Platinum, which is processed in 95% purity, is the rarest but currently also the most popular of all precious metals.
It is approx. 30% denser and therefore significantly heavier, for which it is also valued.
Virtually identical in color to white gold, it can never change its color, is very robust and has a noble sheen.
It is not only the color, which shines neutrally and nobly, that has always fascinated people – it is also the specific weight, which is unexpectedly high when you hold a platinum ring in your hands for the first time. It is very robust and its melting point of around 1800 degrees is higher than that of gold at around 1000 degrees. But most importantly, its elegantneutral white color never fades, unlike silver or white gold.
We were the first goldsmiths in Basel to start processing sustainable precious metals back in 2015. We attach great importance to ethically correct trading and the sustainable extraction of precious metals: Our gold, silver, platinum, palladium and also copper as an alloy metal do not come directly from a mine, which is known to cause constant harm to people and the environment. We source our gold and platinum exclusively from large, recognized refineries, which completely reprocess precious metals, e.g. from processing residues from goldsmiths or old gold. The gold, platinum, silver or palladium in your piece of jewelry is therefore guaranteed to come from safe sources far away from conflict regions. The extraction of these precious metals is sustainable for the environment and conserves natural resources.
Yellow gold – Its noble shine has been captivating for thousands of years and is undisputedly the classic precious metal.
The 18 carat alloy is guaranteed to be corrosion-resistant and therefore does not tarnish (like silver or sometimes 14 carat gold).
White gold is a palladium alloy that gets its white color from rhodium plating.
In the past, it was often in demand because it was cheaper than platinum – today it is the other way around, as gold is currently very expensive.
However, white gold has the advantage that it is somewhat harder.
Red gold gets its interesting color from a higher copper content.
Not just a precious metal for ladies – but the precious metal that is closest in color to the skin tone.
It stands out from gold and platinum as a warm and rarer color. Definitely something for connoisseurs!
We love working with gold more than anything. It has a fascinating color, and its shine in any light is still mesmerizing for us, even though we have been working with it for decades.
Showing our customers the different color depths of this material is always a pleasure – especially with our RETINA pendants in 21 or pure 24 carat, which not many goldsmiths offer these days.
While these alloys are softer materials that require a deeper knowledge of the wearer, 24 carat is not made for everyday wear, but it is pure magic when it comes to the warmth of its color and the special luster that cannot be compared to any other material.
Gold, the precious metal, has always exerted an irresistible fascination on mankind. It symbolizes wealth, beauty and timeless elegance. The history of gold dates back to ancient times, where it was prized by various cultures for its rarity and brilliance. From the Egyptian pharaohs to the sumptuous royal robes of bygone eras, gold has always held a special place in jewelry making. Today, it is still prized for its durability, as it does not corrode and retains its radiance over time. In times of crisis, it is always a safe haven and investors protect their assets by investing in gold, as although gold fluctuates in value, it never loses its value, as can be the case with securities, shares or real estate bubbles.
The timeless elegance of gold jewelry is undeniable. Its warm color flatters the skin and adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Whether it’s a delicate bracelet, sparkling necklace or stunning engagement or wedding ring, gold remains a versatile metal that can be easily incorporated into a variety of designs.
Gold jewelry is not only a shiny accessory, but often an expression of personality as well. From delicate pieces to bold and creative designs, the choice of gold jewelry reflects the uniqueness and style of an individual. It allows the wearer to share their story and preferences in a subtle yet expressive way. RetinaSchmuck is particularly well suited for this, as it allows you to express your uniqueness and distinctive personality in a discreet and hidden way.
Another fascinating aspect of gold jewelry is its role as an heirloom. Many families treasure gold jewelry as a precious heirloom passed down from generation to generation. These pieces carry not only material value, but also emotional ties and stories – connecting past, present and future in a unique way. RetinaSchmuck is seen as such an heirloom by many of our customers. A valuable accessory, a keepsake with incredible symbolic power that will prove its existence to future generations and amaze them. A personal piece of jewelry made of gold is certainly one of the last pieces to be melted down when money is tight.
In today’s world, the sustainability of gold jewelry is becoming increasingly important. Many manufacturers rely on environmentally friendly mining practices and fair working conditions to minimize the negative impact on people and the environment. When buying gold jewelry, it is advisable to look for certificates and indications of origin to ensure that the values embodied by gold are respected in every respect. We were the first goldsmiths in Basel to start working with ethically sound/recycled gold, because the ethics behind gold jewelry that is worn for decades has always been important to us and we take our responsibility in this regard seriously.
When it comes to buying gold jewelry or bars, it is important to understand the quality and purity of the gold. A common unit of measurement often used in this context is the “carat”. What is a carat? Carat is a unit used to measure the purity of gold. It refers to the proportion of pure gold in an alloy. Pure gold, also known as 24-carat gold, contains 100% gold. The lower the carat value, the lower the proportion of gold and the more other metals are present in the alloy. For example, 18-carat gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals such as copper or silver. 18 carat gold is the most commonly used in Switzerland. This alloy is optimized in terms of stability, color and comfort. It does not tarnish and is relatively scratch-resistant (however, no precious metal is 100% protected against abrasion). 14 carat gold has a fineness of 585 parts per thousand and is therefore often referred to as “14ct” gold. It is commonly found in German wedding rings, but may have a lighter color because it is only 58.5% gold, the rest being other alloying ingredients that can affect the color (and hardness). With this alloy, it cannot be guaranteed that it will not tarnish.
< p align=“justify”>It is important to understand that a higher carat value does not necessarily indicate better quality, but rather the fineness, i.e. what percentage, or rather per mille (/000), of gold is contained in the alloy. The fineness is indicated as a 3-digit number: “750” gold corresponds to 75% gold content and is equivalent to 18 carats. While 24-carat gold (999/000) is the purest form, it is also softer and more susceptible to scratches and deformation. Therefore, 18-carat gold is usually used for jewelry in Switzerland because it offers a better balance between durability and shine. Many goldsmiths also work with alloys containing less than 58.5% gold (less than 14 carat). We only work with alloys of 14 carat and higher, and even this form is rather rare. Gold with a lower carat value is also usually lighter in color. On the other hand, we offer higher-carat gold such as 21 and 24 carat gold jewelry, which has beautiful warm tones. However, we do not use 24 carat gold for rings, as these are usually subject to heavy abrasion. For pendants and earrings, however, this is a beguilingly beautiful color.
We are always happy to recommend high-alloy gold to special customers who are looking for something special and are also willing to take a little more care of their valuable jewelry: Wear 21-karat rings on your non-dominant hand: If you are right-handed, it is better to wear the ring on your left hand and vice versa. Worn on the dominant hand, your jewelry will show signs of wear more quickly.
If you mix yellow gold with palladium, the palladium bleaches the gold and, strictly speaking, a grey tone is created: grey gold. We mainly use white gold alloys with 16% palladium – here the yellow color is completely bleached out and we get an interesting anthracite, which we often recommend to our customers in its pure form. We find it to be a very elegant, dark shade. However, galvanic brightening (rhodium plating) is usually applied in addition, thus turning gray gold into white gold.
As the name suggests, most customers know white gold as a very light-colored precious metal. However, it is important to know that white gold only becomes really light after rhodium plating. Rhodium is a very hard, light-colored precious metal from the platinum group that can be applied to precious metal surfaces in an electrochemical process known as galvanization. In the case of gray gold, this then turns into white gold. However, for technical reasons, a layer thickness of only about 1 micrometer is achieved. Although this layer is relatively stable, it can wear off over time, especially in the case of finger rings, due to mechanical abrasion. In this case, the rhodium plating can easily be repeated, provided that the piece of jewelry is thoroughly cleaned and prepared.
Our responsibility mark guarantees that your piece of jewelry comes from our workshop and that the stated precious metal content is guaranteed. The latter is indicated as follows and engraved by us into your piece of jewelry using a laser:
Since summer 2023, when our sole proprietorship ‘kleine Rheinperle Wacha’ was converted into the limited company ‘RetinaDesign’, our logo has also been our mark of responsibility, guaranteeing that your unique piece comes from our workshop and that the legal requirements of the Swiss Precious Metals Control Act are met.
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They have withstood incredible pressure over millions of years to shine for you
The classic is of course the fine white flawless brilliant – a very special, optimized cut that turns the incoming light into the familiar “fire”.
There are many ways to enhance your piece of jewelry with diamonds.
Diamonds can be set between the pattern, all around it or organically IN selected lines. We will be happy to make several suggestions and visualize them for you so that you can be sure of your decision.
In addition to other available colors such as champagne, cognac, green and black, blue diamonds are interesting additions that can make your piece of jewelry even more exciting and act as a special eye-catching accent.
When diamonds are set directly into one of your veins by our experienced jewel setters, they create the most interesting organic patterns that are even more vibrant than traditional geometric setting styles.
We were just curious at first, but Stefan’s explanation was brilliant. It’s a fascinating Concept! The idea of a family bracelet with all of our retinas was something truly special. No one else has anything like it. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s worth every penny—unique, personal, and high quality.
Dr. Bernhard Kunst, Germany
My wife didn’t need it but saw the potential. No one else would have anything like it. It’s a legacy!
Martin Armstrong, Australia
For us, it is something very important – it’s special because it transforms the connection between the living and something material. Stefan is not like a businessman pushing to sell something. His capacity to explain everything convinced me and justified the cost.
Doris Zimmer, Switzerland
We tried working with another goldsmith for weeks, but it just didn’t work. Then we found RETINA, and Stefan made it all happen so smoothly. What really struck us was Stefan’s confidence. Even though we were in a rush, he never panicked.
Fabian Hambüchen, Olympic gold medalist and world champion, Germany
What attracted me was that it was different—it moved me. Stefan simply listened. Most jewelers talk at you, but he just wanted to understand what interested us. I’ve traveled the world, seen many places, and there’s nothing like this anywhere.
Desmond Black, USA
We saw the display and were astonished. It was so beautiful. Stefan was extremely friendly. He didn’t pressure us at all and made everything clear. Had we known about Retina when we got married, we’d have chosen it. It’s so special.
June Jones, UK
CEO: Dr.Stefan Wacha
Rheinsprung 10
4051 Basel
SWITZERLAND
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