While there are a lot of fashionable jewelry out there, they also have different values. Ever wonder why some are cheaper and some are so expensive? I’ve thought about it too, so I manage to search for the answer and this is what we have learned.
The value of the jewelry depends on how much metal was used to make it and WHICH metal are used to build it. Here is the list of the metals that are commonly used for jewelry productions.
SILVER
For jewelry, silver is used in the form of sterling silver, which is 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper. They are durable and has a longer lifespan compared to other metals. Therefore, silver jewelry are a common type of jewelry in the market. While it is considered a durable metal, it is considered softer than gold, platinum, and titanium. Which why it is cheaper compare to other precious metals such as gold and platinum.
GOLD
Gold is one of the finest metals used for jewelry. Its intrinsic value is more expensive than silver, because of its characteristics. Gold is more malleable but durable compare to silver and other metals, and it is also hard to find, which is why it is more precious.
The metals used to alloy gold for it to be a jewelry are metals which are harder than it such as copper, nickel, and zinc. The actual gold content of metal is measured in Karats (K) or carats (ct), which describes the proportion of pure gold to the other metals in the material. The larger the portion of gold in a jewelry, the high the value it will be.
The maximum gold content is 24K, but 24k jewelry are known to be softer and easier to break, so today, it is rare to find a 24k gold jewelry. Typical gold jewelry are in a form of 14k gold, 16k gold, 18k gold and 21k gold.
Pure gold is mere yellow when it comes to color. I know you may think where did rose gold and white gold came from. Here’s how are they made.
- Yellow gold is the alloy of pure gold, silver, and copper or zinc. The metals are mixed in a predetermined proportion.
- White gold is the alloy of pure gold and white metals, such as nickel, silver, and palladium. It is grayish in color and is plated with rhodium to give it a whiter look. Today, nickel is not preferred, as many people are allergic to it.
- Rose gold is the alloy of pure gold and a great proportion of copper. The reddish hue is due to the increased of copper in the alloy.
PLATINUM
Platinum is the rarest and most expensive of the metals. Platinum metal is hard to find and it will take tons of indigenous soil to produce a pound of platinum. It is incredibly durable, way more durable than titanium and steel.
COSTUME METALS
Costume metals such as iron, nickel, copper, and titanium, are used to make costume types of jewelry. But as stated earlier, these types of metals are used to mix with the precious metals to gain durability and hardness. These types of metals are known to have no intrinsic value, that’s why jewelry that are made of costume metals are way cheaper compared to gold, silver, and platinum.
TITANIUM
Titanium, which mentioned, is a metal type that is completely hypoallergenic. In fact, titanium is the most hypoallergenic material known to man. So a titanium made jewelry is good for those people who have terrible allergies to other types of metals.
Aside from that, titanium is also known to be the hardest type of metal. If you are looking for costume jewelry that lasts long, I recommend titanium. However, if you are planning on buying a titanium ring, you should assure that your fingers are fully grown or in its final form because titanium jewelry cannot be formed or even cut offed for a resize.
STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron to two or more costume metals mentioned earlier. The term “stainless” refers to the character of the said alloy to not tarnish or corrode. Stainless steel is also used for surgical needles and ear pierces, because it is also known to be one of the hypoallergenic types of alloy used in making jewelry and hospital items.
THE BOTTOMLINE
Some of the metals are quite expensive and most people can’t afford it. But hey! Why not purchase some jewelry that almost looks like the precious ones but affordable and at high-quality? If you think that’s a great idea! Then shop now at vivererosse.com. Where you can find high-class and high-quality costume gold and white gold jewelry and the finest AUTHENTIC 9.25 sterling silver jewelry!
Photo Source:
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http://www.sanlazarojewelry.com/jewelry/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Diamonds-Accent-Rings-in-Necklaces-Rose-White-and-Yellow-Gold-from-Italian-Mesh-Collections-by-San-Lazaro-Jewelry.jpg
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http://www.silverchainsuk.co.uk/3.5mm%2036%20inch%20trace%20chain.jpg
https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1Pq8xIVXXXXcSaXXXq6xXFXXXr/Men-s-Stainless-Steel-Jewelry-Chain-Necklace-Gold-Silver-Black-plated-3-Colors-4-6mm-8.jpg