Platinum
Although Platinum can hardly be considered new, a resurgence in consumer desirability occurred in the late 1990’s due to numerous factors (see below). Platinum use began in the early 1900’s and became extremely popular in the 1920’s and 1930’s (Art Deco Era). Its use was curtailed in the 1940’s; its limited availability was reserved for war-time use. Gold (yellow) became popular from the 1940’s through the 1990’s, and once white gold began its popularity surge, Platinum was a natural progression and has now become the metal of choice for heirloom jewelry designs.
Benefits
· Among the purest and most valuable of precious metals. More rare than gold.
· 60% heavier than gold, makes it the most durable of the precious metals.
· Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it the perfect choice for those who experience reactions to gold and other metals.
· One of the only naturally occurring white precious metals that will not tarnish, and will always remain white with no additives or Rhodium plating.
· Unlike Palladium, Platinum’s durability and malleability makes it an excellent choice for fine filigree work and detailed craftsmanship.
Palladium
Palladium is one of the six metals in the Platinum family. Thirty times more rare than gold, Palladium’s use became popular during the 1940’s when Platinum use was reserved solely for war-time efforts.
In 2006, when gold prices increased to over $600 p/oz, Platinum prices to $1,000 p/oz, and Rhodium prices to over $3,000 p/oz, Palladium usage in jewelry became more prominent. Jewelry designers and consumers found Palladium desirable, mostly due to it’s similar qualities to Platinum (purity and rarity) but at prices similar to gold.
Benefits
· Among the purest of precious metals. Thirty times more rare than gold.
· 44% lighter than Platinum, Palladium products are priced closer to gold than Platinum. Palladium repair and sizing bench work requires Platinum solder (and pricing).
· Palladium is hypoallergenic, making it a perfect choice for those who experience reactions to gold and other metals
· Palladium does not tarnish and will always remain white without Rhodium plating.
Palladium Sizing and Repairs
Palladium repairs and sizing require Platinum solder. Current Platinum market pricing shall prevail.
Gold
While certainly not a new metal, the following shall serve as a brief review of the world’s most popular precious metal.
Gold, when mined it’s purest form, is a yellow metal and is referred to as 24K. Because of it’s relative softness, it is alloyed with various metals to become more durable for jewelry use.
Purity of gold is measured by “Karatage”. The following are the most popular karatage’s for jewelry in the United States:
|
Karatage |
Parts Gold |
Purity |
|
24K |
1000 |
100% |
|
18K |
750 |
75% |
|
14K |
585 |
58.5% |
|
10K |
417 |
41.7% |
In addition to being alloyed for durability, Gold is also alloyed to create different color Gold. Green Gold is alloyed with Silver, Rose or Pink Gold is alloyed with Copper and White Gold is alloyed with Nickel.
About White Gold
Consumers must remember that even with alloys, the basic ingredient to karat gold is yellow (pure) Gold. Therefore, to maintain its “white” appearance, white Gold is typically “Rhodium Finished”, to maintain it’s beautiful luster. With time and wear, it may be necessary to have the item “re-rhodium finished” to return it to like-new appearance. Current Rhodium market pricing shall prevail.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten Carbide is initially created from several powered metals, mixed together and fired in a furnace.
Benefits
· Hardest metal used for jewelry.
· Scratch and tarnish resistant, will remain polished forever.
· Perfect for a man’s active lifestyle.
Titanium
Titanium is arguably the most popular metal in the non-precious metal group.
Benefits
· 99% pure, will not fade in sunlight and has no reaction to saltwater.
· Titanium possesses a mystique all its own for people looking for something sophisticated yet distinctive.
Stainless Steel
Benefits
· Heavy, corrosion resistant and strong.
· One of non-precious metals for those with an active lifestyle.
Repairs and Sizing
Repairs and sizings cannot be performed on these three listed metals.
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