Metals

 

Metals is a very important aspect of jewelry. You have many different ones to choose from. Some people prefer yellow gold where others prefer the look of white gold. There are only 4 metals that are used in making jewelry: Yellow gold, White gold, Silver and Platinum. This section will help you understand these better.

 

An alloy is two metals that are melted together to form a stronger more durable metal. In jewelry you'll learn that pure gold is never used because it is too soft and breaks easily when worn on the body. It is for this reason that jewelers mix gold with other metals.

 

Gold

10K - the strongest form of gold, but has the least amount of gold, therefore its not as valuable. 10K gold is often used when making rings, the reason is because rings tend to break easier because the hands are used often.

 

12K Gold - The only jewelry you'll find this in is Black hills gold. Black hills gold is a special alloy of gold and silver and copper which colors the gold. You have rosy gold, which is gold mixed with copper and you have a light greenish gold which is gold mixed with silver. Usually only accents on the piece are colored whereas the rest of the piece is made from normal yellow gold.

14K gold - Most popular in necklaces and bracelets, a little more expensive than 10K and less than 18K, which is not that common. Some deem this as the perfect alloy... not too strong not to weak. Not too expensive.

18K Gold - Very rare these days because its a very weak alloy. Chains that are made from this often tend to dent and break. You can still purchase this particular mix of gold, but its very expensive and hard to find.

 

White gold.

White gold offers a change to those who dislike the usual yellow look. Its also more reflective of stones because it diffuses the light better into the facets. White gold can tend to be expensive. It is a pale alloy of gold which is mixed with either nickel or palladium, which resmbles the metal platinum.

 

Platinum

Extremely expensive, this metal is not often made in jewelry these days, though you can purchase pieces from specialty dealers. The reason is platinum is used in industry for other things, such as chemical ware and apparatus. Platinum is strong, non-corrosive, reflective and valuable. It fuses with great difficulty. These are the reasons why it is so sought after and yet so hard to find and afford. They often use platinum to make the 4 prong stone settings in making diamond rings. This is because its stronger than any other metal and very reflective of the diamonds fire.

 

Silver

This is the least expensive metal, used in jewelry as another option to gold. Silver is very soft, breaks easily and tarnishes. It must be cleaned with special cleaner to remove the oxidization.

 

To learn more about metals and elements,

visit the periodic table of elements.

 

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