Most people select a jewelry metal with their eyes, but the wisest choice comes from looking at your lifestyle. The precious metal that holds your gemstone is the foundation of that piece forever, and it has to be right for you. When we have a conversation with you about choosing platinum versus gold that’s really a conversation about permanence, lifestyle, and even our unique Florida climate. It’s a decision we help our Fort Myers clients make every day, because the most beautiful piece of jewelry is one you can wear without a second thought.
A Conversation About Your Life
Before Colbi and I talk about design with you, we always talk about you, and if the jewelry is a gift, we talk about who you are giving it to. Are you and your girlfriend out on the water every weekend, does she work with her hands, are you both constantly active? The kind of regular activity done during daily life is the true blueprint for a lasting piece of jewelry. We often see gold rings in our workshop for repair that show surprising wear and tear after just a few seasons in the Southwest Florida sun and salt air. While we can always professionally restore them, it highlights why we believe in matching the metal’s inherent nature to your daily activities from the very beginning.
The Enduring Strength of Platinum
Let’s say we are talking about engagement rings. When your future wife’s life is active and you both love to spend a great deal of time outdoors, platinum is an extraordinary choice for that ring. It has a remarkable density that makes it incredibly durable, so it resists the small scratches and dings of daily wear exceptionally well. Platinum is also naturally white and won't fade or change color over time. For our clients who value peace of mind and want the lowest possible maintenance for a white metal, we almost always begin by showing them the quiet, enduring strength of platinum.
The Classic Warmth of Gold
Gold offers a timeless warmth and beauty that many people love, and understanding its character is the key to enjoying it fully. We work primarily with 14-karat and 18-karat alloys for both yellow and white gold. It's important to understand that white gold achieves its brilliant, silvery color through a plating of rhodium. Because of our constant exposure to sun and humidity in Florida, that rhodium finish will need to be reapplied every 12 to 18 months to maintain its luster. This is simply a normal part of its upkeep, a small commitment to keep it looking its absolute best.
Making a Confident Choice
Your jewelry should be a source of joy, not a source of worry. Choosing the right metal is the foundation for a lifetime of confidence in a piece, ensuring the security of your diamonds and the longevity of your investment. This conversation is far too important for guesswork; it deserves the guidance of a expert craftsman who works with these metals every single day, and I’m exactly that guy. Before you make such a significant decision, we invite you to our Fort Myers store to talk about your life and your vision. Please call us at (239) 337-2723 to schedule a private consultation so we can help you make the perfect choice.
Fort Myers, FL - Store Owner Discusses How to Select the Right Jewelry Metal
SYNOPSIS: Brad Congress of Bradley 's Jewelers offers an insider's guide on selecting the right precious metal, explaining how the realities of the Florida climate and an active lifestyle shows up.
The Metal You Choose is a Promise to Your Future
BY: ,
Most people select a jewelry metal with their eyes, but the wisest choice comes from looking at your lifestyle. The precious metal that holds your gemstone is the foundation of that piece forever, and it has to be right for you. When we have a conversation with you about choosing platinum versus gold that’s really a conversation about permanence, lifestyle, and even our unique Florida climate. It’s a decision we help our Fort Myers clients make every day, because the most beautiful piece of jewelry is one you can wear without a second thought.
A Conversation About Your Life
Before Colbi and I talk about design with you, we always talk about you, and if the jewelry is a gift, we talk about who you are giving it to. Are you and your girlfriend out on the water every weekend, does she work with her hands, are you both constantly active? The kind of regular activity done during daily life is the true blueprint for a lasting piece of jewelry. We often see gold rings in our workshop for repair that show surprising wear and tear after just a few seasons in the Southwest Florida sun and salt air. While we can always professionally restore them, it highlights why we believe in matching the metal’s inherent nature to your daily activities from the very beginning.
The Enduring Strength of Platinum
Let’s say we are talking about engagement rings. When your future wife’s life is active and you both love to spend a great deal of time outdoors, platinum is an extraordinary choice for that ring. It has a remarkable density that makes it incredibly durable, so it resists the small scratches and dings of daily wear exceptionally well. Platinum is also naturally white and won't fade or change color over time. For our clients who value peace of mind and want the lowest possible maintenance for a white metal, we almost always begin by showing them the quiet, enduring strength of platinum.
The Classic Warmth of Gold
Gold offers a timeless warmth and beauty that many people love, and understanding its character is the key to enjoying it fully. We work primarily with 14-karat and 18-karat alloys for both yellow and white gold. It's important to understand that white gold achieves its brilliant, silvery color through a plating of rhodium. Because of our constant exposure to sun and humidity in Florida, that rhodium finish will need to be reapplied every 12 to 18 months to maintain its luster. This is simply a normal part of its upkeep, a small commitment to keep it looking its absolute best.
Making a Confident Choice
Your jewelry should be a source of joy, not a source of worry. Choosing the right metal is the foundation for a lifetime of confidence in a piece, ensuring the security of your diamonds and the longevity of your investment. This conversation is far too important for guesswork; it deserves the guidance of a expert craftsman who works with these metals every single day, and I’m exactly that guy. Before you make such a significant decision, we invite you to our Fort Myers store to talk about your life and your vision. Please call us at (239) 337-2723 to schedule a private consultation so we can help you make the perfect choice.
