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The majority of Costco’s jewelry is offered in three precious metal options: 14kt gold, 18kt gold, and 950 platinum. Discover the natural beauty and characteristics of each, and decide which one is best for you.
All 14kt and 18kt white gold that Costco offers has been rhodium plated to enhance luster, durability and brightness to the gold.
This does not affect the percentage of gold in the item. If an item is rhodium plated, it will be noted on the product page.
Due to its incredible luster and other characteristics, gold is the most sought-after metal in the jewellery industry. This precious metal is not only beautiful, it is naturally resistant to tarnish and corrosion. Most of all, gold has the rare quality of being dense yet still very malleable, which is ideal for crafting jewellery.
Although the density of pure gold makes it heavy, it is still very soft, so alloy metals are blended with the gold to increase its strength and durability. The addition of alloy metals makes gold jewellery much more wearable and long-lasting, and also allows for the creation of colored gold. Both 14kt gold and 18kt gold contain a percentage of alloy metals.
Gold is available in three beautiful colors—yellow, white, and rose. All three colors are produced the same way and have the same basic monetary value. White and rose gold are simply yellow gold blended with other metals to achieve their specific color. Each color has its own special beauty and characteristics. Whether you choose a clean brilliant white, pink-hued rose, or traditional yellow, your choice in gold should simply be a matter of preference.
14kt gold
14kt gold is comprised of 58% pure gold. It is blended with a higher percentage of alloy metals, which makes it lighter and substantially stronger than 18kt gold. Its strength makes it more durable and scratch resistant, and less likely to bend. 14kt gold wears well, and is often the choice for jewellery that is worn on a daily basis.
Each piece of 14kt gold jewellery sold by Costco will be stamped either 14k or 585. Unlike our gold jewellery that includes gemstones or diamonds, our gold-only jewellery does not come with any type of paper authentication, such as a certificate or Article of Description. In the case of our gold-only jewellery, the stamp itself, is the actual authentication.
18kt gold
18kt gold is comprised of 75% pure gold. It is blended with a lower percentage of alloy metals, which makes it heavier and softer than 14kt gold. Jewellery crafted from 18kt gold can be more susceptible to scratches. It also has a slightly warmer hue, which is appealing to many people.
Each piece of 18kt gold jewellery sold by Costco will be stamped either 18k or 750. Unlike our gold jewellery that includes gemstones or diamonds, our gold-only jewellery does not come with any type of paper authentication, such as a certificate or Article of Description. In the case of our gold-only jewellery, the stamp itself, is the actual authentication.
950 platinum jewellery is comprised of 95% pure platinum and 5% alloy. Prized for its purity, it is the strongest, heaviest, and most durable of the precious metals offered by Costco. Platinum has a clean silvery-white color and a natural sheen. It rarely tarnishes, which makes it a wonderful low maintenance option for jewellery. Not only does platinum wear well, it also has natural hypoallergenic characteristics.
Although platinum is stronger than gold, it is a softer metal and scratches more easily. Over time, platinum jewellery will lose some of its sheen and develop a softer patina. Many people prefer this look, but if you’d like to restore your platinum jewellery to its original high-gloss finish, simply have it re-polished or re-plated by a professional jeweler.
Platinum is a rare metal, which creates a high market demand. And because metal is priced by weight, the density of platinum adds to its cost. Due to its exceptional strength and durability, many people consider platinum to be worth the price.
Each piece of platinum jewellery sold by Costco will be stamped 950. Unlike our platinum jewellery that includes gemstones or diamonds, our platinum-only jewellery does not come with any type of paper authentication, such as a certificate or Article of Description. In the case of our platinum-only jewellery, the stamp itself, is the actual authentication.
Avoid all harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, hair spray, and perfume, as they may cause permanent damage to metals. Do not wear your gold or platinum jewellery while using a pool or hot tub.
Gold and platinum jewellery can be cleaned using a solution of lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap. Place the jewellery in the solution, and let it soak for 10 to 30 minutes. If necessary, you can gently wipe the jewellery with a soft-bristle brush or cotton cloth. Rinse the jewellery thoroughly, and ensure that it is completely dry before storing. If you choose to use commercial jewellery cleaner, be sure to use one that is specifically designed for use on gold and platinum jewellery. Some solutions do contain chemicals that can cause permanent damage to certain metals, as well as sensitive gemstones and pearls. Use with caution.
You can easily maintain the beauty of your gold and platinum jewellery by having it polished by a jeweler. A basic polishing will remove any nicks and scratches, and restore its natural luster. You can have your jewellery polished every 1-3 years, depending on usage. Over time, white gold and platinum can lose some of its luster and bright white color. You can restore your gold and platinum jewellery to its original brilliance by having a jeweler re-plate it with rhodium, which will give it a shiny protective finish that will last for years.