scratch or bend.
Platinum is one of the strongest and more dense metals (platinum is 40% heavier than gold!) so it's perfect for someone with a more active lifestyle. Platinum has a gorgeous natural white shine but it can be easily scratched. When scratches occur it can cause a patina to form giving it an antiqued look, but having the piece polished by a jeweler can restore its shine.
Budget
Probably the most important factor when deciding on a metal is the cost. Metals costs can fluctuate daily (sometimes changing multiple times a day) which can affect how much jewelry sells for, so when deciding on a piece it's best to compare your budget to the long-term benefits of the material.
Silver is the most budget-friendly option as it is an abundant metal, however, resell value of silver is significantly lower than gold or platinum because of this. Silver also requires more maintenance due to its lower durability which can add to the cost over time. Gold is a rarer metal that is always in demand and has a higher re-sell value than silver. Its low maintenance and higher durability also increase its value which makes it a great investment. Platinum is a much rarer metal (30 times rarer than gold) and its high durability and weight make it incredibly valuable.
Automic Gold only uses recycled metals and gold, silver, and platinum are infinitely recyclable, meaning they don’t lose their structural integrity or any of their properties from the recycling process. No additional mining is needed in order for us to use these metals so any piece you choose from us is sustainable. We also offer a recycling program so we can reuse pieces you already own to create new pieces (or give you store credit towards a new piece) which can help when deciding on a budget for your jewelry.
Style
All in all the metal you choose should reflect your personal style. No matter which metal you pick, your jewelry should be something you’re proud to wear and something that feels like you. If you aren’t sure which metals feel right to you, you can make an appointment to visit our showroom and see our pieces in person or get a virtual consultation.
