METALS
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Jewelry metals come in a variety of types and styles, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities. Gold and silver have been recognized as valuable metals and have been coveted for a long time. Even today, precious metals have their place in a savvy investor's portfolio.
Gold, Platinum, and Palladium are highly valued and sought-after metals that have stood the test of time. They continue to hold a significant place in the portfolios of savvy investors. Each metal offers unique risks and opportunities within the commodities market.
Gold
Gold is a popular choice for jewelry because of its rich color and malleability. It is available in a range of colors, including yellow, white, and rose gold. The purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24 karat gold being the purest form. Gold jewelry is often alloyed with other metals such as copper or silver to increase its durability.
Platinum & Palladium
After gold, silver is probably the best known and most widely used precious metal in the world.
Silver is a popular choice for jewelry due to its affordability and versatility. It has a bright, lustrous shine and can be polished to a high sheen. Sterling silver, which is an alloy of silver and copper, is commonly used in jewelry making.
Unlike gold, the price of silver swings between its perceived role as a store of value and its role as an industrial metal. For this reason, price fluctuations in the silver market are more volatile than gold.
Gold-Filled Jewellery
Gold-filled jewellery is a lowcost
alternative to solid gold pieces and, in most cases, has the same appearance and may last for decades. Although the gold layer may eventually wear off, exposing the core metal, gold-filling is a much better option than gold
plating.
Silver
After gold, silver is probably the best known and most widely used precious metal in the world.
Silver is a popular choice for jewelry due to its affordability and versatility. It has a bright, lustrous shine and can be polished to a high sheen. Sterling silver, which is an alloy of silver and copper, is commonly used in jewelry making.
Unlike gold, the price of silver swings between its perceived role as a store of value and its role as an industrial metal. For this reason, price fluctuations in the silver market are more volatile than gold.
METALS KARATS
The Karats
Karats, represented by the "K" or "KT" stamp on gold, indicate the gold content of a piece of jewelry. The higher the karat value, the more valuable the gold.
By knowing the karat value, you can determine the purity and value of the gold. For instance, if you have a 14K gold ring, dividing 14 by 24 gives you 0.585, meaning the gold is 58.5% pure.
Karats, also spelled "carats" outside of North America, are the units used to measure the purity of gold. The karat number indicates the proportion of pure gold in the jewelry, with 24 karats being 100% pure gold.
Remembering these karat values and calculations will help you understand the purity and value of the gold you're buying.