Traditional Metals
White Gold
An alloy of gold and at least one white metal, usually nickel or palladium. It is a soft metal and is usually alloyed to give it more strength. White gold has a natural yellow tint so that is why it commonly has a rhodium finish. This metal can be resized and refinished. Price depends on daily market value.
Yellow Gold
Gold is a relatively soft metal. To combat this weakness, gold is usually alloyed with another member of the metal family such as silver, copper, platinum, or nickel. Gold alloys are measured by karats (carats). A karat is a unit equal to 1/24 part of pure gold in an alloy. Thus, 24 karat (24K) gold is pure gold, while 18 karat gold is 18 parts pure gold to 6 parts other metal. The most common however is 14k gold being 14 parts pure gold 10 parts other metal. This metal can be resized and refinished. Price depends on daily market value.
Palladium
A rare silver-white metal and alternative to white gold, permanently white and does not require a rhodium finish. This metal can be resized and refinished. Pricing is moderately comparable to white gold.
Platinum
A precious metal, stronger and heavier then 14k gold. Hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant. It does not require rhodium and can be resized and refinished. More expensive then other metals.