The weather, lifestyle habits, and overall market environment in Hong Kong have their uniqueness. Before placing an order to purchase diamond earrings, it is advisable to pay attention to the following details to select a suitable pair that you can also maintain properly.
The summer in Hong Kong is both hot and humid, leading to increased sweating and active sebum secretion. If the metal material of the earrings is not pure enough, the salts and acidic components in sweat can accelerate the oxidation of low-purity metals, releasing allergenic metal ions such as Nickel. This can cause inflammation, itching, redness, and even pus discharge at the site of the micro-injured earlobe. There are two types of diamond earring materials that are cheaper but can easily cause skin sensitivity or even damage:
‧ Gold-plated (Gold-plated / Vermeil): A thin layer of gold is only plated on the surface of the jewelry. When exposed to sweat over time and frequent friction, the outer layer can easily peel off, exposing the cheap base metal underneath.
‧ Brass or Alloy: They can easily react chemically with moisture in the air and sweat, causing the earrings to turn black or green, and more seriously, leading to skin allergies.
When purchasing diamond earrings, to cope with Hong Kong's extreme humid and hot weather, 18K gold or PT950 platinum would be the best choices. They are stable in nature, highly corrosion-resistant, rarely cause skin allergies, and have sufficient hardness to securely hold the main stone, ensuring that the diamond will not fall out even after years of wear. It is important to note that 18K white gold (18K White Gold) has very high hardness and strong wear resistance, making it the most secure for holding diamonds. However, after many years of wear, due to long-term contact with cosmetics or sweat, the rhodium layer on its surface may wear off, resulting in a slight yellowish tint. This can be restored to its shine by taking it back to the factory for re-plating. On the other hand, PT950 platinum is naturally pure white, has a very high density, feels substantial, and will not fade or turn yellow. For individuals with extremely sensitive skin, PT950 platinum with a purity of up to 95% is the safest option for allergy prevention. However, platinum has higher ductility and is slightly softer compared to 18K gold, making it more prone to fine scratches upon strong impact. Consumers can make suitable choices based on their personal needs.