Precious metals have been a major attraction since Biblical times- they have been used for money systems, expressions of love, denoting class, and welcome gifts.
Rare precious metals such as gold, rhodium, and platnium are abundant enough so that everyone can have some- but rare enough not to be a common household item. These metals are dense and have a very good heavy feel.
The choice between yellow or white gold is a matter of personal preference. The metals value iis not determined by color. Platinum looks very much like sterling silver but is more expensive due to its lesser abundance in nature.
GOLD is the most malleable of the precious metals-it can be rolled or hammered very thin. Gold can also be elongated or drawn into wire making it ideal for chain manufacturing. These two features of gold also make it softer and subject to wear and scratching. To solve this problem it is alloyed with other metals to make it harder.
The choice of alloy will determine color of gold. Pure gold is 24 carat. Alloyed golds range from 8 to 22 carats.(33.3 to 91.6 %) Almost all alloys are a combination of gold-silver-copper. By changing the combinations- color and hardness can be manipulated.
White golds are produced with the addition of nickel or palladium. Nickel alloyed white gold is less expensive, but more expensive palladium alloy is gaining more popularity because so many people have a nickel allergy.
PLATINUM is not a common metal, nearly 30 times rarer than gold. This metal is desirable in jewelry because of it’s strength and tarnish resistance. A platinum tension ring, where a gemstone is held in place by tensile strength, is a good example of this metal’s strength. Because of it’s high price platinum is mainly used in wedding rings.
TITANIUM is the hardest natural metal in the world. Pure tianium is 100% hypo-allergenic making it safe for anyone to wear. This metal cannot be soldered, limiting the types of jewelry available. It is popular in rings and mens bracelets becaues of it’s scratch resistance and being lightweight.
SILVER is a metal that has long been a popular with jewelry makers because it is softer and less expensive than gold, platinum, or titanium. It can be molded into different shapes easily, making it an attractive metal for pendants, earrings, chains, and bracelets. The trend now is to coat sterling silver with rhodium making it shiny and anti-tarnish.
Circle her with love and this reminder of life’s journey together as 19 graduating round white cz diamonds sparkle light in this gorgeous journey pendant. Journey gold pendants are very popular this year and are the perfect gift.
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