Jun
27
Precious Metals in Jewelry
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Ian Maher
Precious metals are ideal for creating beautiful jewelry due in part to their resistance to corrosion. Since precious metals have an unreactive and oxidation-resistant nature, they fall into the category of noble metals. Such precious metals with which you may be familiar include gold, silver, and platinum, but palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium are other precious metals commonly incorporated into jewelry such as diamond rings, eternity rings, promise rings and right hand rings. The system of measurement for the weight of precious metals is troy weight, in which one troy ounce equates to approximately 1.1 standard ounces and twelve ounces make up one troy pound. Precious metals can be combined to form what are known as alloys, often for the purpose of reducing cost or producing a metal sturdier than any one element alone. Here we examine the major precious metals used in the crafting of fine jewelry:
-Gold: The most malleable and ductile of the precious metals, gold can be readily flattened into thin sheets and stretched into thin wire, which makes it a versatile and popular choice for jewelry creation. Gold is often alloyed with other metals for cost reduction and to increase the strength of the final product. In pure form, gold is measured in troy weight, but as an alloy with other metals its weight is measured in karats. For gold, the karat weight specifies the amount of pure gold present, with 24 karat being pure gold and smaller karat weights designating lower percentages of gold and higher proportions of other metals.
-Silver: Second to gold in malleability and ductility, silver is anther precious metal popular for use in jewelry. Silver is also commonly alloyed with other metals to create jewelry, with the popular sterling silver consisting of a combination of 92.5 percent silver with a relatively small 7.5 percent of another metal, typically copper. Being a superior conductor of heat and electricity, silver has numerous applications beyond jewelry making, such as coins, dentistry tools, silverware, film and electronics.
Platinum: Rarer than silver and gold, platinum is a durable precious metal common for eternity rings, engagement rings and wedding bands due to its resilience even with constant use. Iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium are other precious metals in the Platinum Group of Metals, which occur together naturally. Palladium is the metal often mixed with yellow gold to make white gold, and rodium is used extensively to plate white gold to give it that extra white brightness. The metals in the Platinum Group of Metals are resilient, tarnish resistant and stable, making them popular for use not only in jewelry but also in numerous industrial processes such as crude oil refining and automobile manufacturing.
The end price of jewelry that can be attributed to precious metals depends not just on the pureness and rarity of the metal, but also the craftsperson’s skill level, the intricacy of the piece and labor.
Precious metals are ideal for creating beautiful jewelry due in part to their resistance to corrosion. Since precious metals have an unreactive and oxidation-resistant nature, they fall into the category of noble metals. Such precious metals with which you may be familiar include gold, silver, and platinum, but palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium are other precious metals commonly incorporated into jewelry such as diamond rings, eternity rings, promise rings and right hand rings. The system of measurement for the weight of precious metals is troy weight, in which one troy ounce equates to approximately 1.1 standard ounces and twelve ounces make up one troy pound. Precious metals can be combined to form what are known as alloys, often for the purpose of reducing cost or producing a metal sturdier than any one element alone. Here we examine the major precious metals used in the crafting of fine jewelry:
-Gold: The most malleable and ductile of the precious metals, gold can be readily flattened into thin sheets and stretched into thin wire, which makes it a versatile and popular choice for jewelry creation. Gold is often alloyed with other metals for cost reduction and to increase the strength of the final product. In pure form, gold is measured in troy weight, but as an alloy with other metals its weight is measured in karats. For gold, the karat weight specifies the amount of pure gold present, with 24 karat being pure gold and smaller karat weights designating lower percentages of gold and higher proportions of other metals.
-Silver: Second to gold in malleability and ductility, silver is anther precious metal popular for use in jewelry. Silver is also commonly alloyed with other metals to create jewelry, with the popular sterling silver consisting of a combination of 92.5 percent silver with a relatively small 7.5 percent of another metal, typically copper. Being a superior conductor of heat and electricity, silver has numerous applications beyond jewelry making, such as coins, dentistry tools, silverware, film and electronics.
Platinum: Rarer than silver and gold, platinum is a durable precious metal common for eternity rings, engagement rings and wedding bands due to its resilience even with constant use. Iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium are other precious metals in the Platinum Group of Metals, which occur together naturally. Palladium is the metal often mixed with yellow gold to make white gold, and rodium is used extensively to plate white gold to give it that extra white brightness. The metals in the Platinum Group of Metals are resilient, tarnish resistant and stable, making them popular for use not only in jewelry but also in numerous industrial processes such as crude oil refining and automobile manufacturing.
The end price of jewelry that can be attributed to precious metals depends not just on the pureness and rarity of the metal, but also the craftsperson’s skill level, the intricacy of the piece and labor.
Jun
22
Gold, Silver and Platinum – They’re not Called ‘precious’ Metals for Nothing
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Elisha Burberry
When you’re buying a special piece of jewellery – whether it’s an engagement ring or a birthday necklace – it’s likely you’ll hear the term ‘precious metal’ thrown around a lot. But what exactly is a precious metal – and what makes it so ‘precious’? When it comes to jewellery, the three most precious metals are silver, gold and platinum – in that particular order. And if you’re buying jewellery made out of these metals, it’s important to know what each of them denotes, and how expensive they are, before making your purchase.
Silver, for example, is one of the cheapest precious metals, and currently sits at about one fiftieth the price of gold by mass, although it did once trade at one sixth the price of gold before the Age of Discovery. As a soft metal, silver needs to be alloyed with other metals before being made into jewellery, in order to make the metal stronger and more resistant. ‘Sterling Silver’ needs to contain at least 92.5% pure silver in order to gain this mark (the remaining 7.5% is usually comprised of copper). This small copper content means that silver jewellery is likely to tarnish, so if you’re thinking about buying a sterling silver ring or bracelet, it’s important to make sure you clean in properly. Many people like to use toothpaste to clean silver jewellery, but if you’re looking for a less abrasive cleaning formula, it’s best to invest in a silver-cleaning fluid at the time of purchase. Further, to make sure the silver jewellery you’ve bought is high quality, ensure that it’s been stamped with a purity mark (like 925) before you buy.
Gold, on the other hand, has long-held associations with investment and wealth as a precious metal. As with silver, gold is a soft metal and so also has to be alloyed with other metals to make it hard enough for jewellery making. Pure gold, for example is yellow, while white gold is gold that has been alloyed with nickel, copper and zinc, and can sometimes look similar to platinum. In this way, the colour of gold can be manipulated in order to create a number of different types.
Of these three popular precious metals, however, platinum is the most expensive. Its heavy-weight and durable nature means that it’s great for diamond-encrusted jewellery and is similar in colour, though not in properties, to white gold. Generally speaking, platinum jewellery is 90% pure platinum and 10% iridium or palladium alloy. Moreover, jewellery that contains more than 95 per cent pure platinum is marked ‘platinum’ (950 plat or 950pt), whereas 85 percent pure platinum will be marked 850plat or 850pt. Platinum jewellery is rapidly gaining popularity and other related metals – like palladium and titanium – are, as a result being used with increasing frequency in jewellery-making. Hence, platinum jewellery designs are often modern and chunky, with an ethos that reflects the lifestyle of its new buyers.
When you’re buying a special piece of jewellery – whether it’s an engagement ring or a birthday necklace – it’s likely you’ll hear the term ‘precious metal’ thrown around a lot. But what exactly is a precious metal – and what makes it so ‘precious’? When it comes to jewellery, the three most precious metals are silver, gold and platinum – in that particular order. And if you’re buying jewellery made out of these metals, it’s important to know what each of them denotes, and how expensive they are, before making your purchase.
Silver, for example, is one of the cheapest precious metals, and currently sits at about one fiftieth the price of gold by mass, although it did once trade at one sixth the price of gold before the Age of Discovery. As a soft metal, silver needs to be alloyed with other metals before being made into jewellery, in order to make the metal stronger and more resistant. ‘Sterling Silver’ needs to contain at least 92.5% pure silver in order to gain this mark (the remaining 7.5% is usually comprised of copper). This small copper content means that silver jewellery is likely to tarnish, so if you’re thinking about buying a sterling silver ring or bracelet, it’s important to make sure you clean in properly. Many people like to use toothpaste to clean silver jewellery, but if you’re looking for a less abrasive cleaning formula, it’s best to invest in a silver-cleaning fluid at the time of purchase. Further, to make sure the silver jewellery you’ve bought is high quality, ensure that it’s been stamped with a purity mark (like 925) before you buy.
Gold, on the other hand, has long-held associations with investment and wealth as a precious metal. As with silver, gold is a soft metal and so also has to be alloyed with other metals to make it hard enough for jewellery making. Pure gold, for example is yellow, while white gold is gold that has been alloyed with nickel, copper and zinc, and can sometimes look similar to platinum. In this way, the colour of gold can be manipulated in order to create a number of different types.
Of these three popular precious metals, however, platinum is the most expensive. Its heavy-weight and durable nature means that it’s great for diamond-encrusted jewellery and is similar in colour, though not in properties, to white gold. Generally speaking, platinum jewellery is 90% pure platinum and 10% iridium or palladium alloy. Moreover, jewellery that contains more than 95 per cent pure platinum is marked ‘platinum’ (950 plat or 950pt), whereas 85 percent pure platinum will be marked 850plat or 850pt. Platinum jewellery is rapidly gaining popularity and other related metals – like palladium and titanium – are, as a result being used with increasing frequency in jewellery-making. Hence, platinum jewellery designs are often modern and chunky, with an ethos that reflects the lifestyle of its new buyers.
Jun
10
A Look at the Precious Metal Platinum
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Ian Maher
The beautiful silver-white platinum is a valuable precious metal that is sought all over the world. Its brilliance as well as its malleability, ductility and resistance to corrosion make platinum a highly popular choice for use in jewelry such as engagement rings and eternity rings. Most people are familiar with the use of platinum for jewelry, but platinum has unique properties that have made it valuable for many purposes throughout history and still today.
Platinum is a member of the Platinum Group of Metals (PGM), which also includes Palladium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Osmium and Iridium. The scarcity of platinum coupled with high demand makes it a highly valuable precious metal. Though all precious metals are rare, platinum is mined from the earth in lesser quantities than are gold and silver.
The use of platinum has confronted several obstacles throughout history. Platinum often exists in nature in dispersed particles combined with other metals and impurities, making platinum mining a difficult and capital intensive endeavor. Its high melting point, nearly double that of gold, made working with platinum practically impossible until a chemist named ******** developed a way to melt the precious metal. Scarcity has presented a continual challenge throughout history, though rarity is a contributor to platinum’s high value.
Though the history of platinum use is not nearly as lengthy as that of gold, this precious metal’s unique properties have made it a valuable commodity over the years. Being one of the heaviest, densest metals and exhibiting a distinctive resistance to oxidation and corrosion, people have found numerous uses for platinum throughout history. Jewelers and goldsmiths of the 1700s began to use platinum in jewelry, watch chains and cutlery. Though platinum has always faced the obstacle of scarcity, the 1800s saw a rise in platinum use as new techniques evolved for mining the metal. It was not until later when high temperature torches were available that jewelers could fully utilize platinum in jewelry making.
Today, the uses for platinum are ever increasing. Platinum’s effectiveness as a conductor of electricity has made it a highly useful material for electrical contacts and numerous industrial purposes. It is also a potent catalyzing agent used in the production of sulfuric acid and in petroleum refining. The medical and dental fields have also found many uses for platinum in specialized equipment. Platinum’s stability under conditions of high heat has also led to its use in components of jet engines and missiles. The applications for which platinum is becoming a mainstay is widespread and on the rise.
The beautiful silver-white platinum is a valuable precious metal that is sought all over the world. Its brilliance as well as its malleability, ductility and resistance to corrosion make platinum a highly popular choice for use in jewelry such as engagement rings and eternity rings. Most people are familiar with the use of platinum for jewelry, but platinum has unique properties that have made it valuable for many purposes throughout history and still today.
Platinum is a member of the Platinum Group of Metals (PGM), which also includes Palladium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Osmium and Iridium. The scarcity of platinum coupled with high demand makes it a highly valuable precious metal. Though all precious metals are rare, platinum is mined from the earth in lesser quantities than are gold and silver.
The use of platinum has confronted several obstacles throughout history. Platinum often exists in nature in dispersed particles combined with other metals and impurities, making platinum mining a difficult and capital intensive endeavor. Its high melting point, nearly double that of gold, made working with platinum practically impossible until a chemist named ******** developed a way to melt the precious metal. Scarcity has presented a continual challenge throughout history, though rarity is a contributor to platinum’s high value.
Though the history of platinum use is not nearly as lengthy as that of gold, this precious metal’s unique properties have made it a valuable commodity over the years. Being one of the heaviest, densest metals and exhibiting a distinctive resistance to oxidation and corrosion, people have found numerous uses for platinum throughout history. Jewelers and goldsmiths of the 1700s began to use platinum in jewelry, watch chains and cutlery. Though platinum has always faced the obstacle of scarcity, the 1800s saw a rise in platinum use as new techniques evolved for mining the metal. It was not until later when high temperature torches were available that jewelers could fully utilize platinum in jewelry making.
Today, the uses for platinum are ever increasing. Platinum’s effectiveness as a conductor of electricity has made it a highly useful material for electrical contacts and numerous industrial purposes. It is also a potent catalyzing agent used in the production of sulfuric acid and in petroleum refining. The medical and dental fields have also found many uses for platinum in specialized equipment. Platinum’s stability under conditions of high heat has also led to its use in components of jet engines and missiles. The applications for which platinum is becoming a mainstay is widespread and on the rise.
May
12
Precious metals in jewelry manufacturing and their best use – Precious tips / art5
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Vasco Kirov
There are many articles on precious metals on the web and some of them are quiet professional with a lot of details and data. I will try not to give you just another one. Here I will offer you a simple version and avoiding extensive technicality add my professional opinion on the best use of these metals in order to utilize their unique properties.
In this article we will focus on the most popular precious metals used for jewelry: gold, platinum and the fast growing in popularity palladium. Pure gold and platinum are soft metals which are extremely dense. pure gold is about two and half times heavier than iron and pure platinum is just under three times. While really bright in color pure metals are not suitable for fine jewelry because of their softness. Soft metals are easy to damage, difficult to polish, and unsuitable for detailed work. This is why they are mixed (alloyed) with other metals, in order to give them the desired properties. This is also where all this “carats” and confusing numbers come into play. In fact it is pretty simple. All pure metals in nature are white or gray in color except two, gold – bright yellow and copper- reddish pink. Now we go back to precious metals. All different colors of precious metals are achieved by mixing these colored metals with white ones.
Carat is a confusing name for purity or fineness of precious metals. It is confusing because the same word is used as a weight measurement for precious stones. That carat is equal to 0.2gr. and have nothing to do with metal fineness. To differentiate the one carat from the other, in some standards, weight carat is marked with ct and purity karat with kt or k. We can accept this rule to avoid confusion in further articles, therefore when we address metal purity we will use “karat”. Karat is used mainly to define purity of gold alloys. Different countries have different standards for gold purity and the most used globally alloys are: 9kt or 375, 10kt or 416, 14kt or 585, 18kt or 750, 21kt or 875 and 22 or 916. The alternative number which alone can be used as hallmark indicates the number of fine gold parts in the alloy out of 1000. The easy way to translate this into a manageable information is to perceive it as the percentage of fine gold used x10. For example 750 means 75% pure gold content or 18kt.
Platinum is used in almost pure form and 95% hallmarked 950 is a standard alloy. All alloys with pure platinum content of 95.0% or higher can be also marked with the full word “platinum” or “”plat.” Other used alloys are 900 (90%), 800 (80%) and 585(58.5) also called karat platinum. The amazing qualities of this amazing metal are better described in another article where I am comparing it with the white gold alternative.
Palladium 950 alloys are as white as the platinum, blending well with white diamonds and eliminating the need of rhodium plating. Palladium is a light metal with weight close to the one of sterling silver and much lighter than platinum and high carat gold alloys, thus making it the metal of choice for items like large earrings. At the time of writing, the price of 950 palladium alloys is about a third of the price of the 18k white gold offering great possibilities for large solid pieces at significantly reduced price. One disadvantage though is that quality casting of palladium requires materials and equipment, currently not viable for small workshops
The hallmarks you will usually find on your precious metal jewelry are:
1). Karat or fineness stamp (e.g. 18kt/ct or 750)
2) Manufacturer’s stamp
The karat stamp does not have much value without the manufacturers stamp because the declaration of purity is not signed. Beware; in most countries you can buy a karat stamp for few dollars.
Variety in gold colors and mechanical properties is achieved by alloying fine gold with one or more other metals. White gold for example is a gold alloy with whitening metals, usually palladium, nickel or silver or combination of them. Since the fine gold is always yellow, it is the alloy (base) metals that give the karat gold its color and properties. For example to be able to stamp an item as 18k it must content at least 75% of fine gold. The remaining 25 percent of alloy metals will determine its color and physical properties. If 8.4% of copper and 16.6% silver is used in the alloy, we will end up with the traditional rich 18k yellow gold color. If we mix the same amount of fine gold with 15 % of palladium and 10% of silver we will have good quality white gold. The constant content in 18k gold alloy is always 75% pure gold. Higher than 18k white gold alloys are not possible because the alloying metals are not in sufficient quantity to absorb the yellowness of the pure gold. 21k or 22k gold is always yellow, very yellow. The same principle applies for platinum and palladium, although these metals are used in much purer form (95% is a standard) and there is not detectible changes in color. The only changes there are in physical properties.
Now, with our newly acquired knowledge of precious metals we will probably arrive at the questions: What are the best alloys? What metal jewelry should I buy?
Different metals are good for different purposes. As a general rule (and if you can afford it) buy alloys with higher precious metal content. That applies mainly for gold, since platinum and palladium are used in almost pure form. 18kt gold or higher have distinctive gold color and real precious metal properties. My opinion is that alloys with less than 50% gold content (under 14k) should not be called gold, but gold brass or something else defining the inferior gold content. If you are looking for big bold and heavy pieces the best is to go for silver with gold accents or the very new precium (25%palladium and silver alloy developed by Handy & Hartman)which may be already on the market at the time you read this article. For your fine jewelry pieces choose 18k gold and platinum. 18k white gold can be used for heavier, thicker pieces while platinum is the best for delicate settings with a lot of detail. It does not make sense to set $10 000 diamond in white gold just to save $ 300-400 difference on platinum setting. Besides the aesthetical superiority, the security of platinum setting is immensely greater. When we come to earrings, especially large ones, choosing lighter alloys is essential. Palladium is the first choice followed by 14k white. For yellow, stick to 18k. You can never get the right color in lower karats. Then, your goldsmith’s ability to work light will come handy. Try to find the right craftsman. It is really making all the difference. The weight of the stud settings is rather small even in the case of large diamonds, thus making the platinum the obvious choice for white metal. The difference in price will be insignificant but the difference in strength and safety and quality – vast. Another advantage of the platinum studs – they could be made very delicate and retain their strength.
There are many articles on precious metals on the web and some of them are quiet professional with a lot of details and data. I will try not to give you just another one. Here I will offer you a simple version and avoiding extensive technicality add my professional opinion on the best use of these metals in order to utilize their unique properties.
In this article we will focus on the most popular precious metals used for jewelry: gold, platinum and the fast growing in popularity palladium. Pure gold and platinum are soft metals which are extremely dense. pure gold is about two and half times heavier than iron and pure platinum is just under three times. While really bright in color pure metals are not suitable for fine jewelry because of their softness. Soft metals are easy to damage, difficult to polish, and unsuitable for detailed work. This is why they are mixed (alloyed) with other metals, in order to give them the desired properties. This is also where all this “carats” and confusing numbers come into play. In fact it is pretty simple. All pure metals in nature are white or gray in color except two, gold – bright yellow and copper- reddish pink. Now we go back to precious metals. All different colors of precious metals are achieved by mixing these colored metals with white ones.
Carat is a confusing name for purity or fineness of precious metals. It is confusing because the same word is used as a weight measurement for precious stones. That carat is equal to 0.2gr. and have nothing to do with metal fineness. To differentiate the one carat from the other, in some standards, weight carat is marked with ct and purity karat with kt or k. We can accept this rule to avoid confusion in further articles, therefore when we address metal purity we will use “karat”. Karat is used mainly to define purity of gold alloys. Different countries have different standards for gold purity and the most used globally alloys are: 9kt or 375, 10kt or 416, 14kt or 585, 18kt or 750, 21kt or 875 and 22 or 916. The alternative number which alone can be used as hallmark indicates the number of fine gold parts in the alloy out of 1000. The easy way to translate this into a manageable information is to perceive it as the percentage of fine gold used x10. For example 750 means 75% pure gold content or 18kt.
Platinum is used in almost pure form and 95% hallmarked 950 is a standard alloy. All alloys with pure platinum content of 95.0% or higher can be also marked with the full word “platinum” or “”plat.” Other used alloys are 900 (90%), 800 (80%) and 585(58.5) also called karat platinum. The amazing qualities of this amazing metal are better described in another article where I am comparing it with the white gold alternative.
Palladium 950 alloys are as white as the platinum, blending well with white diamonds and eliminating the need of rhodium plating. Palladium is a light metal with weight close to the one of sterling silver and much lighter than platinum and high carat gold alloys, thus making it the metal of choice for items like large earrings. At the time of writing, the price of 950 palladium alloys is about a third of the price of the 18k white gold offering great possibilities for large solid pieces at significantly reduced price. One disadvantage though is that quality casting of palladium requires materials and equipment, currently not viable for small workshops
The hallmarks you will usually find on your precious metal jewelry are:
1). Karat or fineness stamp (e.g. 18kt/ct or 750)
2) Manufacturer’s stamp
The karat stamp does not have much value without the manufacturers stamp because the declaration of purity is not signed. Beware; in most countries you can buy a karat stamp for few dollars.
Variety in gold colors and mechanical properties is achieved by alloying fine gold with one or more other metals. White gold for example is a gold alloy with whitening metals, usually palladium, nickel or silver or combination of them. Since the fine gold is always yellow, it is the alloy (base) metals that give the karat gold its color and properties. For example to be able to stamp an item as 18k it must content at least 75% of fine gold. The remaining 25 percent of alloy metals will determine its color and physical properties. If 8.4% of copper and 16.6% silver is used in the alloy, we will end up with the traditional rich 18k yellow gold color. If we mix the same amount of fine gold with 15 % of palladium and 10% of silver we will have good quality white gold. The constant content in 18k gold alloy is always 75% pure gold. Higher than 18k white gold alloys are not possible because the alloying metals are not in sufficient quantity to absorb the yellowness of the pure gold. 21k or 22k gold is always yellow, very yellow. The same principle applies for platinum and palladium, although these metals are used in much purer form (95% is a standard) and there is not detectible changes in color. The only changes there are in physical properties.
Now, with our newly acquired knowledge of precious metals we will probably arrive at the questions: What are the best alloys? What metal jewelry should I buy?
Different metals are good for different purposes. As a general rule (and if you can afford it) buy alloys with higher precious metal content. That applies mainly for gold, since platinum and palladium are used in almost pure form. 18kt gold or higher have distinctive gold color and real precious metal properties. My opinion is that alloys with less than 50% gold content (under 14k) should not be called gold, but gold brass or something else defining the inferior gold content. If you are looking for big bold and heavy pieces the best is to go for silver with gold accents or the very new precium (25%palladium and silver alloy developed by Handy & Hartman)which may be already on the market at the time you read this article. For your fine jewelry pieces choose 18k gold and platinum. 18k white gold can be used for heavier, thicker pieces while platinum is the best for delicate settings with a lot of detail. It does not make sense to set $10 000 diamond in white gold just to save $ 300-400 difference on platinum setting. Besides the aesthetical superiority, the security of platinum setting is immensely greater. When we come to earrings, especially large ones, choosing lighter alloys is essential. Palladium is the first choice followed by 14k white. For yellow, stick to 18k. You can never get the right color in lower karats. Then, your goldsmith’s ability to work light will come handy. Try to find the right craftsman. It is really making all the difference. The weight of the stud settings is rather small even in the case of large diamonds, thus making the platinum the obvious choice for white metal. The difference in price will be insignificant but the difference in strength and safety and quality – vast. Another advantage of the platinum studs – they could be made very delicate and retain their strength.
May
11
Dana Prince
Gemstones are surely one of the most precious forms of jewels, shimmering in all their opulence and finesse, so are the exquisite metals, gold, platinum and silver. Those with a passion for jewelry will surely have both of these categories of valuables in their jewelry box. However, easy as it might sound, it is important to learn how to store each one of these trinkets so that none of them lose their sheen and long lifespan of beauty.
To begin with, it helps to know that gems and precious stones are hardest of the lot, extremely difficult to scratch, yet they can easily scratch the other items, if stored together. Diamonds are known to be the hardest, followed by sapphires, rubies, going up to pearls and finally metals like gold, silver and platinum, being at the end of the list. Such a contrast in qualities of both the kinds of jewels clearly explains why gemstones and metals should be stored separately, at least in their own containers and pouches.
Start by selecting the right packaging material for your jewels, which will be different for each one of these. For gemstones, traditional jewelry boxes with a simple velvet lining suffice to quite an extent. However, for drops and earrings, it is better to have boxes that have hooks and pegs for keeping these in the right order. Placing these gemstones together with the metals can irreparably damage the latter, especially the delicate ones like the sterling silver.
In fact, one of the most interesting facts about gemstones is that if crammed into a single jewelry box or even kept in close proximity of each other, gemstones could actually end up damaging and scratching each other. Here, it also helps to know that the surface of the natural gemstones is comparatively quite fragile in its initial stages. Necklaces need to be stored flat in order to avoid tangling, Refrain keeping gemstone jewelry in jumbled heaps in boxes, drawers and closets at all costs.
For storing gold or metal jewelry, it is always preferable to use separate Ziploc pouches which are then further stored in jewelry boxes, especially designed for the purpose. The airtight Ziplock pouches ensure that metals such as silver do not tarnish with exposure to air, at the same time helping you to look for the jewelry you want to. Besides, when storing silver, it is always safer to use tarnish-resistant fabric for the lining to avoid any discoloration of the metal.
Precious as they both are, careful storing regimen needs to be followed for gemstones and metals, in their own individual cases and boxes to avoid any damage, scratching or discoloration of your invaluable possessions.
For a look at some precious silver, gold and other metal jewelry and gemstone jewels, visit www.ShopDI.com.
Gemstones are surely one of the most precious forms of jewels, shimmering in all their opulence and finesse, so are the exquisite metals, gold, platinum and silver. Those with a passion for jewelry will surely have both of these categories of valuables in their jewelry box. However, easy as it might sound, it is important to learn how to store each one of these trinkets so that none of them lose their sheen and long lifespan of beauty.
To begin with, it helps to know that gems and precious stones are hardest of the lot, extremely difficult to scratch, yet they can easily scratch the other items, if stored together. Diamonds are known to be the hardest, followed by sapphires, rubies, going up to pearls and finally metals like gold, silver and platinum, being at the end of the list. Such a contrast in qualities of both the kinds of jewels clearly explains why gemstones and metals should be stored separately, at least in their own containers and pouches.
Start by selecting the right packaging material for your jewels, which will be different for each one of these. For gemstones, traditional jewelry boxes with a simple velvet lining suffice to quite an extent. However, for drops and earrings, it is better to have boxes that have hooks and pegs for keeping these in the right order. Placing these gemstones together with the metals can irreparably damage the latter, especially the delicate ones like the sterling silver.
In fact, one of the most interesting facts about gemstones is that if crammed into a single jewelry box or even kept in close proximity of each other, gemstones could actually end up damaging and scratching each other. Here, it also helps to know that the surface of the natural gemstones is comparatively quite fragile in its initial stages. Necklaces need to be stored flat in order to avoid tangling, Refrain keeping gemstone jewelry in jumbled heaps in boxes, drawers and closets at all costs.
For storing gold or metal jewelry, it is always preferable to use separate Ziploc pouches which are then further stored in jewelry boxes, especially designed for the purpose. The airtight Ziplock pouches ensure that metals such as silver do not tarnish with exposure to air, at the same time helping you to look for the jewelry you want to. Besides, when storing silver, it is always safer to use tarnish-resistant fabric for the lining to avoid any discoloration of the metal.
Precious as they both are, careful storing regimen needs to be followed for gemstones and metals, in their own individual cases and boxes to avoid any damage, scratching or discoloration of your invaluable possessions.
For a look at some precious silver, gold and other metal jewelry and gemstone jewels, visit www.ShopDI.com.
May
7
Dawn Lewis
In the these times of the credit crunch we are all looking for a bargain or trying to buy something in the sale. We do have to be careful that the goods we choose in the sale are genuine sale pieces and that they have not been reduced and discounted because they are shoddy goods. This is so important when it comes to buying pieces of semi-precious jewellery as we may like a bargain in the jewellery sale but we do not want a damaged piece of jewellery.
Semi-precious jewellery covers a whole range of semi-precious stones like Rose Quartz. Rose Quartz is a beautiful pink coloured stone that is said to be the stone of love and given as a token of your love so if you were to find a piece of this semi-precious jewellery in the jewellery sale then you will be very lucky.
The stunning natural stone of Turquoise is also a semi-precious stone and this can range from white to deep blue and many shades of green. Semi-precious jewellery made from this stone are often made with sterling silver so if you are looking for a reduced piece of jewellery made from this amazing stone then a jewellery sale that specialises is precious metals is probably the best place to look. Take your time when searching for these pieces as there are many differences in the price range for these pieces of semi-precious jewellery.
Semi-precious jewellery made from Tigers Eye is probably my favourite pieces and if I am able to find pieces of this in the jewellery sale then I am delighted. I love the warm colours of this stone and the golden browns blend well with so many different colours in my wardrobe. It looks great worn with things like my green jumper which sets the semi-precious jewellery of perfectly. So you can just guess at my great delight when I come across pieces of this semi-precious jewellery in the jewellery sale. I can get a buss out of finding pieces that have been discounted and reduced in price.
Another of my favourite semi-precious stones is Carnelian. I love the rich amber colours of this beautiful stone and handmade jewellery made from this semi-precious stone remind me of pieces of amber jewellery. The stone looks well set in silver or set with gold both these precious metals bring out all the stunning natural colours. If you are looking for a reduced piece of this semi-precious jewellery in the jewellery sale then take a good look at the quality of the stones and beads making sure that there are no flaws or damaged pieces. You may be buying your jewellery in the sale but you do not want to get home and find that your valued piece of semi-precious jewellery has flaws or damages.
There are many jewellery sales that take place at different times of the year and they have to be carefully looked through to find that special piece of semi-precious jewellery.
In the these times of the credit crunch we are all looking for a bargain or trying to buy something in the sale. We do have to be careful that the goods we choose in the sale are genuine sale pieces and that they have not been reduced and discounted because they are shoddy goods. This is so important when it comes to buying pieces of semi-precious jewellery as we may like a bargain in the jewellery sale but we do not want a damaged piece of jewellery.
Semi-precious jewellery covers a whole range of semi-precious stones like Rose Quartz. Rose Quartz is a beautiful pink coloured stone that is said to be the stone of love and given as a token of your love so if you were to find a piece of this semi-precious jewellery in the jewellery sale then you will be very lucky.
The stunning natural stone of Turquoise is also a semi-precious stone and this can range from white to deep blue and many shades of green. Semi-precious jewellery made from this stone are often made with sterling silver so if you are looking for a reduced piece of jewellery made from this amazing stone then a jewellery sale that specialises is precious metals is probably the best place to look. Take your time when searching for these pieces as there are many differences in the price range for these pieces of semi-precious jewellery.
Semi-precious jewellery made from Tigers Eye is probably my favourite pieces and if I am able to find pieces of this in the jewellery sale then I am delighted. I love the warm colours of this stone and the golden browns blend well with so many different colours in my wardrobe. It looks great worn with things like my green jumper which sets the semi-precious jewellery of perfectly. So you can just guess at my great delight when I come across pieces of this semi-precious jewellery in the jewellery sale. I can get a buss out of finding pieces that have been discounted and reduced in price.
Another of my favourite semi-precious stones is Carnelian. I love the rich amber colours of this beautiful stone and handmade jewellery made from this semi-precious stone remind me of pieces of amber jewellery. The stone looks well set in silver or set with gold both these precious metals bring out all the stunning natural colours. If you are looking for a reduced piece of this semi-precious jewellery in the jewellery sale then take a good look at the quality of the stones and beads making sure that there are no flaws or damaged pieces. You may be buying your jewellery in the sale but you do not want to get home and find that your valued piece of semi-precious jewellery has flaws or damages.
There are many jewellery sales that take place at different times of the year and they have to be carefully looked through to find that special piece of semi-precious jewellery.