One of the most confusing things for consumers when buying jewelry is the distinction between precious metals. Each precious metal has a different name and has different characteristics, but some look similar. Planderful is trying to help you to choose a metal that SUITS YOU.
Most Common Metal for Jewelry
|
1 |
Sterling Silver |
S925, 925 |
|
2 |
Gold |
AU G |
|
3 |
Yellow Gold |
9K, 18K,750, AU750 |
|
4 |
White Gold |
9K, 18K, 750, AU750 |
|
5 |
Rose Gold |
9K, 18K, 750, AU750 |
|
6 |
Platinum |
Pt990, Pt950, Pt900, Pt850 |
- Sterling Silver
Also known as 925 silver, referring to a silver content of 92.5%. But in fact, 999 sterling silver is the real sterling silver, also known as "foot silver", which means that the silver content is as high as 99.9%, and the remaining 0.1% is the fine molecules and impurities generated during the refining process. However, 999 sterling silver is too soft and is difficult to be shaped, and not suitable for use in jewelry or other decorations, while 925 sterling silver is the perfect proportion when making.
In 1851, the well-known jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. introduced jewelry with 92.5% silver and added 7.5% alloy to sterling silver, which is usually copper. After centuries of experimentation, copper and silver have been found to be the best combination without compromising its beautiful fineness. The perfect ratio that has been developed enables silver jewelry to achieve the most moderate hardness, so 92.5% has become an internationally recognized silver jewelry standard. In addition, alloys not only make silver jewelry easier to shape, but also improve the precision of production. Its luster is more beautiful and dazzling than 999 sterling silver. The imprint of 925 sterling silver on the jewelry is 925, S925.
1.1 Silver Craft
Electroplating: 925 sterling silver is electroplated with an alloy on the outer layer, such as white gold, rose gold, etc., which makes the pure silver softer and softer, showing a charming appearance, making it difficult to blacken and slowing down oxidation. However, it should be noted that when the electroplating layer falls off, the original sterling silver color will be exposed, and it will become black and oxidized. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe it with a soft cloth dipped in warm water. If the electroplating layer is worn, use a silver cloth to gently wipe it. Of course, sterling silver jewelry can also be sent back to the merchant where it was purchased for re-plating to restore luster.
1.2 925 Sterling Silver for Those with Metal Allergies
925 sterling silver jewelry generally does not cause allergies. Usually, the metal that is most likely to cause allergies is "Nickel". It may cause redness or itching when worn. Therefore, when purchasing silver jewelry, pay attention to whether it is a product of "Nickel Free nickel-free plating". Use the S925 needles for most of earrings is part of Planderful’s Sensitive Program from day one we started this business. Read more: PSC - Planderful Sensitive Care – Planderful Shop
- Gold
Gold is the elemental form of the chemical element gold (Au), a soft, high-density, ductile precious metal (Precious Metal). Gold is not only an asset, but also an important means for human beings to store wealth, and can be used in jewelry industry, electronics industry, modern communication, aviation industry, food industry, cosmetics and so on.
As a precious metal, gold has good physical properties, including: good flexibility, easy forging, not easy to oxidize, high density, high ductility and toughness. These properties make gold easy to be made into a variety of jewelry.
- Yellow Gold
The so-called Yellow Gold refers to the synthesis of gold and other precious metals (such as silver, zinc, nickel, etc.), and the purity of gold can be indicated by "Karat", that is, the proportion of pure gold in the alloy. The calculation method of Yellow Gold is to divide pure gold into 24 parts, and the K number represents the gold content. The larger the number, the higher the gold content. For example, 18K=18/24=75% of gold.
3.1 Compare to Gold
The hardness of pure gold itself is very low, the higher the purity, the softer it is. If it is used as a material for wedding rings or other jewelry, it is easy to scratch and deform due to its characteristics, or cause the inlaid gemstones to fall off. Therefore, other precious metals are added to gold to increase its strength and toughness, so that yellow gold jewelry can be passed down from generation to generation.
- White Gold
Similar to Yellow Gold, White Gold is an alloy made by mixing gold and at least one white metal, such as silver, palladium, etc. White gold has good reflectivity, can show its magnificent luster, and has high hardness.
The composition of white gold contains gold, although it is silver-white, however, when wearing for a long time, the parts where the jewelry is often rubbed may still fade, revealing the true color of gold, slightly yellowing, but this is a normal phenomenon, re-plating and refurbishing will be good.
- Rose Gold
Rose Gold is a combination of gold and copper, and copper is the main cause of rose color. Rose gold has a bright color, is harder than pure gold, and has strong ductility, so it is widely used in jewelry manufacturing.
5.1 Color
The shades of rose gold vary according to its blending ratio, with less gold and higher copper content resulting in a more reddish-pink shade of rose. Therefore, rose gold is not a fixed color, and many jewelers on the market will adjust the proportions of the alloy to create a unique rose gold tone that belongs to their own brand. Rose gold jewelry silently tells its own elegance, warmth and romance. Its reddish luster shows irresistible charm and has become a fashionista's favorite.
- Platinum
Platinum (chemical symbol Pt) is a natural and rare white metal with higher density than gold, chemical stability, high ductility, and good corrosion resistance.
The hardness of pure platinum is very soft, so other precious metals need to be added during production to enhance the hardness of platinum itself and make the inlay of jewelry more solid.
Platinum Guild International (PGI®) clearly stipulates that Pt850 (platinum content of 85%) or more can be called platinum. Generally, Pt900, Pt950 and Pt990 (platinum content of 90%, 95% and 99%) are commonly found on the market. Pt refers to the chemical symbol of platinum. Consumers can know the platinum purity of the jewelry they buy based on the imprints of these jewelry. The higher the coefficient, the more expensive the price.
- For Investors or the Ones of Half-Consumers-Half-Investors
For investment purposes, Gold is one of the most acceptance in the global trading market.
In conclusion, different people have different needs of metals for the next jewelry, for example, the Sterling Silver and various type of Gold is good for your everyday activities.
