Precious Metals 101
Learn the difference between Gold, Platinum and Silver
When it comes to luxury and sophistication, there is little to compare to the precious metals. Whether its on a bracelet, ring an anklet or a necklace, these materials add a timeless fashion to the world of jewelry. However, not just for the sake of their beauty, but there are also interesting properties and uses that make valuables such as gold, platinum, and silver indispensable to certain types of businesses. At Delows, we appreciate high quality and stylish jewelry made out of these amazing materials so we can provide all our jewelry lovers with affordable jewelry that reflect your true style. Let’s explore the realm of precious metals and learn more about the metals used in jewelry making.
What Are Precious Metals? Why Are They Important?
Precious metals are rare, naturally occurring metallic elements of high economic value because of their beauty, ductility, resistance to corrosion, and various other physical and chemical properties. They are popular for use in jewelry because they are beautiful and do not oxidize. But they are not just pretty: The high electrical conductivity and malleability of these films can render them invaluable to electronics, medicine, and maybe even aerospace. Their longevity of value also firmly establishes them as symbols of wealth and safety.
Other Uses for Gold Besides Jewelry
Gold is not only a staple of stylish and affordable jewelry; it is also a necessary ingredient in technology and safety. Did you know airbags in cars contain a small amount of gold? Gold’s excellent electrical conductivity means that airbag deployment systems can offer guaranteed connections, which are a key aspect of passenger protection. This precious metal is capable of so much more than simply existing as a luxury good.
What Are The Common Gold Types?
Gold is available in many colors and each one has a set charm:
Yellow Gold: The most popular gold colour, yellow gold is typically alloyed with silver and copper. It is a classic option for jewelry, such as rings and necklaces.
White Gold: Blended with metals such as palladium or nickel and usually plated with rhodium for a shiny, white surface, for a sleek, modern look.
Rose Gold: Containing copper for a warm, pinkish hue, it’s a romantic trend for bracelets, anklets, and other accessories.
What’s a Karat? What are 14k, 18k and 24k?
Gold can be also measured in karats (K). 24k — pure gold: It consists of 99.9% gold. But pure gold is very soft and doesn’t work well as an everyday ring, so it’s typically alloyed with other metals:
14k Gold: 58.3% gold, a very durable and affordable mixture–good for an affordable, stylish and durable jewelry.
18k Gold: Contains 75% gold, providing the perfect mix of purity and durability, used in gold rings and necklaces as well as in other fine jewelry.
24k Gold: Solid gold is very malleability but can be poor for jewelry because of its softness.
What Kind of Gold Is the Softest?
The 24k gold is too soft because of its purity. Yes, it is absolutely stunning, and yes, it is incredibly valuable, but its softness also makes it susceptible to scratches and reshaping, which is why alloys like 14k and 18k gold are common in wearable jewelry.
What’s Platinum? Why Is It So Expensive?
Platinum is a heavy, precious metal, gray-white in color and noncorrosive. Although it’s more plentiful in nature, it’s also harder to extract than gold, which makes it more expensive. Due to it’s heaviness and strength it is commonly used to hold large and expensive diamonds and gemstones on engagement rings and other fine Jewelry.
What Is the Scale for Measuring the Purity of Platinum?
The fineness of platinum is rated in determinations in thousand parts. For example, an item stamped “950” or “Pt950” is 95% platinum and 5% other metals. This high quality is also hemmed into its extravagant look and durability.
What Is Silver? Why It’s Generally Cheaper Than Gold
Silvers usually are the verstile, shining inexpensive precious metal. Though not as rare or as long-lasting as gold, it is more widespread and cheaper to obtain, and it has been regarded as an affordable way to create fashionable jewelry. The metal is indispensable in electronics and industry due to its high electrical conductivity.
What Is The Unit Silver Is Measured?
An alloy’s purity is measured in either parts per thousand (fineness) or by karat (carat). The most popular type of silver used to make jewelry, sterling silver usually contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals – such as copper to give the metal strength. It is this composition that makes sterling silver objects more suitable for engraving or stamping than pure silver, and why most silver objects are made from sterling silver.
What’s Hollow Jewelry? What’s Another Name for It?
Hollow Forged Hollow jewelry is an item of jewellery that is being constructed with a hollow feature to keep the weight and cost to minimum, but with appearing like the actual solid piece. This type of jewelry is sometimes referred to as “lightweight” or “tube jewelry.” (It is often chosen as a cheap and chic design optio)n.
What Does 750Au Mean on the Back of My Watch?
The standard code for the “750Au” engraved on a watch is simply that it indicates what the material is made of. ‘750’ means 18k (so 75% gold) and “Au” is the symbol for gold. Combined, advises this item is crafted of both of these precious metals for strength and design.
Can Gold or These Precious Metal " Rust?
First of all, precious metals such as gold, platinum, and silver do not rust because they don’t contain iron, even though they can corrode. But silver can become tarnished from a reaction with sulfur, present in the air; the resulting darkened surface can be polished away.
What Is Gold-Plated? How Does a Jeweler Typically Tell the Difference Between Gold and Gold-Plated?
Gold plated jewelry is a very thin layer of gold applied to a base metal; like gold plated fingernails, gold plated teeth and gold plated glasses; the gold that covers the surfaces were miniscule and miniscule, even such thin layer can make the item shines in metallic look but not in gold. Jewelers employ devices such as acid tests or electronic testers to evaluate the purity of the gold and to identify solid gold versus gold-plated items. The weight and wear patterns, too, can be telling.
Could Silver Get Gold-Plated?
Yes, you can gold plate silver for an option that is as affordable as silver but looks as luxurious as gold. (When gold is coated with that thickness over a sterling silver base, it is referred to as vermeil) A new product to the market, vermeil is becoming a popular choice for an item that is priced over $1000.00.
Conclusion
They are not just beautiful substances; they carry along with them history, science and art. And, regardless if you like the classic appeal of yellow gold, the contemporary look of white gold, or the romantic tinged appeal of rose gold, there is something out there for everyone in the world of high quality, stylish yet also affordably priced jewelry pieces. At Delows, we are pleased to present stunning designs made with these extraordinary metals, so that you can honor life’s joyous milestones with classic elegance. Head to our e-commerce to take a look at our collections and discover the next piece you’ll want to keep.
