Jewelry Metals
Gold
Pure gold is 24kt (karat) and is extremely soft. Most pieces of gold are 18kt, 14kt, or 10kt. Gold may be white or yellow in appearance and each have the same properties with the exception of white gold being mixed with different metals to give it a white color. The same karat weight system is used for both white and yellow gold. Gold filled jewelry is the next best thing to solid gold. Gold filled jewelry is manufactured by laminating a sheet of gold over a base metal.
Platinum
Being heavier, more rare and more durable than gold, platinum is the most precious metal used in jewelry and is very expensive. Platinum will never tarnish or wear out and its light color makes it popular for jewelry. Platinum settings make white diamonds appear very bright. It is an excellent metal for people who are allergic to other metals.
Titanium
The latest trend in jewelry fashion, Titanium is known for its strength and durability. Titanium has unique characteristics making it the ideal metal for jewelry. It has a silver-grayish color and is said to be one of the hardest metals in the world. Titanium is much stronger and resistant than gold and platinum. Titanium is durable and lightweight and has a decreased tendency to provoke allergic reactions. It does not cause skin discoloration and does not tarnish. Titanium is a perfect jewelry metal and can be comfortably worn.
Sterling Silver
When a metal is designated as sterling silver it is 92.5% pure.
Stainless Steel
An alloy of steel containing at least 10% chromium that makes the alloy resistant to corrosion or rusting associated with exposure to water or moist air. Stainless steel is stronger than sterling silver and pewter.
Brass
Brass is an alloy of 2/3 copper and 1/3 zinc.
Pewter
Pewter is a tin alloy and has a dull finish that can never be polished to the fine luster of sterling silver.
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