Twenty-four karat gold is 100% gold and is considered too soft for jewelry and is alloyed with other metals to increase its durability and workability. 18 karat gold is 18 parts of gold and 6 parts other metal (75% gold) and 14 karat gold is 14 parts of gold and 10 parts of other metal (58% gold).

Platinum is at least 90% platinum often alloyed with iridium or ruthenium for hardness and is more durable than gold

• Always separate your jewelry when putting it away. This protects against scratching.

• A jeweler's polishing cloth can keep your jewelry looking lustrous and shiny.

• Remove your jewelry when doing rough work or sports. Gold and even platinum may become scratched from contact with other objects. Rings may be knocked out of round with hard use and prongs could crack with a hard blow.

• Remove all jewelry before bathing, doing dishes or other household chores. Soap and detergents can cause a film to form on your jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy. Some chemicals such as chlorine bleach cause pitting or discoloration of the metal.

• Check clasps to ensure that they work freely and have not become worn. It is safer to replace a worn clasp than to risk the loss of the entire piece.

• Be careful when wearing and putting away serpentine or herringbone chains. It is best to hang them to prevent kinking and bending.