Guide to Precious Metals
Guide to Precious Metals
There are many precious metals used in jewellery. Each offers its own unique hue and physical characteristics, ensuring a diverse array of materials to consider. While some metals are more valuable than others, they all produce an extravagant, sophisticated, and attractive effect. Our team at Nash Jewelers put together a guide to a few of the precious metals we have in our showroom.
Sterling Silver
Silver has a bright, elegant grey hue. It is naturally soft and brittle, so it is commonly reinforced by other metals to make it usable for jewellery. This alloy is sterling silver – a combination of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Despite the added metals, it retains its gorgeous colour. Sterling silver can tarnish, however, so proper care and polishing will be required. Depending on what metals are used, some pieces can cause allergic reactions, especially if they use allergens like nickel and chrome, although most fine jewellery designers take this into consideration when forming alloys for their pieces.
Yellow Gold
While gold is inherently yellow, this alloy is named as such to differentiate it from other gold alloys. Yellow gold exhibits a spectacular, warm colour that evokes images of wealth, grandeur, and majesty. Like silver, gold is soft and delicate; it is usually reinforced by other metals to strengthen for jewellery. Gold’s purity is measured in karats, with 24k being 100% pure. Yellow gold jewellery at our store is never under 10k, as it fails to meet our quality standards.
White Gold
Originally invented as an alternative to platinum, white gold is a radiant and elegant precious metal. It is a little grayer than sterling silver but is nonetheless beautiful and luxurious. It is made by adding white metals like palladium to gold. White gold never tarnishes. Rhodium plating is usually used to add more brilliance and shine to the metal. Due to this rhodium, white gold must be redipped by the jeweller occasionally. Otherwise, the gold’s yellow colour may come through.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is a pink-red metal that is an alloy of gold and copper. It has a bold, eye-catching colour that always attracts attention. Some assert that rose gold has a feminine vibrance, but others enjoy its regal warmth. Rose gold is often paired with white gold to evoke a romantic chic. Due to its copper additive, the alloy is typically hypoallergenic.
Platinum
The most valuable precious metal used in fine jewellery, platinum has a luxurious white color with plenty of shine. Brighter than sterling silver or white gold, platinum has many properties that make it highly desirable. It is naturally strong and robust. As a result, it’s one of a select few precious metals that doesn’t need to be reinforced by other metals. Platinum never tarnishes and never needs to be redipped. While platinum is strong, it isn’t scratchproof, and will still require maintenance if scratches start to appear on the surface.
Discover Luxurious Jewellery at Nash Jewellers
Find your new favourite accessory at Nash Jewellers, be it a new necklace, fashionable ring, sparkling bracelet, or versatile earrings. Our London, Ontario jewellery store offers only the best and highest quality pieces from today’s most beloved designer brands. We have been in operation for over a century, providing our community with luxurious and brilliant jewellery. Call (519) 663-1110 to speak directly with a team member about our selection and phenomenal jewellery services.
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