bds-nb0709hires.pdf

Notebook 6

Know your metals

Even those who know their beads, gemstones, and crystals backward and forward may have

some questions about the chains and indings they use to inish their pieces. Here are the

basics.

Precious metals

Precious metals, in addition to gold and

silver, include platinum and rhodium. They

are relatively rare and therefore more

valuable and highly desired.

Gold content

24kt 100% pure gold

14 karat gold

A karat refers to the amount of actual pure

gold in the gold. 14k indicates 14 parts gold

out of 24. The remaining parts are usually

silver, copper, or another metal. What the

gold is mixed with affects its color – green,

rose, yellow, or white. Most commercial gold

jewelry is 14k–18k.

18kt 75% pure gold

14kt 58% pure gold

10kt 42% pure gold

Gold or silver plate

“Plate” is a very thin layer of gold or silver,

electroplated or electrochemically applied

to another metal. It is about 1/1,000-

1/1,000,000 of an inch thick. Something

called “heavy gold electroplate” would be

about twice that.

Gold or silver illed

“Filled” refers to a layer of gold or silver

applied to a cheaper metal (usually brass)

with heat and pressure. It is 50 to 100,000

times thicker than regular plating.

9kt 37.5% pure gold

Gold or silver inished

Something referred to as gold or silver

inished (or washed, or color) consists of a

base metal that has been electroplated with

a non-standardized thickness of gold or

silver.

Sterling silver

An alloy (mixture) of at least 92.5% silver, and

another metal, usually copper. Sterling silver

will tarnish in time and will have to be

periodically cleaned unless an antique look

is desired.

Vermeil

A sterling silver base heavily electroplated

with 22k yellow gold.

CREATIVE TIP #6

CRYSTALLIZED™ indings are available in brass, gold or silver plated, as well

as Sterling silver. For detailed information on the entire assortment please visit

WWW.CREATE-YOUR-STYLE.COM

Fine silver

Fine silver is 99.9% silver.

Chain check

Here’s a handy reference to bring to your

bead store when looking for chain.

Platinum

A silvery-white and irm metal that is corrosion-,

wear-, and tarnish-resistant, platinum is rarer,

and therefore more precious, than silver or

gold.

cable chain

Rhodium

Closely related to platinum, but liquid in its raw

state, rhodium can be applied to base or

precious metals to give them a platinum-like

appearance and to resist tarnishing.

curb chain

igaro chain

Base metals

A base metal is any metal that is not a

precious metal. Common examples of base

metals in jewelry include copper, brass, and

nickel.

long-and-short chain

rolo chain

Brass

Brass is an alloy of 70% copper and 30% zinc.

Pewter

Pewter is an alloy of tin and various amounts

of antimony and copper. Genuine pewter

contains lead, but lead-free pewter is

available.

Copper

Copper is a soft metal that alone isn’t very

durable. Many indings are copper-plated

rather than actual copper for strength’s sake.

Gunmetal is dark colored “red” brass that

has an antique look

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel contains more than 10%

chromium and may contain nickel, titanium,

niobium, and other elements. Stainless steel is

hypoallergenic and does not rust.

Nickel Silver

Nickel silver is an alloy of mostly nickel that

resembles sterling silver.

Niobium

Niobium is a hypoallergenic* metal that is

usually anodized into a range of colors. Most

metal-sensitive people can wear niobium.

Titanium

Titanium is a lightweight metal that can be

anodized into a range of colors. Even though

it is not certiied as hypoallergenic*, it can also

be worn by most metal-sensitive people.

*Some good options for those with nickel allergies are niobium, titanium, sterling silver, 14kt gold, or plastic. Items

called nickel free are still allowed to contain a very small amount of nickel. Most of the gold or silver plating used

today is nickel free.

BDS-NB0709

Gunmetal

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