May
31
Kevin Huffman
During these times of economic hardship, there is a high demand for stable and reliable investments. Both experienced and novice investors are turning to precious metals, and more specifically gold bullion as a way to add stability to their portfolio. Gold has been recognized as a status symbol for centuries, from the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans through to the modern day. It is highly sought after, and maintains its value through recessions and even depressions in the economy. It is a universally accepted currency, is highly durable, and will not wear out passing form hand to hand. Here we will outline how you can add gold to your portfolio.
To understand how to invest in gold, you must first understand how the price of gold is determined. The standard benchmark price for gold is the London Gold Fixing. It is set twice daily by telephone by the five members of the London Gold Pool. Like most other forms of investments, gold prices will fluctuate through supply and demand cycles. However, because the world’s total supply of gold is relatively finite the price is more susceptible to acts of hoarding and disposing. We find in general that gold becomes more desirable during the following situations, war and national crisis, bank failures and dramatic drops in real estate prices. Many people invest in gold simply because they do not trust normal currency and see gold bullion as a form of safety net.
There are many ways to invest in gold, which includes either direct ownership, or indirect ownership through stocks, shares or other accounts. If you wish to own gold directly you can choose to place it in a safe deposit bank inside your home. The disadvantage to this is if your home is burgled or suffers a disaster you will lose your investment. There are safer forms of direct ownership, such as placing the gold in a larger pool with a bank or dealer. Some even choose to select an offshore dealer to ensure higher security. The most traditional form of gold bullion is gold bars and gold coins. Gold bars are sold in various sizes depending on the country. Because gold bars are difficult to transport most Swiss banks offer gold accounts. In these accounts you can buy and sell the gold just like any other form of foreign currency.
So next time you are evaluating your investment portfolio, consider gold bullion as a way to add stability and further your peace of find.
During these times of economic hardship, there is a high demand for stable and reliable investments. Both experienced and novice investors are turning to precious metals, and more specifically gold bullion as a way to add stability to their portfolio. Gold has been recognized as a status symbol for centuries, from the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans through to the modern day. It is highly sought after, and maintains its value through recessions and even depressions in the economy. It is a universally accepted currency, is highly durable, and will not wear out passing form hand to hand. Here we will outline how you can add gold to your portfolio.
To understand how to invest in gold, you must first understand how the price of gold is determined. The standard benchmark price for gold is the London Gold Fixing. It is set twice daily by telephone by the five members of the London Gold Pool. Like most other forms of investments, gold prices will fluctuate through supply and demand cycles. However, because the world’s total supply of gold is relatively finite the price is more susceptible to acts of hoarding and disposing. We find in general that gold becomes more desirable during the following situations, war and national crisis, bank failures and dramatic drops in real estate prices. Many people invest in gold simply because they do not trust normal currency and see gold bullion as a form of safety net.
There are many ways to invest in gold, which includes either direct ownership, or indirect ownership through stocks, shares or other accounts. If you wish to own gold directly you can choose to place it in a safe deposit bank inside your home. The disadvantage to this is if your home is burgled or suffers a disaster you will lose your investment. There are safer forms of direct ownership, such as placing the gold in a larger pool with a bank or dealer. Some even choose to select an offshore dealer to ensure higher security. The most traditional form of gold bullion is gold bars and gold coins. Gold bars are sold in various sizes depending on the country. Because gold bars are difficult to transport most Swiss banks offer gold accounts. In these accounts you can buy and sell the gold just like any other form of foreign currency.
So next time you are evaluating your investment portfolio, consider gold bullion as a way to add stability and further your peace of find.
May
31
Precious Metals Investing Protects Against Hyperinflation
Filed Under Wealth Building | Leave a Comment
Mark Ralph
If you have never seen that photograph of the German woman burning her money as a substitute for wood, you are in for a rude awakening. The inflation was so bad in 1923 Germany it was actually cheaper to burn their currency then it was to buy firewood. It might be hard to imagine but if your electric bill suddenly went up from $250 per month to $25,000, you might do the same thing.
Hyperinflation is not just a thing of the past, it is happening right now! The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe printed so much money to fund its budget deficits, the annual inflation rate rose 32% in 1998, and 133% in 2004, to 585% in 2005, and blew through 1000% in 2006, and rocked 26000% in November 2007, to an unimaginable 11.2 million percent in 2008.
You might be saying; well that was then or it happened to ‘them’ but it will not happen now to ‘us’. That could be true, the experts running the Fed might be on the forefront of addressing the problems of our monetary situation. If so, then we will have a soft landing and if they are not, then we will have a hard inflationary spiral and no landing. For now though, we are in a huge deflationary spiral. We have seen our Stocks, Real Estate & Commodities sliced and diced. What that means is that we are all a lot poorer than we used to be and we won’t be out buying goods like we used to. It is no surprise that Circuit City just closed all of its US stores.
Before the inflation rocket starts we will continue with the deflationary drag. Both stocks and real estate will continue to suffer. The next event coming is our old friend, Stagflation. The word Stagflation was coined during the 1970s and it meant slow economic growth and high unemployment (stagnation) with rising prices (inflation). With deflation happening now and the lack of spending, more companies will lay off employees. The Stimulus package might stimulate some growth and help a little with unemployment but it will also further inflate the money. The credit freeze will continue as banks become scared to lend money. Bailout money given to the banks earlier did not really help the money machine grease the economy, it was hoarded to protect against further crunches.
So where do we go from here? We must learn from the events of the past and let history teach us about the future. The Fed has already become the fiat money king and it is only a matter of time before the inflation engine heats up. If the freight train of hyperinflation takes off, then the only safe thing is Solid Hard Asset Investments. Investments of real estate (if you can afford the rising inflationary taxes), Precious Metals and Art. Hopefully cash will not be trash but it is looking more and more like Gold will be King.
If you have never seen that photograph of the German woman burning her money as a substitute for wood, you are in for a rude awakening. The inflation was so bad in 1923 Germany it was actually cheaper to burn their currency then it was to buy firewood. It might be hard to imagine but if your electric bill suddenly went up from $250 per month to $25,000, you might do the same thing.
Hyperinflation is not just a thing of the past, it is happening right now! The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe printed so much money to fund its budget deficits, the annual inflation rate rose 32% in 1998, and 133% in 2004, to 585% in 2005, and blew through 1000% in 2006, and rocked 26000% in November 2007, to an unimaginable 11.2 million percent in 2008.
You might be saying; well that was then or it happened to ‘them’ but it will not happen now to ‘us’. That could be true, the experts running the Fed might be on the forefront of addressing the problems of our monetary situation. If so, then we will have a soft landing and if they are not, then we will have a hard inflationary spiral and no landing. For now though, we are in a huge deflationary spiral. We have seen our Stocks, Real Estate & Commodities sliced and diced. What that means is that we are all a lot poorer than we used to be and we won’t be out buying goods like we used to. It is no surprise that Circuit City just closed all of its US stores.
Before the inflation rocket starts we will continue with the deflationary drag. Both stocks and real estate will continue to suffer. The next event coming is our old friend, Stagflation. The word Stagflation was coined during the 1970s and it meant slow economic growth and high unemployment (stagnation) with rising prices (inflation). With deflation happening now and the lack of spending, more companies will lay off employees. The Stimulus package might stimulate some growth and help a little with unemployment but it will also further inflate the money. The credit freeze will continue as banks become scared to lend money. Bailout money given to the banks earlier did not really help the money machine grease the economy, it was hoarded to protect against further crunches.
So where do we go from here? We must learn from the events of the past and let history teach us about the future. The Fed has already become the fiat money king and it is only a matter of time before the inflation engine heats up. If the freight train of hyperinflation takes off, then the only safe thing is Solid Hard Asset Investments. Investments of real estate (if you can afford the rising inflationary taxes), Precious Metals and Art. Hopefully cash will not be trash but it is looking more and more like Gold will be King.
May
30
How to Use Precious Metal Clay in Jewellery Making
Filed Under Art And Entertainment | Leave a Comment
Christian Garrington
Precious metal clay (brand names are PMC and Art Clay) is modern-day alchemy. PMC is a clay base with tiny pieces of silver suspended within it that, when heated, burns off the clay leaving a solid silver residue. The clay base acts as a binder for the metal particles. Once this has been removed, the remaining silver particles bind together, giving you the finished product.
The real beauty of precious metal clay is that it can be manipulated like any ordinary modelling clay, making it perfect for jewellery making. The modern precious metal clay can be using a jeweller’s torch, as the firing temperature is much lower than the early versions of this clay. However, a small kiln will produce a much more constant temperature range and can be controlled exactly, meaning that the results will be more consistent.
Precious Metal Clay once had a very bad reputation for shrinkage, making it unsuitable for fine work or detail. Modern precious metal clays have a much lower shrinkage rate (around 10-15%), but you still need to factor this into the final piece to ensure that really fine detail is not lost in the firing process.
Once fired, the silver piece will seem very lacklustre and dull, so it will need finishing. The dull matt surface hides the real beauty underneath, so finishing and polishing will reveal the shining silver below. When soldering finished precious metal clay pieces it is essential to remember that the surface will be more porous than standard sterling silver, so it is best to burnish the piece prior to soldering. But because it is almost pure silver there is little risk of fire stain on the surface and the final results are almost indistinguishable from sterling silver.
Because precious metal clay is a clay, it takes impressions very well. A design can be pressed onto the surface of the clay and be revealed in the final silver piece. Patterned rollers, lace or even leaves can be used to create unique effects that are difficult to reproduce in ordinary silver unless it has been cast. Precious metal clay is a popular way of making silver beads. The clay can be formed into beads, decorated with a surface pattern and then fired in a kiln quickly and easily, producing high quality silver beads.
Safety considerations have to be taken into account when working with precious metal clay because of the high temperatures required to fire the clay. A small enamelling kiln allows you to safely achieve the temperatures required for optimum results, but ensure that you have all the correct equipment such as tongs with heat resistant handles to extract work from the kiln safely and a heat-proof surface upon which to work.
Precious metal clay is an ideal medium to work in if you want to create pieces of silver jewellery that are unique to you. The only thing that limits you is your imagination. Precious metal silver clay is widely available from good jewellery equipment suppliers. There are two main brands - Precious Metal Clay and Art Clay Silver. The clay is also available in other metals including gold, but the cost is significantly higher than the silver clay.
Precious metal clay (brand names are PMC and Art Clay) is modern-day alchemy. PMC is a clay base with tiny pieces of silver suspended within it that, when heated, burns off the clay leaving a solid silver residue. The clay base acts as a binder for the metal particles. Once this has been removed, the remaining silver particles bind together, giving you the finished product.
The real beauty of precious metal clay is that it can be manipulated like any ordinary modelling clay, making it perfect for jewellery making. The modern precious metal clay can be using a jeweller’s torch, as the firing temperature is much lower than the early versions of this clay. However, a small kiln will produce a much more constant temperature range and can be controlled exactly, meaning that the results will be more consistent.
Precious Metal Clay once had a very bad reputation for shrinkage, making it unsuitable for fine work or detail. Modern precious metal clays have a much lower shrinkage rate (around 10-15%), but you still need to factor this into the final piece to ensure that really fine detail is not lost in the firing process.
Once fired, the silver piece will seem very lacklustre and dull, so it will need finishing. The dull matt surface hides the real beauty underneath, so finishing and polishing will reveal the shining silver below. When soldering finished precious metal clay pieces it is essential to remember that the surface will be more porous than standard sterling silver, so it is best to burnish the piece prior to soldering. But because it is almost pure silver there is little risk of fire stain on the surface and the final results are almost indistinguishable from sterling silver.
Because precious metal clay is a clay, it takes impressions very well. A design can be pressed onto the surface of the clay and be revealed in the final silver piece. Patterned rollers, lace or even leaves can be used to create unique effects that are difficult to reproduce in ordinary silver unless it has been cast. Precious metal clay is a popular way of making silver beads. The clay can be formed into beads, decorated with a surface pattern and then fired in a kiln quickly and easily, producing high quality silver beads.
Safety considerations have to be taken into account when working with precious metal clay because of the high temperatures required to fire the clay. A small enamelling kiln allows you to safely achieve the temperatures required for optimum results, but ensure that you have all the correct equipment such as tongs with heat resistant handles to extract work from the kiln safely and a heat-proof surface upon which to work.
Precious metal clay is an ideal medium to work in if you want to create pieces of silver jewellery that are unique to you. The only thing that limits you is your imagination. Precious metal silver clay is widely available from good jewellery equipment suppliers. There are two main brands - Precious Metal Clay and Art Clay Silver. The clay is also available in other metals including gold, but the cost is significantly higher than the silver clay.
May
29
Precious Metal Of Sterling Silver
Filed Under Pure Gold | Leave a Comment
Jarrie Wilson
Sterling silver is the one precious metal that is the most commonly given gift. It’s fairly inexpensive (often costing as much as five times less than its gold counterpart) and works much like gold although pure silver is often not used for jewelry due to its soft nature. Silver also polishes much more nicely than gold or any other precious metal for that matter.
When you hear the term silver related to a product then you are hearing the description of a product that is made up of exactly 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper. This type of silver as often referred to as silver alloy. This is sometimes relayed on various silver products as 925 which in layman’s terms means that 925 parts per 1000 parts are actually pure silver. There are also silver products that are referred to as silver 800 which is a product made up of 80 percent silver and 20 percent of other various metals.
If the product description states that the product is silver plated then you dealing with a base metal product that has a layer of silver bonded to it. For those products that are labeled coin silver you are dealing with a product that contains exactly 90% silver. Knowing these terms will allow you to make the best silver purchase you possibly can with a much less chance of being fooled by a dealer trying to pass off a lower grade silver for that of a higher grade.
Silver has been around to be enjoyed by admirers for many, many centuries and continues to be popular today. At times, though, silver may be more or less popular than usual. It is also important to note that as the price of gold rises so does the price of silver but silver still remains lower priced than gold.
You will find that silver is used for many different types of jewelry as well as for cutlery too. One thing that many people tend to really like about silver jewelry is the way that it makes their skin tone appear. While gold may appear to make the skin seem lighter, silver does the exact opposite and makes the skin appear darker. Many lighter toned people buy silver jewelry for exactly this reason.
The only down fall of buying silver jewelry is its tendency to tarnish which can be deterred if well taken care of. But still this is an important factor to remember when trying to make a decision as to what type of jewelry to buy for either yourself or for someone else. Silver jewelry is beautiful but maintenance must be kept up in order to keep it that way whereas gold requires little more maintenance than an occasional polishing.
So, if your in the market for silver jewelry just keep these few things in mind. Make sure to look for the percentage of silver content and be sure your willing to care for it properly and you will enjoy your purchase for many years to come.
Sterling silver is the one precious metal that is the most commonly given gift. It’s fairly inexpensive (often costing as much as five times less than its gold counterpart) and works much like gold although pure silver is often not used for jewelry due to its soft nature. Silver also polishes much more nicely than gold or any other precious metal for that matter.
When you hear the term silver related to a product then you are hearing the description of a product that is made up of exactly 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper. This type of silver as often referred to as silver alloy. This is sometimes relayed on various silver products as 925 which in layman’s terms means that 925 parts per 1000 parts are actually pure silver. There are also silver products that are referred to as silver 800 which is a product made up of 80 percent silver and 20 percent of other various metals.
If the product description states that the product is silver plated then you dealing with a base metal product that has a layer of silver bonded to it. For those products that are labeled coin silver you are dealing with a product that contains exactly 90% silver. Knowing these terms will allow you to make the best silver purchase you possibly can with a much less chance of being fooled by a dealer trying to pass off a lower grade silver for that of a higher grade.
Silver has been around to be enjoyed by admirers for many, many centuries and continues to be popular today. At times, though, silver may be more or less popular than usual. It is also important to note that as the price of gold rises so does the price of silver but silver still remains lower priced than gold.
You will find that silver is used for many different types of jewelry as well as for cutlery too. One thing that many people tend to really like about silver jewelry is the way that it makes their skin tone appear. While gold may appear to make the skin seem lighter, silver does the exact opposite and makes the skin appear darker. Many lighter toned people buy silver jewelry for exactly this reason.
The only down fall of buying silver jewelry is its tendency to tarnish which can be deterred if well taken care of. But still this is an important factor to remember when trying to make a decision as to what type of jewelry to buy for either yourself or for someone else. Silver jewelry is beautiful but maintenance must be kept up in order to keep it that way whereas gold requires little more maintenance than an occasional polishing.
So, if your in the market for silver jewelry just keep these few things in mind. Make sure to look for the percentage of silver content and be sure your willing to care for it properly and you will enjoy your purchase for many years to come.
May
26
Adam Hunter
Before soldering there are three factors which must be considered. The design must lend itself to soldering, parts to be soldered must fit closely and accurately and the correct solder and flux must be used.
Solders are typically classified according to their melting points - easy, medium and hard. This therefore refers to the ease of melting the solder. Hence an easy grade solder melts before a hard grade one. This can be used where a sequence of joints are to be made. Usually a solder must conform to the same hallmarking rules as the metal being joined - for example, a 9ct solder must contain at least 37.5% gold. However, there are some concessions such as Platinum Solders and some white gold alloys.
Gas and compressed air mixtures are generally the most satisfactory for torch soldering. Fine adjustment of flame size and temperature are possible. The flame should be kept constantly on the move over the whole joint area, or over as wide an area as can be conveniently joined, in a single application of solder.
The joint areas must be free from dirt and grease, and ideally cleaned with a file or emery paper to ensure the solder will wet the parent metal. Flux should be applied to the joint area and solder prior to heating. Fluxes promote wetting of the workpiece by the molten solder. This is done by removing any oxide films present on both the parent metal and solder and prevent further formation of oxides during heating. The flux must be completely fluid and active before solder liquidation and should remain so until after the solder solidification.
If the size of the joint is large further flux additions may be made during the process. It must be noted that warming of the workpiece may be required to ensure full retention of the flux paste over the whole joint area. The torch should initially be held some distance from the workpiece so that the flame heats the work generally. If components of different size are being joined the torch should predominantly heat the heavier item.
There are two general techniques used to apply solid solder. Preplacement is where small pieces of solder are placed at the joint seam prior to heating. Heat is then applied until the solder flows into the joint. Feeding is where the fluxed joint is heated to temperature and tip of the solder wire is fed into the joint and should melt on contact.
Using both these techniques the joint should be heated more strongly than the remainder. The time and temperature required to complete a joint must be kept to a minimum.
Gold and silver flux residues may normally be removed by soaking in hot water. Any further residues that persist may then be removed by brushing. In difficult cases the workpiece should be impressed in 5 - 10% sulphuric acid solution for 2 - 5 minutes, rinsed in hot water and brushed again. For large scale soldering a small furnace may be used to provide sufficient uniform heat to the workpiece. For mass production batch or conveyer type furnaces may be used. However, the quantities of components to be soldered must be large enough to justify the relatively high capital expenditure and development of a method for each particular soldering operation.
All workpieces can be successfully finished by the standard practices and processes currently available. It must be noted that powdered borax does not always meet the requirements for all applications, where the extensive range of other solders now available may be used.
Before soldering there are three factors which must be considered. The design must lend itself to soldering, parts to be soldered must fit closely and accurately and the correct solder and flux must be used.
Solders are typically classified according to their melting points - easy, medium and hard. This therefore refers to the ease of melting the solder. Hence an easy grade solder melts before a hard grade one. This can be used where a sequence of joints are to be made. Usually a solder must conform to the same hallmarking rules as the metal being joined - for example, a 9ct solder must contain at least 37.5% gold. However, there are some concessions such as Platinum Solders and some white gold alloys.
Gas and compressed air mixtures are generally the most satisfactory for torch soldering. Fine adjustment of flame size and temperature are possible. The flame should be kept constantly on the move over the whole joint area, or over as wide an area as can be conveniently joined, in a single application of solder.
The joint areas must be free from dirt and grease, and ideally cleaned with a file or emery paper to ensure the solder will wet the parent metal. Flux should be applied to the joint area and solder prior to heating. Fluxes promote wetting of the workpiece by the molten solder. This is done by removing any oxide films present on both the parent metal and solder and prevent further formation of oxides during heating. The flux must be completely fluid and active before solder liquidation and should remain so until after the solder solidification.
If the size of the joint is large further flux additions may be made during the process. It must be noted that warming of the workpiece may be required to ensure full retention of the flux paste over the whole joint area. The torch should initially be held some distance from the workpiece so that the flame heats the work generally. If components of different size are being joined the torch should predominantly heat the heavier item.
There are two general techniques used to apply solid solder. Preplacement is where small pieces of solder are placed at the joint seam prior to heating. Heat is then applied until the solder flows into the joint. Feeding is where the fluxed joint is heated to temperature and tip of the solder wire is fed into the joint and should melt on contact.
Using both these techniques the joint should be heated more strongly than the remainder. The time and temperature required to complete a joint must be kept to a minimum.
Gold and silver flux residues may normally be removed by soaking in hot water. Any further residues that persist may then be removed by brushing. In difficult cases the workpiece should be impressed in 5 - 10% sulphuric acid solution for 2 - 5 minutes, rinsed in hot water and brushed again. For large scale soldering a small furnace may be used to provide sufficient uniform heat to the workpiece. For mass production batch or conveyer type furnaces may be used. However, the quantities of components to be soldered must be large enough to justify the relatively high capital expenditure and development of a method for each particular soldering operation.
All workpieces can be successfully finished by the standard practices and processes currently available. It must be noted that powdered borax does not always meet the requirements for all applications, where the extensive range of other solders now available may be used.
May
25
lilycarnegie
I make and design jewelry, and I am considering selling my creations via consignment. Is this a good idea? Can I make good money? The pieces are gorgeous, and they are excellent quality. Should I start by selling the costume jewelry pieces via consignment first so I am not out a lot of money if it falls through, or should I go for broke and try to sell the semi-precious and precious gems and metals first? Would appreciate some advice. Thank you!
anyone?? How do I change my category? lol
I make and design jewelry, and I am considering selling my creations via consignment. Is this a good idea? Can I make good money? The pieces are gorgeous, and they are excellent quality. Should I start by selling the costume jewelry pieces via consignment first so I am not out a lot of money if it falls through, or should I go for broke and try to sell the semi-precious and precious gems and metals first? Would appreciate some advice. Thank you!
anyone?? How do I change my category? lol
May
23
Amy Carrington
Palladium, not to be confused with platinum, is one of a group of white precious metals that can be used for a variety of commercial applications (i.e. computers, mobile phones, dentistry, medical equipment, fuel cells) as well as in the manufacturing of beautiful pieces of fine jewelry. Most palladium today, however, is used in the manufacture of automobile catalytic converters.
Palladium, named after the asteroid Pallas, was first discovered in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston. Palladium is a rare metal with the largest deposits found in South Africa, Montana, Canada, and Russia.
The first recorded use of palladium in jewelry was in 1939 as an alternative to platinum or white gold. This precious metal provides the contemporary look of a white metal. Unlike white gold, palladium is naturally bright white and its color will never fade. Palladium has a low melting point but becomes very strong when cooled, making it a good alternative to softer white metals. It can be hammered into very thin leaves just like gold, and can, in fact, be used in the production of white gold.
Palladium offers many of the desirable traits of platinum at a terrific price, considered a fashionable, affordable choice for custom jewelry. The metal is 40% lighter, harder and less expensive than platinum and provides a hypoallergenic metal suitable for those with nickel sensitivities.
Until recently, the use of palladium in jewelry has been limited due to the difficulty of casting this metal. Recent advances, however, have produced a new alloy of palladium that is perfectly suited for jewelry manufacturing, offering consumers an ideal substitution for platinum at a reasonable cost. The most common combination of the metal is 95% palladium and 5% ruthenium, known as 950 Palladium.
Palladium settings are preferred over gold for extra large diamonds and gemstones, since the metal is more durable than gold and less likely to incur damage during every-day wear. Many customers who opt to wear their fine jewelry selections daily prefer the lighter feel of palladium. Larger earrings and necklaces made of palladium can be worn comfortably all day.
If you have found that you are allergic to other types of metals, you may find that palladium is just what you have been looking for. It is a hypoallergenic metal, meaning it won’t leave you itching or with a rash where it touches your skin. Since many pierced earring wearers are especially sensitive to some metals, finding studs, hoops and posts that are made of palladium can truly make wearing earrings fun again.
The Chinese have historically been the biggest buyers and producers of palladium jewelry. However, the advances in palladium casting techniques and recent escalation in gold and platinum prices are driving an increasing demand for palladium fine jewelry around the world. The demand is expected to continue to increase as many consumers discover the beauty, durability, and lightness of this lustrous white precious metal. As a result, there is an increasing availability of palladium jewelry in jewelry stores around the world, especially wedding bands and engagement sets, in jewelry stores around the world.
Palladium, not to be confused with platinum, is one of a group of white precious metals that can be used for a variety of commercial applications (i.e. computers, mobile phones, dentistry, medical equipment, fuel cells) as well as in the manufacturing of beautiful pieces of fine jewelry. Most palladium today, however, is used in the manufacture of automobile catalytic converters.
Palladium, named after the asteroid Pallas, was first discovered in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston. Palladium is a rare metal with the largest deposits found in South Africa, Montana, Canada, and Russia.
The first recorded use of palladium in jewelry was in 1939 as an alternative to platinum or white gold. This precious metal provides the contemporary look of a white metal. Unlike white gold, palladium is naturally bright white and its color will never fade. Palladium has a low melting point but becomes very strong when cooled, making it a good alternative to softer white metals. It can be hammered into very thin leaves just like gold, and can, in fact, be used in the production of white gold.
Palladium offers many of the desirable traits of platinum at a terrific price, considered a fashionable, affordable choice for custom jewelry. The metal is 40% lighter, harder and less expensive than platinum and provides a hypoallergenic metal suitable for those with nickel sensitivities.
Until recently, the use of palladium in jewelry has been limited due to the difficulty of casting this metal. Recent advances, however, have produced a new alloy of palladium that is perfectly suited for jewelry manufacturing, offering consumers an ideal substitution for platinum at a reasonable cost. The most common combination of the metal is 95% palladium and 5% ruthenium, known as 950 Palladium.
Palladium settings are preferred over gold for extra large diamonds and gemstones, since the metal is more durable than gold and less likely to incur damage during every-day wear. Many customers who opt to wear their fine jewelry selections daily prefer the lighter feel of palladium. Larger earrings and necklaces made of palladium can be worn comfortably all day.
If you have found that you are allergic to other types of metals, you may find that palladium is just what you have been looking for. It is a hypoallergenic metal, meaning it won’t leave you itching or with a rash where it touches your skin. Since many pierced earring wearers are especially sensitive to some metals, finding studs, hoops and posts that are made of palladium can truly make wearing earrings fun again.
The Chinese have historically been the biggest buyers and producers of palladium jewelry. However, the advances in palladium casting techniques and recent escalation in gold and platinum prices are driving an increasing demand for palladium fine jewelry around the world. The demand is expected to continue to increase as many consumers discover the beauty, durability, and lightness of this lustrous white precious metal. As a result, there is an increasing availability of palladium jewelry in jewelry stores around the world, especially wedding bands and engagement sets, in jewelry stores around the world.
May
20
Anyone purchase the Obama gold layered coin?
Filed Under Politics | 5 Comments
Obama, the Tard
Ironic how it’s 24K layer which means, of course, the inside is a non-precious metal. Figures. They’re going for $9.95 with some of the proceeds going to care for the family-elect ***** (dog, I mean). Oh, and they will be “retired forever” in Jan 09.
Ironic how it’s 24K layer which means, of course, the inside is a non-precious metal. Figures. They’re going for $9.95 with some of the proceeds going to care for the family-elect ***** (dog, I mean). Oh, and they will be “retired forever” in Jan 09.
May
18
I need a diagram showing the location of the platinum in the catalytic converter. ?
Filed Under Maintenance & Repairs | 3 Comments
connie h
also the amount if any of precious metals in computer chips
also the amount if any of precious metals in computer chips
May
18
A Unique Precious Metals Exchange Traded Fund is Launched Under a Cloud of Worry
Filed Under Non Fiction | Leave a Comment
Andy Goldman
On May 22nd a new metals based Exchange Traded Fund began trading on the Amex (GDX). The new Market Vectors - Gold Miners ETF was launched by the Van Eck Global firm and trades under the ticker symbol GDX. Those who follow the Exchange Traded Fund Industry are likely to be aware of streetTRACKS Gold (GLD), iShares Comex Gold Trust (IAU) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV). All these funds have come into being with a great deal of fanfare. This new fund which tracks the Gold Miners Index happened to have been launched during one of the most precipitous drops in precious metals prices seen in years. No wonder why you may have missed its launch.
Its’ downplayed launch was too bad, especially because the Gold Miners ETF is the only one of its kind in the US. Though it is related to the precious metals industry, it is much diferent then the GLD, IAU, and SLV Funds, which are all based on the prices of either silver or gold. This is a very narrow focus, much more like investing in commodities then in equities.
The Amex Gold Miners Index, is the first exchange-traded fund in the U.S. offering investors exposure to the gold-mining equity market, as opposed to just the metal itself. This is more broad based for investors and is based on equities in the industry not commodity prices. The new ETF may present more opportunities to benefit from volatility, as mining-related shares tend to move more dramatically than overall bullion. Another key difference is that, unlike GLD, the GDX is optionable. The top ten holdings in this new ETF are:
Newmont Mining 13.51 Barrick Gold 8.50 AngloGold Ashanti 7.51 Goldcorp 6.53 Gold Fields 6.50 Freeport-McMoran 6.16 Glamis Gold 4.97 Harmony Gold 4.37 Kinross Gold 4.06 Buenaventura 3.72
With the recent downturn in gold and silver stocks , much of the thunder was taken out of the launch of the GDX. This fund had the unfortunate luck to be released for trading during a period in which the precious metals have seen their greatest setback in years. The most popular of the Gold ETF’s streetTRACKS GLD has been trading at a volume of 10 to 20 million shares for most of May. The Gold Mining ETF, GDX, has traded at a volume of 200,000 to 600,000 shares in its first week. GDX, which is a broader based fund then GLD, may have easily traded at a much higher volume its first week, if it wasn’t for a steep downturn in precious metals.
The question now is it a good time to buy this new ETF? The Gold Mining Index which this new Exchange Traded Fund is based on, has just dropped from 1200 to 1000 in one week, a big drop for an index of stocks. A bounce here is likely. There was a great deal of speculation in gold. Even if this is the bottom, it will take some time before Gold prices begin to recover from their recent plunge. Keep a close eye on the trading volume for GDX to see if institutional investors begin moving into this fund.
On May 22nd a new metals based Exchange Traded Fund began trading on the Amex (GDX). The new Market Vectors - Gold Miners ETF was launched by the Van Eck Global firm and trades under the ticker symbol GDX. Those who follow the Exchange Traded Fund Industry are likely to be aware of streetTRACKS Gold (GLD), iShares Comex Gold Trust (IAU) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV). All these funds have come into being with a great deal of fanfare. This new fund which tracks the Gold Miners Index happened to have been launched during one of the most precipitous drops in precious metals prices seen in years. No wonder why you may have missed its launch.
Its’ downplayed launch was too bad, especially because the Gold Miners ETF is the only one of its kind in the US. Though it is related to the precious metals industry, it is much diferent then the GLD, IAU, and SLV Funds, which are all based on the prices of either silver or gold. This is a very narrow focus, much more like investing in commodities then in equities.
The Amex Gold Miners Index, is the first exchange-traded fund in the U.S. offering investors exposure to the gold-mining equity market, as opposed to just the metal itself. This is more broad based for investors and is based on equities in the industry not commodity prices. The new ETF may present more opportunities to benefit from volatility, as mining-related shares tend to move more dramatically than overall bullion. Another key difference is that, unlike GLD, the GDX is optionable. The top ten holdings in this new ETF are:
Newmont Mining 13.51 Barrick Gold 8.50 AngloGold Ashanti 7.51 Goldcorp 6.53 Gold Fields 6.50 Freeport-McMoran 6.16 Glamis Gold 4.97 Harmony Gold 4.37 Kinross Gold 4.06 Buenaventura 3.72
With the recent downturn in gold and silver stocks , much of the thunder was taken out of the launch of the GDX. This fund had the unfortunate luck to be released for trading during a period in which the precious metals have seen their greatest setback in years. The most popular of the Gold ETF’s streetTRACKS GLD has been trading at a volume of 10 to 20 million shares for most of May. The Gold Mining ETF, GDX, has traded at a volume of 200,000 to 600,000 shares in its first week. GDX, which is a broader based fund then GLD, may have easily traded at a much higher volume its first week, if it wasn’t for a steep downturn in precious metals.
The question now is it a good time to buy this new ETF? The Gold Mining Index which this new Exchange Traded Fund is based on, has just dropped from 1200 to 1000 in one week, a big drop for an index of stocks. A bounce here is likely. There was a great deal of speculation in gold. Even if this is the bottom, it will take some time before Gold prices begin to recover from their recent plunge. Keep a close eye on the trading volume for GDX to see if institutional investors begin moving into this fund.