Guides2 min read
Why 14K gold, and how to care for your ring
A ring is worn every day, through everything. Here is why we reach for 14K gold, and how to look after the piece you choose.
Most of our rings are made in 14K gold. It's not a shortcut. For a piece you'll wear every day, it's the best balance of colour, strength and value. Every design can also be made in 18K gold or in silver, so here is how they compare.
What the K means
Karat measures how much of the metal is pure gold, out of 24 parts. 14K is 14 parts gold (about 58.5%), and 18K is 18 parts (75%). The rest is a blend of other metals that gives gold its strength and its colour. Pure gold is beautiful but far too soft to hold a diamond securely.
14K gold
Harder-wearing and more resistant to scratches and bending, which is good news for prongs and thin pavé bands. It is also the more attainable choice.
18K gold
Richer in colour and a little heavier on the hand, but softer, so it shows wear sooner. It is lovely for pieces worn with a bit more care.
Silver
Bright and light, and the most accessible option. Silver is softer than gold and will tarnish over time, so it needs a gentle polish now and then.
Yellow, white or rose
The colour comes from what the gold is mixed with. More copper gives rose gold its blush, and white metals give white gold its cool tone. White gold is usually finished with a bright rhodium layer. Over the years that layer can soften towards a warmer white, and it can simply be re-plated. Yellow and rose gold keep their colour all the way through.
Everyday care
Clean it gently
Soak it in warm water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid for a few minutes. Brush behind the stone with a soft toothbrush, where lotion and soap collect, then rinse and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Take it off for hard work
Take your ring off for the gym, gardening, moving furniture, swimming in chlorinated or salt water, and cleaning with household chemicals.
Put it on last
Put it on after hand cream, perfume and hairspray, which dull a diamond faster than anything else.
Store it on its own
Diamonds can scratch other jewelry, and even other diamonds. Your FLORA box is the right place for it overnight.
Check the claws
If a stone ever feels loose or catches on fabric, stop wearing the ring and get in touch. A quick check keeps small problems small.
Sizing, later on
Fingers change with seasons and years. Many rings can be resized, depending on the design. A plain band is simple, while a pavé or patterned band may be more involved. Tell us which ring you have and we'll advise honestly.
More than a piece of jewellery. A part of your story.
