Although jewelry can be made from may metals (Platinum, Titanium, Rhodium, Stainless Steel, Copper, Pewter and others) Gold and Silver are the most popular metals used for making jewelry.
GOLD - When combined with other metals gold ‘s color can be changed to yellow, white, rose and sometimes even red and green. Adding other metals to gold also makes them harder, stronger and less expensive. The karat weight of gold is determined by the percentage of gold used in the combination of metals. For example: 24K gold is pure or 100% gold. 18K gold is 75% Gold, 12.5% Silver and 12.5% Copper. 18K White Gold is 75% Gold, 5% Copper, 15% Nickel**, and 5% Zinc. 18K Rose Gold is 75% Gold, 5% Silver and 20% Copper. 14 K gold must have 58.3% gold and 10K is 41.7% gold. To be sold as gold in the United States it must be a minimum of 10K. Gold costs increase relative to the gold content.
** Because many people are allergic to nickel and cannot wear gold containing nickel, some manufactures use Palladium to replace the nickel. Since Palladium is more expensive than nickel the cost of the gold will be more.
SILVER – Silver is probably the most economical metal used for making fine jewelry. Because it lacks the hardness of gold and platinum, silver is best used for jewelry not worn constantly – bracelets, necklaces, earrings and special occasion rings. To be labeled Sterling Silver it must be at least 92.5% Silver. The remaining 7.5 percent is usually comprised of copper or zinc. Platinum may be added to silver and makes it harder but also increases the cost. You will also see sterling silver marked with “925” which means 925 parts silver per 1000 parts. United States law requires that sterling silver also be marked with the name or trademark of the company that will stand behind the silver quality.
GOLD FILLED/PLATED OVER STERLING – Often sterling silver is filled or plated with karat gold. This gives you to look of solid gold at a less expensive price. Gold- filled metal is more durable than gold plated. Gold-filled layers are about 100 times thicker than the plated layers. Over time, especially if the plated gold is worn regularly, the gold plating will wear off whereas gold- filled will withstand continuous wear much longer.
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