Precious Metals
Gold
Gold is typically combined with other metals.
This is done for several reasons. The most important is that in a pure state gold is too soft and malleable to be of service.
To strengthen the alloy other elements are added. These metals are typically copper, silver, nickel, and palladium.
When we talk about the purity of the alloy we typically talk about karat. 24 karat is pure gold. 18 karat is 18/24 or 75% pure gold. 14 karat is 14/24 or 58.3 % pure gold. 10 karat is 10/24 or 41.67% pure gold. In the United States an gold alloy can be as low as 10 karat and still be considered gold. In the United Kingdom and Canada 9 karat gold jewelry is often sold.
The color of the metal often gives us a hint of the karat of the gold. The stronger the yellow the higher the concentration of gold. An 18 karat ring typically appears noticeably more yellow than a 14 karat ring.
Gold jewelry is often manufactured in other colors than yellow. In addition to yellow, gold can appear pink, white or green. These other colors are the result of combining other elements with the gold.
14 karat yellow gold is the product of gold, and equal parts of silver and copper.
14 karat white gold is the product of gold, nickel in large concentrations and copper.
An new 14 karat white gold formula substitutes palladium for the nickel.
14 karat green gold is the product of gold, silver in large concentrations and copper.
14 karat rose gold is the product of gold, copper in large concentrations and silver.
Palladium
Designers are experimenting with the use of palladium, a member of the platinum group.
The palladium is combined with sterling silver and copper to make it more malleable. (50% palladium, 40% silver and 10%)
Platinum
Platinum is a unique metal that stands out due to its rare, pure,
and eternal qualities. It gained popularity among European and
Tarnish Resistant Silver
A patented alloy recently developed is claimed by the manufacturer to be tarnish resistant. The alloy contains germanium, which is commonly used in fiber optic equipment.
Gold Plating
The process of gold plating was invented
in 1805 by an Italian chemist and is now commonly used in the
jewelry industry to cover base metals with gold, silver, or rhodium.
The thickness of the gold plating can vary from 0.17 to 2.5 microns,
with thinner platings used for sheltered pieces and thicker platings
used for items exposed to rough wear. The process mimics the
appearance of gold jewelry.
Here is an interested read on precious metals from the American Gem Society
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