Precious Metals: For Your Stunning Accesories
So, what jewlery makers use to make your stunning accessories?
Beyond the record of time, jewelers have used all different types of metals to make their unique creations. Fashion trends come and go, so jewelery makers need to adapt the types of metal to create their stunning signature pieces for you.
In this article, we’ll look at three metals that are used in jewelry making today; 18k gold plating, 925 sterling silver, and rose gold.
Gold, Gold and more Gold!
Although long coveted for its beauty, gold possesses physical properties that have also captivated humanity. Since gold never tarnishes and has great workability, many jewelry designers and makers prefer it to other metals.
A single ounce of gold can be stretched into a thread more than 50 miles long and you can roll that quantity into a sheet that covers 100 square feet in area.
If properly cared for, gold can last indefinitely, which makes it a prized metal to designers as well as consumers. It doesn’t oxidize or corrode, and only a handful of rare acids or hot chlorine bleach can damage it.
Gold has witnessed many transformations, and the material made into jewelry may continue to do so. It can be reused by melting down old gold objects and reforming the gold into new pieces. For example, old coins and broken pieces of jewelry can be melted down and reused to make new gold jewelry.
What is 18k gold plating and is it ‘real gold?
18k gold plating contains 75% pure gold mixed with other metals for better hardness and strength, whereas the 24K gold plating is 100% pure gold.
So even though gold plated isn’t ‘pure’ gold it sure does make a nice piece of jewelry. To the ‘untrained’ eye, someone who is admiring your necklace or ring isn’t going to know the difference.
What is rose gold and how does it get that well-loved color?
Rose gold is made from a combination of pure gold and copper. The blend of the two metals changes the color of the final product and its karat. To some, it’s also known as ‘pink gold’.
It’s very valuable as it’s one of the most recognisable kinds of gold around. While each jewellery piece will have the amount it's priced at varied, this depends upon the karat value of the gold content within it.
Rose gold may cost a little less than ‘pure gold’ so if you are wanting to buy yourself a little present but those purse strings might be a bit tight at the moment have a look for some jewelry that is either rose or pink gold. Either way, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Silver jewelry is just as stunning and popular
At various times throughout history, people have valued silver more highly than gold. Several factors make silver one of the most popular jewelry metals. Its luster ranks as its most outstanding visual feature.
Silver is also more abundant and much less expensive than gold or platinum. However, because silver conducts heat so well, it’s more difficult to work than gold. For this reason, novice jewelry makers often learn how to solder on silver.
While there is a new luxury designer trend toward silver(particularly for spring this year), gold still dominates the accessories world. Today, gold makes up about a quarter of all accessories sales in the U.S.
In the jewelry world there’s often the old age question over whether gold or silver is more popular. Both gold and silver have their own selling points. It ultimately might come down to personal style or perhaps skin sensitivity will be the deciding factor.
You might be buying jewelry to go with a particular outfit or maybe even your own wedding day.
Many jewelry lovers now want to have the best of both worlds. Jewelry designers have taken up this challenge and are offering wonderful pieces that mix the two metals.
Whichever you prefer, there’s no denying that we love precious metals. Thanks to jewelry designers and makers we now get to wear and adore those ‘precious metals’.
If you are looking for a unique way to express yourself, and share your love for stunning jewelry - Head over to our shop and and check out!
