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Precious Metals

Gold
Gold is a chemical element found on the periodic table with the chemical symbol Au and atomic number 79. Gold is a precious metal that is used across the world for thousands of years. Throughout history there have been many purposes for gold, such a currency, statues, artwork, technology, and food. However, the most common use of gold has been for creating jewellery.

Gold jewellery never goes out of style, and for good reason. Gold can be worked into nearly any shape, including tiny strands that do not break easily. It is a beautiful yellow metal that can be alloyed with other metals to produce a variety of colours, most commonly Rose(red) or White.

There at 3 ways to denote gold purity. 1) Karat 2) Stamp 3) Percentage

*Create visually appealing chart please*

Yellow Gold
In nature, Gold will always form naturally in its yellow colour. In its purest form, gold (24 karats) is soft and easily malleable, which is why alloys are added to it to make it harder and more durable. Alloys are added to change the colour of the metal to Rose, Pink or White Gold.

Yellow Gold is the most traditional and common metal used for jewellery. There is a reason why yellow gold has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice for jewellery. When polished, there is no denying it’s classic beauty. Yellow gold also is tarnish resistant which means that it’s colour will not fade over time.

Something to consider when choosing yellow gold is that not all yellow gold at the same karat will have the same colour. Because of the alloys used, there can be slight variations in the colour of the metal. However, it is generally difficult to see the minute differences in colour.

White Gold
White gold, an alloy of yellow gold and other white metals such as silver or palladium, has been popular in jewellery since its invention in the 1920s by German goldsmith Friedrich W. Koch. White gold can tend to have a yellowish hue due high concentration of pure gold; however, it will often be plated with rhodium to give white gold its bright white colour. The rhodium plating acts as a protective layer, making the white gold jewellery more durable and resistant to scratches, while also providing a bright, white finish.

Today, white gold is one of the most popular metals used in jewellery. It is popular because the bright white colour of the metal increases the brilliance of the stones, especially diamonds, increasing its scintillation. White gold is often more affordable than yellow gold, and its silvery hue complements other jewellery tones, making it a great choice for those who are looking for an alternative to yellow gold.

Since white gold is durable and resistant to corrosion, it makes a great option for those looking for a jewellery piece that will stand the test of time.

Rose Gold
Rose Gold is an alloy of pure gold and other metal alloys such as copper and silver. Rose gold is a much newer invention, only coming to fruition in the 19th century. It is said that rose gold first appeared in the renowned Fabergé Eggs by jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé.

When selecting rose gold, you need to keep in mind that rose gold is not hypoallergenic because of the copper alloy in it. If you are someone that has a sensitivity to copper, rose gold may not be the right fit for you.

With copper being more susceptible to separation and oxidation than other alloys, you need to be cautious of heat around you ring. If your ring is heated improperly, the gold and copper may separate somewhat in your jewellery. Secondly, the pink gold variant is softer than yellow or white gold, so if your jewellery is prone to being knocked around, delicate pink or rose gold may not be an ideal choice.

Platinum
Platinum is a chemical element with the symbol Pt and the atomic number of 78. It is a rare precious metal that has a high density, durability, and strength, making platinum a metal that will not wear away easily. It’s strength and durability, along with its resistant to scratches and tarnishing and is also highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making it an ideal choice for rings, necklaces and other premium jewellery. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, so it won’t irritate the skin like other metals.

The stamp inside the ring should have markings that denote platinum jewellery, which are: Platinum, Plat, Pt followed by the level of purity, i.e. Pt900 or Pt950. Platinum is graded on a scale of 1000 parts. The number 900 denotes 90% pure platinum, and 950 denotes 95% pure platinum. The alloy that platinum is mixed with is either another precious platinum group metals (palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, or osmium), which is the most common or base metals(cobalt or copper).

Platinum jewellery is popular, as it is rare and extremely valuable, and is a timeless classic. Platinum is often used for creating engagement and wedding rings because of its light silver-grey colour and its ability to be polished and maintain a high shine. Platinum jewellery is a great choice for those looking for a beautiful and long-lasting piece. Platinum rings will feel heavier than other rings of the same size. Platinum’s high density is the reason for its distinctive weight, durability and strength. It not only looks beautiful, but you can also feel the quality.

Rhodium
Rhodium is a rare, silvery-white, very hard, member of the platinum group of precious metals. Atomic symbol Rh and atomic number 45. Although it is a very hard metal, it is also brittle and difficult to work with. This lend to the reason why it is not considered a feasible material to make solid jewellery from.

Because it is both scratch and tarnish resistant, rhodium is typically used for the plating of jewellery. It is also highly valued for its white, mirror-like quality, which enhances any diamonds scintillation and colour. White gold rings will typically have a rhodium platting to keep the piece shinny longer and prevent tarnishing and scratches.

Silver
Silver is a lustrous precious metal with its atomic number is 47 and chemical symbol is Ag. In its purest form Silver is soft and easy to shape, similar to pure Gold. Pure silver by itself is too soft to create durable jewellery, so it is often alloyed with other metals such as copper to make it more durable to create sterling silver.

Silver jewelry can come in various forms, such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. It is versatile and can be designed in many different styles, from simple and elegant to intricate and ornate. Silver jewelry can also be adorned with gemstones, diamonds, or other materials to create unique and eye-catching pieces.

One of the benefits of silver jewellery is its affordability. Compared to other precious metals like gold or platinum, silver is relatively inexpensive, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.

Sterling Silver
As mentioned above, sterling silver is an alloy that generally consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. There can be variations on the percentage of alloy used Copper makes the silver harder, but gives it a tendency to tarnish, a darkening that occurs when sterling silver reacts with gases in the air or with other substances that it comes in contact with. However, when properly cared for and maintained through periodic cleaning, silver jewellery will last a lifetime and continue to sparkle, retaining its beauty.

When you buy a silver jewellery piece that is labeled “Sterling Silver”, make sure to look the item over for a number stamped into it. That number should be 925, which indicates that the piece contains 92.5% silver. Like platinum, silver is graded on a scale of 1000 parts. So, if a piece is stamped 575. That means that piece is 57.5% silver, and the rest of it is a mixture of other metals. Keep that in mind when you buy silver jewellery make sure that the 925-mark stamped on the piece for the best value and longevity.