Metals, schmetals!! What's in Jewelry?

Today there are such a variety of metals to choose from for your jewelry, let's get some facts and some recommendations.
I'm one who believes in sticking with the basics and with what works, but let's check out most of it anyway.
Most jewelry is made of either gold or platinum...that is MOST jewelry. There are many variations we can delve into later. If you're looking to buy wedding rings and you want them to be gold you have several choices. Jewelry sold in the U.S. has to be at least 10K to be legal. Jewelry stores have been selling more 10K over the past few years because of the price. 10K gold is only about 42% gold, this is why I don't like it. If you're on a budget then this might be the way to go, it looks the same but since it has more copper and other metals in it you may be prone to more tarnish or coloration on your finger. Yes, gold can get a little tarnished...not pure gold.
Gold that is 14K is a little more than 58% gold, so your money gets you more gold and less 'other' metals. This is the karat that is the most popular for jewelery making in this country. It is very durable, looks good and repairs easily.
18K gold is 75% gold and is much more yellow and somewhat softer than 10 or 14. You'll find more 18K in more European, Asian and middle eastern jewelry. Also more expensive items use 18K more extensively.
It is possible to find items made of 22K but they are very expensive and not as durable. When you see a 22K piece the color almost makes it seem fake since we in this country aren't used to seeing gold jewelry made of almost pure gold.
OK, what about white gold? I dislike it almost as much as 10K. First, there is no such thing as naturally occuring white gold. It is merely gold with so much nickel and other metals added that it gives the appearance of being white. Second, so called white gold must be rhodium plated to give it the white color you see in jewelry stores. Some people are allergic to nickel and you should take this into account before you buy. The Europeans seem to be ahead of us in this area by passing stricter regulation governing the amount of nickel, to protect the general white gold buying public. White gold comes in 10, 14 and 18K and is harder to work with and must be maintained with the rhodium plating if you want to maintain the whitest finish.
We'll take a breather...and I'll bombard you with more info and opinions next time.