Which standard of gold is better?
Every jewelry connoisseur is well aware that any piece of jewelry is never created from pure natural metal; a special alloy with a precious base is always used in production, as well as a ligature from other types of metals. The content of gold and alloy in an alloy can be determined by a sample, or a jewelry mark, the numerical value of which conveys the percentage of precious metal in the overall combination.
In the production of gold jewelry in our country, the following alloys are often used: 375, 500, 585, 750, 958, 999. But then the question arises - which gold standard is better? After all, not every one of them allows you to create beautiful and high-quality jewelry that will be reliable and durable. To answer this question, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of each of all known samples.
375 sample
The 375 alloy contains only 37.5% gold, which is equal to 9 carats. Its main content is a ligature of copper and silver. This sample is a kind of limit for the low content of precious metal in the production of jewelry. Although jewelry made from this sample is quite strong, it quickly loses color and begins to fade. The advantage of this sample is its extremely low cost compared to other samples.
500 sample
A sample of 500 indicates that the alloy contains 50% pure gold. It is equal to 12 carats. Since it is difficult to pour, it is practically not used in jewelry making.
Another factor that makes it difficult to make jewelry from this alloy is that its colors are highly dependent on the content of metals such as silver and copper. Jewelry made from this sample is not very attractive in appearance, and after a few years it begins to fade.
Therefore, this sample can more often be found in assay supervision reports. It is unlikely that you will be able to find it in jewelry stores. The only advantage of this sample is its low cost.
585 sample
Marking 585 can be seen on approximately 90% of all domestic gold products. The alloy of this marking contains 58.5% natural metal, which is equal to 14 carats. The rest of it consists of metals such as copper, silver, as well as nickel and palladium. The ligature in this alloy allows you to achieve the desired color shade in the finished product.
Products made from this alloy are distinguished by such advantages as good strength, as well as long-lasting color and shine. As for durability, the jewelry is well protected from deformation and is difficult to damage or leave scratches/scuffs. Today, the 585 marking is the gold standard in the CIS.
The cost of this alloy depends on the metal alloy used in its composition, as well as on world gold prices.
750 sample
Alloy 750 includes 75% natural metal gold, which is equal to 18 carats. It contains silver, copper, nickel and platinum. Jewelry made from this alloy has sufficient strength and elasticity.
In addition, it is very amenable to processing, so it can be used to make beautiful, technically complex jewelry.
It is this marking that is most in demand on the European market and among professionals is considered the best for making luxury jewelry. As for the disadvantages, it is quite high cost.
958 sample
The 958 marking indicates that this is a high-grade alloy that contains virtually no impurities. It contains 95.8% natural gold, which is equal to 23 carats. Obviously, the color and shade of such an alloy is practically no different from pure gold.
Although jewelry made from such gold is extremely beautiful, it is still too soft, so it is easy to scratch or deform. It is quite natural that the price of this sample is as high as the cost of pure gold.
Therefore, the alloy of this marking is rarely used by jewelers to create jewelry.
999 sample
The last marking is 999. It is the highest and is equal to 24 carats. Jewelry made from this particular sample is extremely rare. The alloy is too soft and easily susceptible to various deformations and damage. Often, various decorative inserts are made from it for products made of more durable alloys. Most produce coins and bars, which are a reliable investment option. Its cost is the highest among all others.
The best standard of gold
By comparing the characteristics of all six gold alloys, you can understand which gold alloy is the best. The most optimal markings are samples 585 and 750. They are both good in cost and quality. If you decide strictly between them, then the best standard of gold is 585, because it has excellent quality and an affordable price.
It is also important to remember that regardless of the grade and its quality, it is important not to forget to take care of gold products and jewelry in order to maintain their beautiful appearance. To do this, it is important to remember simple recommendations:
- Store gold items in boxes or drawers made of wood or metal. Cardboard and paper can cause a chemical reaction that will cause the gold to tarnish.
- Remove rings and bracelets when using leather care products, as they may contain certain components that, on a chemical level, negatively affect the gold surface, making it duller.
- Don't forget to clean your gold jewelry regularly. You can use vinegar, ammonia, or onion juice for these purposes. After cleaning, the jewelry must be wiped dry.
Coin catalog
All existing coins can be found in our database using a convenient search.
Source: https://xn----8sbebdgd0blkrk1oe.xn--p1ai/dragmet/kakaya-proba-zolota-luchshe.html
The finest silver in the world
But gum, on the contrary, makes jewelry snow-white. The sample determines the content of precious metal in 1000 g of jewelry. For example, one gram of a 925 ring contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.
Based on these data, several samples can be distinguished for precious alloys, which are necessarily designated on jewelry and cutlery: 800 standard. The main characteristic of these products is that they oxidize quickly.
In addition, they are characterized by a yellowish tint due to the high copper content.
Most often, cutlery is made from alloys of this sample.
830th. Inexpensive jewelry is made from this alloy, which is not of high quality and oxidizes quite quickly. 875 standard. Most often found on silverware.
But it is not very suitable for making jewelry, since the products quickly lose their appearance. 925 standard.
What types of silver are there: concept, types, authenticity
For example, 800 hallmark is more suitable for making cutlery, while 925 hallmark is used for jewelry (more on this below).
Hallmark is also a name stamped on a silver item.
The table below shows the most common metric hallmarks of silver. This system operates in Russia and the CIS countries, in Germany, France and those states that have signed the Convention on the Control and Hallmarking of Precious Metal Products.
Sample Silver, g Copper, g Manufactured products
What standard of silver is considered the highest?
Gilding is often applied to their surface to give the product an elegant appearance.
For jewelry, the best option is an alloy marked 925; it is considered the most successful. It is convenient to give it any shape, and the decoration will be resistant to external factors.
960 is practically not used for making jewelry, since the metal is easily deformed, it is too soft, and scratches quickly.
If you are looking for a suitable investment option, you can purchase bars with this marking.
Differences between 875 and 925 silver. What types of silver are there?
To prevent the accessory from losing its shape, other metals were initially mixed into the material.
When creating silver products, a variety of elements were used as impurities, and for this reason, the term “purity” was adopted to determine the “purity” and the actual content of pure metal.
In other words, the sample indicates how much pure metal is in the alloy presented.
For example, a sample of 800 means 800 grams of silver and 200 grams of impurities per kilo of material. The main additive is copper, however, the more of this metal is added, the faster the silver item darkens and takes on a yellow tint. Later, this information became necessary to use a specific composition to create certain products.
For example, 800-carat silver is suitable for making cutlery, but 925-carat metal is the basis for jewelry.
The sample also has another name - a stamp,
What is the best standard of silver, how to choose
Jewelers often use gold plating in such products, which makes the devices more sophisticated. 925 is the most favorable ratio of metal and alloy. The appearance and resistance to water and air have allowed silver of this standard to gain popularity.
960 - rarely used for making jewelry or cutlery, its properties and appearance are equivalent to pure silver. This metal is short-lived and susceptible to mechanical stress - it bends, gets scratched, and wears off.
999 – pure silver. Exquisite jewelry and decorative items are made from this metal, but it is mainly stored in ingots.
Silver products have several hallmarks. In addition, white metal is often used in an alloy of 525 gold.
Silver is added to such products to reduce their cost and increase durability.
There is not only a metric system for precious metals, but also a carat system.
What types of silver are there and which one is better to choose for decoration, silverware or investment
There are combinations with nickel - with a nickel content of up to 1%, the mechanical properties of the alloy are improved. Lead, antimony, iron and bismuth are present in microscopic quantities in jewelry alloys.
Cadmium and zinc can be introduced - such compounds are used to make silver solders. The metric sampling system has won primacy in the world, but I will also talk about the ancient ones. In 1747, the Russian pound, consisting of 96 spools, became the standard measure of weight in the Russian Empire.
This was inconvenient: the pound existed in different countries and meant different measures everywhere.
In addition, there was also an apothecary pound, which weighed less.
However, it was the trade pound that was taken as the basis for the spool system. 100% of the mass of the alloy consists of 96 spools, that is, 1 spool is equal to 1/96 of the mass of the product.
Silver samples: which is the best?
Jewelry, dishes and decorative items are made from samples of the following basic values: 720 - a metal that is susceptible to oxidation and changes over time.
Mainly used for making small parts of clothing: buttons, clasps and zippers.
To add sophistication to silver items of this standard, jewelers often complement their finishing with gilding. 925 is a classic and proven combination of ligature additives and pure metal.
Is this a good test or not? Products of this sample retain their beautiful appearance and are resistant to air and water. 960 - in appearance and physical properties it is equivalent to pure silver.
Which silver standard is better?
Indeed, the metal naturally has a silvery-white color.
Silver is quite rare in the depths of the earth. It is for this reason that it can safely be classified as a precious material. By its nature, it is a very soft metal with characteristic ductility. This property makes it possible to process the material with particular ease. Pull it out, stretch it, roll it into thin plates - anything can be done with such metal.
However, jewelers in most cases do not prefer to use pure silver to create jewelry. Why? The fact is that high-grade silver jewelry is easily deformed. Pure silver serves as an excellent raw material for creating products such as collectible silver coins and bank silver bars. But in creating jewelry, masters most often
The whole truth about silver: facts, honest misconception and deception
I would like to start by focusing on the fittings.
And not all at once, but on what is called “silver”, “silver-look” and so on - on silver-colored frames, chains, earrings, clasps, etc., etc. I’ll start in descending order of cost. Silver This is a rather soft metal, and, as a rule, it is not used in its pure form to create jewelry.
To give silver the required physical properties (ductility, wear resistance), jewelry silver-containing alloys are made.
The main (although not always) share in them falls on the precious metal, and the remainder - on alloying substances (Alloying (from the Latin ligo - bind, connect) - the introduction of additives into metals, alloys and semiconductors to give them certain physical, chemical or mechanical properties). It is the ratio of impurities that determines the future properties of the alloy, including color. Fineness is a numerical indicator of the content of precious metal in the alloy, expressed in thousandths.
Silver samples - what are they?
Copper is mainly used, as it combines perfectly with silver.
In Russia, such a test is not used due to low quality. To answer the question of which silver sample is the best, you need to learn in detail about all existing types, since each of them exists for a specific purpose, some are used only for tableware, others are used for beautiful jewelry.
The 750 marking indicates low-grade silver, which contains 75% pure metal, the remaining 25% is copper. It melts poorly and has a yellow tint.
Source: http://snd51.ru/samaja-luchshaja-proba-serebra-v-mire-85274/
What standard of silver is the best in jewelry?
The photo below shows a beautiful men's signet ring made by a master craftsman from 925 sterling silver. The work is manual. The ring is set with five diamonds with a diameter of one millimeter. There is an image of a cross on the ring. Everyone knows that silver is cheaper than gold.
But sometimes it happens that some silver items are more expensive than gold ones. Why does this happen? Everything is explained very simply. The cost of the product depends on the filigree, complexity of the work and the standard of silver.
Silver products made from 925 sterling silver alloy are highly valued. Pure silver, like gold, is a rather soft metal. In order to improve its strength, various metals are added to it, and most often this metal is copper. Products made from a silver-copper alloy are durable, hold their shape well and are resistant to corrosion.
If too much copper is added to silver, the jewelry will take on a yellowish and sometimes even reddish tint.
For example, if 50 percent copper is dissolved in silver, the silver-copper alloy will be red. 925 silver perfectly combines the strength and color of pure silver. All silver samples that have a higher copper content than 925 silver have great strength, but at the same time lose the natural color of pure silver.
925 sterling silver has a high silver content and is considered high-grade silver. Low-grade silver easily oxidizes, is less polished and is difficult to clean when dirty.
Of course, pure 999 silver is the best silver from an investment point of view. Therefore, it is very profitable to buy pure 999 silver in silver bank bars. Jewelry is not typically made from sterling silver because it is a fairly soft metal.
But the 925 sterling silver alloy is better suited for wide use in jewelry. 925 sterling silver is the favorite standard of silver among jewelers. It is in great demand among silver connoisseurs.
Most silver items are made from this sample. Various jewelry, silverware, collectible and investment coins are made from 925 silver alloy. Not all existing silver samples are widely used. Some of them are almost never used, although they exist.
In Russia, the following silver samples are widely used: 800, 830, 875, 925, 960 and 999.
The most expensive products are made from an alloy of pure 999 silver. However, pure silver, although expensive, is easily deformed, scratched and dented.
Therefore, the best jewelry standard is 925 silver. 925 silver has various proper names.
It may be referred to as sterling silver, sterling silver, standard silver, silver standard, coin silver, or simply sterling.
Sterling silver gets its name from an old English silver coin.
Such silver coins, minted in medieval England, turned out to be of very high quality.
Silver samples: which type is better
Silver is a metal that is little susceptible to oxidation and corrosion. That is why it is a popular material for making jewelry, dishes and other products.
But the material has high ductility and low hardness. Therefore, in most cases it is used in the form of alloys.
Silver samples are important information about the metal content of an alloy. There are several testing systems.
In Russia, the metric notation system has been adopted. It is accepted in countries such as Germany and France, the CIS countries and those countries that have signed the Convention on the Control and Hallmarking of Precious Metals. It is worth noting that this system is the most accurate, since it gives a clear percentage of the precious metal and alloying additives in the product.
By definition, fineness is the amount of pure silver in an item per 1000 grams. For example: a product with hallmark number 800 contains 800 grams of silver and 200 grams of other metals. Hallmark is also called a hallmark on a silver item.
The main additional metals in silver products are copper, nickel, aluminum and zinc.
There are alloys with other components. Copper gives a characteristic yellow tint to the product, and a large number of other impurities can cause the product to be susceptible to corrosion and oxidation. At the same time, impurities make it possible to better achieve the required physical characteristics for a particular product.
Alloys with different percentages of silver and other metals are used in different areas of production.
The table of silver samples shows the properties and main characteristics of the alloys that are used most often.
Sample Composition, % Advantages Disadvantages Scope of application Silver Alloying impurities 999 99.9 0.01 High ductility Easy to bend or break, oxidizes and darkens Ingots and collectible coins 960 96.0 4.0 Does not oxidize in air Quickly loses attractiveness Jewelry 925 92 .5 7.5 Retains its shape well and allows for filigree work, a beautiful white shade Softness Jewelry 916 91.6 8.4 Does not oxidize in air Quickly loses its appearance Jewelry, cutlery coated with enamel 875 87.5 12.5 Increased strength Inability to perform delicate jewelry work Household silver, cutlery, economy class jewelry 830 83.0 17.0 High strength and casting qualities Easily oxidizes and darkens, has a yellow tint Tableware 800 80.0 20.0 High strength and casting qualities Rapid oxidation and acquisition of a yellowish tint Cutlery, household items 777 77.7 12.3 High hardness, strength and ductility; rich color and pleasant shine Not found in any hallmark standard Jewelry industry Precious metals include silver with hallmarks:
How to choose good silver
Silver products are very popular. They amaze with their beauty, diversity and affordability.
In addition, the last couple of years have been at the peak of fashion.
How to choose a good silver ring that does not lose its attractive shine and does not darken, what you need to pay attention to when choosing silver products - we will talk about this in this article.
The first important indicator of any silver product is its fineness. Only 925 silver is used in jewelry. According to standards, 925 standard is an alloy containing 92.5% noble metal.
There is also a higher standard of silver - 999: precious bars are made from such silver. What should a buyer see on the surface of a silver product when purchasing it in a store? First of all, there are two seals: the first is a hallmark, the second is a mark, indicating that the purity and quality of the metal was tested by the state.
The second point is the presence of a paper tag, which means a passport for the product. It contains the following information: sample, weight, quantity of the product, type of stone inserts, if any. Often the buyer is deceived by selling him a silver product in which zinc is used instead of copper.
The latter does not impart strength to the product and can also cause allergies in humans. To make sure that you have a quality product in front of you, you can conduct a number of experiments, but of course the client will not have the time or opportunity for this. Therefore, you should carefully read the product passport to see if it contains the “Zinc free” mark.
If such a mark is present, then the product contains zinc-containing alloys, which significantly reduces the strength and cost of the jewelry. There are also quick analysis methods that allow you to determine the authenticity of silver.
This:
- Silver is never attracted to a magnet.
- Silver darkens when exposed to regular iodine. Similar changes occur if the surface of a silver pendant is rubbed with school chalk.
- When in contact with human skin, a silver product does not leave marks on it.
- If a silver ring is immersed in hot water, it will acquire the same temperature as the water, since this metal has excellent heat-conducting qualities.
The most reliable and 100% method to check the authenticity of silver is the “silver test”, which allows you to evaluate the quality of the product and establish its purity. This approach is relevant if you are purchasing a very expensive silver item.
Source: https://arbitradv.ru/serebro-kakoj-proby-samoe-luchshee-v-ukrashenijah-85876/
Is 925 sterling silver good or bad?
Silver is one of the world's most popular precious metals. It is used to create jewelry, cutlery, decorating objects, and for making coins. 925 silver is also called sterling silver.
.925 means it contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% one or more other metals . Copper is the most common addition to create an alloy.
Is 925 sterling silver good or bad? Is it worth buying products made from this metal? If you are concerned about such questions, read this article to the end.
What does "sterling silver" mean? Where did this name come from?
Archaeologists have found evidence that silver alloys were used as early as the third millennium BC. Medical and surgical instruments were made from it, because many people know that it has an antiseptic effect. The main quality of this metal is its plasticity, thanks to which any objects, as well as small parts, can be formed from it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrB9y-aUNEE
The name comes from the name of the alloy "Sterling", from which silver coins of one pound were made. The denomination meant the exact weight of 240 coins. If the weight of 240 coins was less, this indicated a fake or that the coins were quite old and therefore lost in weight.
Beginning in 1840, sterling silver became the most popular metal for cutlery in the United States and Europe. The number of factories grew very quickly to meet demand. At the height of this “hobby”, 1870-1920.
, dinners in palaces and rich estates grew from three main dishes to ten, in order to demonstrate a variety of expensive products and serving items.
Serving in those days could include many items: 5 forks, 6 spoons, 5 knives, as well as a napkin ring, goblet, cauldron, bowl and saucer.
Jewelry has also maintained its popularity and value for thousands of years. Sterling silver, unlike gold, was not very expensive, which was good news. When crafted with great skill and extraordinary artisan design, this amazing metal elevates any element added to it - from the humble amber to precious stones.
How to clean 925 silver items?
The best way to keep your jewelry clean is to wear it often. However, humidity and storage also play an important role. After all, 925 silver oxidizes over time and acquires a dark gray color, which is easy to remove in the early stages.
There are several simple cleaning methods:
- • A popular method is to use a special liquid cleaner. It can be purchased at any jewelry store. Place a piece of 925 silver in a small bowl and stir it. After some time (usually written in the instructions for the cleaning product), the original color and shine will be restored.
- • A special polishing cloth, which is sold in stores, will also help restore the former beauty of your products.
- • Another great method for cleaning sterling silver jewelry at home is using toothpaste. Apply a little paste to an old toothbrush or a piece of soft cloth, then rub the toothpaste in with light movements. Leave the product for a few minutes and rinse with running water. To clean the chain, apply a thin layer of toothpaste along the entire length and pull it through a cloth or paper napkin, then rinse it too.
- • Cleaning with aluminum foil works great. Fill the container halfway with hot water, add 1 tablespoon of salt or soda (one tablespoon per glass), dissolve it. Throw a few strips of aluminum foil into a bowl. Place the silver items and leave for 20-30 minutes. After such manipulations, rinse the jewelry with water; there is no need to rub them. This method can be repeated several times if all contaminants cannot be removed.
If you couldn’t remove something or you are afraid of damaging the exhibit, you can take it to a jewelry store - the master will easily help you with this and will do everything very well.
What is the difference between silver, white gold and platinum?
Silver, platinum and white gold are considered “white” metals, although they all have a similar appearance. They are difficult to distinguish by appearance, but they are completely different in composition. Sterling silver is the least expensive of these. With proper care and cleaning, it can well serve as an alternative to white gold and platinum.
White gold is a harder metal and is often used as a base for gemstones. It is durable, does not fade, and retains its shine. However, gold is significantly more expensive and is typically reserved for more elegant jewelry items such as wedding rings.
Platinum is the hardest and most durable white metal, often used for rings and small braids. However, the durability and appearance of platinum is reflected in its cost. A $30 .925 sterling silver ring would cost about $200 in white gold. If it were made of platinum, the price would be about $600.
Sometimes there are cases when silver products can cost several times more than platinum and gold - these are old antique jewelry or cutlery. They carry a great history, the names of great masters, marks of famous factories and are highly valued. Such exhibits are very prestigious and unique of their kind.
As a result, we can say that 925 sterling silver is one of the cheapest, but at the same time beautiful and durable metals.
Source: https://metropolart.ru/spravochnik-antikvariata/serebro-925-proby-eto-ploho-ili-horosho/
What is the best standard of gold?
When purchasing jewelry, the buyer often thinks about what grade of gold is better. People who do not understand precious things believe that the higher the standard stamped on the product, the better it is.
But jewelers and experts in precious metals claim that there are samples of gold and silver that are not intended for creating jewelry.
High-grade alloys are expensive, but products made from them are not particularly strong, quickly deform and become unusable.
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Properties of gold and assay system
Gold is the most popular metal on our planet throughout human history. Items made from it are not cheap, but few people can resist pampering themselves with at least one ring. Solar metal has always been highly valued. Previously, only noble people with a solid fortune and a certain status in society could afford it. Gold has the following properties:
- plasticity (it itself is very soft, foreign impurities are added to give it hardness);
- excellent thermal conductivity (quickly reaches human body temperature);
- high conductivity of electric current;
- healing abilities (used in traditional and folk medicine).
In order to understand which gold is better, you should understand what samples exist and how they differ from each other. In the countries of the post-Soviet space, jewelers today use the following hallmarks: 375, 500, 585, 750, 958 and 999. According to generally accepted standards, the hallmark should be affixed in the form of a mark on a piece of jewelry.
Each marking indicates certain characteristics of the solar alloy and has its own advantages and disadvantages.
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Low-grade alloys: pros and cons
The cheapest on the domestic precious jewelry market is 375 gold.
Marking 375 means that 1 gram of metal from which earrings, a ring or other precious goods is smelted contains only 37.5 mg of pure gold, and the remaining 62.5 mg contains various kinds of additives (noble and base metals), which In jewelry, it is commonly called a ligature.
Silver and copper are most often added as alloying impurities to the 375 sample. Thanks to them, the jewelry alloy turns out to be extremely durable, and items made from it can serve their owners for a long time without breaking or becoming scratched.
A low-quality product fades and loses its luster over time.
Low-grade gold has one very significant drawback: it quickly tarnishes and darkens, and jewelry made from it ceases to be attractive. The high content of copper in the alloy gives it a reddish tint, which not all connoisseurs of jewelry beauty like. Its cost is the lowest, so it attracts people with modest incomes who cannot afford more expensive jewelry.
The noble alloy, which is marked with the mark 500, contains equal parts of gold and alloying additives (as in the previous version, they are most often copper and silver). Gold 500 purity is practically not used in the production of jewelry due to poor casting characteristics. The high copper content gives the jewelry a reddish tint.
If a person nevertheless comes across earrings or a chain made of 500 gold in a jewelry store, then he should take into account that these objects will soon turn black and lose their noble radiance.
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Samples 585 and 750: advantages
What is the most common gold? It is rightfully considered the 585 sample, consisting of 58.5% pure precious metal and 41.5% alloy (copper, nickel, silver, palladium). It successfully combines the durability required by jewelry and an eye-catching sunny shine that does not fade over many years. Most items sold in domestic jewelry outlets are made from this material.
Thanks to different ratios of alloying additives, 585 gold acquires unusual shades. Today it is difficult to surprise anyone with jewelry in pink, red, white, green and even blue.
The material is used to make exquisite rings, earrings, chains and bracelets, which attract the attention of even the most capricious buyers with their beauty. 585 standard is the gold standard in modern Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union. It replaced the 583rd sample - the best gold in the vastness of the USSR.
The cost of jewelry marked 585 is quite affordable for the population, so people who want to purchase a quality product at an affordable price choose the gold standard.
What other gold is of high quality? This is the 750 sample, which contains 75 mg of solar metal per gram. The main alloys used here are platinum, silver, nickel, and copper. Due to the high gold content, the metal is not as strong as its lower grade counterparts, but its casting properties are at a high level.
Expensive and very sophisticated jewelry is made from an alloy marked 750. World-famous jewelry brands love to use it in the production of their products: for famous jewelers, such an alloy is the best sample from which they can make truly status items.
But due to the high content of pure gold, this material is expensive and jewelry made from it is available only to rich people.
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High-grade gold: features
Sometimes buyers in jewelry stores think that the best standard of gold is the one that contains a minimum amount of ligature. These people are often interested in goods that have the number 958 on their stamp. But a high standard does not mean good. For 1 mg of precious metal there is 95.8 mg of pure gold.
The proportion of alloying impurities here is insignificant, so products made of this alloy will quickly become scratched and bent if handled carelessly. Considering the impracticality of the material, craftsmen rarely use it in the production of jewelry. Most often, such gold in jewelry can only be found in the form of decorative inserts framed in a more durable alloy.
It has a characteristic yellow color without any extraneous shades and looks very elegant and noble.
What is the highest quality gold? This is the metal marked 999. It is distinguished by its pure yellow color and has the highest cost. It is used extremely rarely in jewelry production due to its softness.
In the old days in Russia, wedding rings were cast from gold of the highest standard. To prevent them from deforming and bending, they were made massive.
This noble metal was also used to make sheets of gold leaf - an expensive material used to decorate the domes of churches and the walls of palaces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8ppCrJY2tc
Today, master jewelers use 999 standard mainly for making inserts for various jewelry. Why, then, is this noble metal needed if it is difficult to use in the jewelry industry? 999 fine gold is best for monetary investments. It is used to make bars of various weights, which are purchased by people interested in financial investments.
Having figured out what types of gold there are, you can try to determine which sample is best to purchase.
If the purpose of the purchase is an inexpensive product, then it is advisable for a person to opt for a low-grade alloy, remembering that after 2-3 years the item made from it will lose its attractive appearance.
Products marked 585 and 750 are considered the most successful purchase, since over time they will not lose their shape and shine. But for people who are accustomed to investing in precious metals, the best purchase will be an ingot of the highest 999 standard.
If the buyer is interested in which gold is better in terms of price-quality ratio, then experts will unanimously advise him to buy 585-carat jewelry: the relatively low price and excellent characteristics make this type of alloy the most common among luxury lovers.
Source: https://grammzolota.ru/proby/samaya-luchshaya-horoshaya-byivaet.html
The best standard of gold: what is it?
Products made from precious metals are a good way to preserve your funds. The main advantage of jewelry made from yellow metal is its virtually unlimited service life, which does not affect the quality and its main characteristics of the jewelry, such as color and strength. Lost shine can always be restored. The biggest disadvantage is the rapid loss of relevance and popularity of the decoration design.
The yellow metal of each sample has corresponding characteristics. Let's try to understand the most popular types on the Russian market.
Modern samples
375 the alloy contains no more than 38% pure precious metal. The ligature is mainly an alloy of copper and silver. Jewelry of 375 standard is especially durable, but very quickly loses its original shine.
Due to the high amount of copper they are prone to tarnishing. In the karat system, this gold is identical to 9 carats. Its cost is the lowest. According to many people, the best standard of gold is 999.
For products made from it, the opposite is true - the alloy remains bright and shining for a long time, but often bends and scratches.
500 — the alloy contains 50% pure precious metal, which is equal to 12 carats. Jewelers do not like to use it, since the alloy has poor casting ability. The shade of this alloy depends on the content of silver and copper in its composition, which is an additional difficulty in the production of jewelry. Products made from this gold sample fade a little after several years of use. Yellow metal 500 has a low price.
585 try. The composition of the alloy contains 58 and a half percent of pure precious metal, the rest is made up of alloy metals - nickel and palladium, silver, copper. It is more durable and does not become dull after a while. Gold 585 corresponds to 14 carats. The low cost of 585 gold products makes their purchase accessible to consumers with any wallet, so many rightfully believe that this is the best standard of gold.
The addition of alloy metals makes it possible to obtain different colors of 585 standard: red, white or green. This precious metal is a kind of gold standard in the jewelry industry of Russia and other post-Soviet countries. Previously, this standard was the old, one might say the best gold standard for that period - 583, which was replaced in 1995 by the 585th.
750 - has an alloy of 75% pure gold and other metals - copper, silver, platinum and nickel. It corresponds to 18 carats. The precious metal in these products is moderately strong and has good malleability, which is convenient for jewelry processing.
Due to the high content of pure gold, products are not only prestigious, but also not cheap. The high cost makes jewelry made of 750 standard unaffordable for many consumers of the yellow metal.
958 - a high-quality alloy containing 95.8 shares of pure gold, which corresponds to 23 carats. The hue of 958 gold is almost indistinguishable from the color of pure yellow metal.
Jewelry has a very soft structure, so it quickly loses its beautiful appearance and is subject to rapid scratches and chips. The jewelry industry does not often make items using 958 alloy.
The cost of such gold is quite high and almost identical to the price of pure metal.
999 – the highest of all, corresponds to 24 carats in the international carat system. This alloy is never used by jewelers. Sometimes in jewelry, a precious metal of this standard is used in the form of various inserts, which are surrounded by more durable and wear-resistant gold, usually a 585 alloy. The price of 999 is the highest of all that jewelers use.
Which samples are preferred in different countries?
In Europe, there is a carat system in which one carat corresponds to one twenty-fourth of the gold in the alloy. In the countries of the former USSR, the metric system is used to determine mass when pure gold in an alloy is measured in grams.
Now in Russia and Ukraine, many jewelry connoisseurs prefer 585 standard, much less often 750. In Europe, on the contrary, products with 750 and higher are popular.
Gold 585 is popular only in the former USSR countries; 750 is preferred abroad.
In Italy, products of at least 750 standard are quoted. Although these jewelry are certainly beautiful, Italians do not wear them every day, but limit themselves to costume jewelry and decorate themselves only on special occasions.
750 gold standard, accepted in the Russian Federation, differs from the European standard. The ligature of this alloy in Europe contains a larger amount of silver, while ours contains more copper. Therefore, our gold is red in color and more durable, while European gold is more yellow in color.
THE LAW IN SWITZERLAND PROHIBITS THE SALE OF PRODUCTS LESS THAN 750 fineness.
Any piece of jewelry in the Russian Federation or abroad must have a stamp that contains information about the corresponding hallmark. And in some countries, jewelry also contains information about the manufacturer.
When deciding to purchase jewelry or invest in gold, you must first of all decide what grade of gold is preferable. It is better to buy products by first studying the typical composition of jewelry in the country in which the purchase will be made.
It would be useful to inquire about the composition of the alloy and the amount of impurities in the jewelry, so that in the future it will not only be a beautiful decoration, but also a profitable investment.
Source: http://www.999gold.ru/news/view/672
All about 925 silver: composition and quality, what is the price per gram, how to properly care for the product
Often participants in specialized jewelry forums are interested in the question: what is included in the composition of the 925 alloy. The yellow precious metal in its pure form has a purity of 999, but it is not used in the production of jewelry, since pure gold is easily subject to unnecessary deformation. Jewelry is made from alloys, one of which is 925 standard.
In order to determine the metal by sample, you need to know what assay systems for gold and silver exist.
In Russia and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a system has been adopted according to which the following samples of yellow precious metal are distinguished:
- 375, which has a reddish tint, turning into grayish when polishing is lost;
- 583rd, which is an alloy of gold and copper, due to which a reddish tint predominates in it;
- 585th, which has different shades from red and pink to yellow and white;
- 750th, which includes silver and copper;
- 958th, bright yellow alloy.
Silver standards accepted in Russia are as follows:
- 800th;
- 830th;
- 875th;
- 925th;
- 960th.
925 silver is called differently:
- Sterling silver;
- silver standard;
- standard silver;
- sterling.
Pure silver, which does not contain any impurities, is a very soft metal. That is why it is unsuitable for the production of jewelry, coinage and other things. To give silver strength, copper is dissolved in it. But this combination leads to the loss of the natural shine that silver is endowed with.
The silver alloy, which contains 92.5% pure precious metal, holds the shape of the product well, is not damaged, and also allows you to enjoy the natural white color inherent in natural silver.
The alloy number 925 may contain not only copper, but also, for example:
- platinum;
- germanium;
- zinc;
- silicon.
925 silver is marked with the word “sterling” and is marked with a special sign, the image options of which depend on the country of origin.
The following compositions can be used when marking sterling silver:
- sterling;
- sterling silver
- ster;
- 925.
Often, 925 silver is coated with a layer of white rhodium or an oxide film, which allows it to resist corrosion of the precious metal or change its color.
Depending on the nature of the coating, the following types of silver are distinguished:
- rhodium-plated;
- oxidized;
- blackened;
- with enamel;
- other.
Rhodinated 925 sterling silver has a bright white color, while oxidized sterling silver takes on the appearance of antique silver. Blackened silver is a precious metal covered with niello. Any coating allows you to create new styles and types of silver.
Silver in its pure form is a heavy, shiny, white metal with a unique reflective ability - about 95% of the entire visible part of the spectrum. It is this property of silver that has led to one of the most common areas of its use - the production of mirrors.
The density of silver is 10.5 g/cm3, which is almost half the density of gold, several units less than the density of lead, but heavier than copper and iron.
The main physical properties of silver include:
- the presence of the highest thermal conductivity among all metals;
- unique electrical conductivity;
- the melting point is 961°C (the lowest among all precious metals), which allows it to be processed by smelting.
The chemical properties of silver include:
- inertness of the metal - in its natural state it does not interact with other substances;
- Among precious metals, silver is the most reactive metal;
- the substance has the ability to dissolve in nitric acid, as well as in hot concentrated sulfuric acid and mercury;
- unlike platinum and gold, it does not dissolve in aqua regia.
How to care
Features of caring for silver depend on the specific factors that have a negative impact on the precious metal.
Darkening of silver can be caused by:
- increased air humidity;
- storing products next to sulfur-containing drugs;
- when worn – deterioration of the owner’s health;
- interaction with cosmetics and perfumes.
Basic principles of care:
- When cleaning silver, you should never use rough sponges or abrasives;
- regular care involves initially soaking the products in soapy water, followed by rinsing, removing excess moisture and polishing with suede;
- For proper care, you should use products specially designed for this purpose.
Caring for 925 sterling silver has some features.
Firstly, it is best to care for such products using a special product - Silbertauschbader. Instructions for using this product are included in the kit. There are many different alternatives to this substance, but this is the one that is most effective.
Secondly, to clean silver of this standard, under no circumstances should you use citric acid and lemon juice, which are suitable for cleaning silver of lower standards.
Meanwhile, 925 silver can, for example, be cleaned with ammonia. To do this, you need to add this substance to water at the rate of 1 milliliter per 10 milliliters of water. After this, immerse the product in the solution for half an hour, remove it, rinse it under running water, and wipe it with a soft cloth.
How is it different from 999?
The 999th standard of silver means that the alloy contains absolutely no impurities or additives, that is, it is a pure precious metal, in our case, silver. This precious metal is not suitable for use in jewelry; it is a soft, fusible substance.
Pure silver is an excellent material for various types of production, but not for jewelry.
925 standard is the highest possible standard of silver for jewelry. This alloy contains a minimum amount of ligature - up to 75 parts out of 1000, which gives such jewelry a universal shine and beauty.
Price
To calculate the price of 925 silver, you need to know how much one gram of pure silver costs. For calculations, let’s take the data from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation on silver for July 31, 2015 - 27.77 rubles per gram.
Total we get: 27.77x925/1000 = 25.69 rubles - the cost of one gram of 925 silver.
Thus, we learned that 925 standard means that the product is made of silver; this alloy contains 92.5% silver, the rest is an alloy, which can be in the form of platinum, copper, germanium, zinc, silicon. This silver sample is durable and easy to melt, which allows you to produce unique jewelry.
Source: https://makdrag.ru/dragocennie/vse-o-925-probe-serebra-osobennosti-splava-gde-primenyaetsya-i-stoimost-izdelij-iz-dragmetalla.html
The best silver jewelry - TOP 5 manufacturers
Jewelry has always been an ideal gift choice for both women and men. At the same time, since ancient times, silver products have been valued not only for their beauty and grace - they were attributed with all sorts of magical and healing properties. Nowadays, silver jewelry is not only an excellent gift, but also an indicator of the good taste of the giver.
If you are choosing jewelry for yourself or a loved one, this article will be useful to you, because it provides comprehensive information on how to choose real silver, as well as a rating of the most famous and popular manufacturers with a good level of product quality.
Types of silver in jewelry
Silver products differ not only in shape and appearance, but the material in them may also differ. There are eight options for processing silver in jewelry:
- Regular oxide-free, uncoated silver. It oxidizes quite quickly and changes color to a darker one, therefore, it needs regular cleaning.
- Silver with a pure silver surface coating without added impurities. This type of coating prevents excessively rapid darkening, but also requires cleaning, although not as often as the usual option.
- Silver plated with rhodium (platinum group metal). It is called rhodium-plated silver - with this coating, the jewelry acquires a more pronounced metallic luster and becomes not susceptible to oxidation.
- Silver treated with sulfur is called oxidized or “blackened.” The material, “aged” in a special way, gives jewelry a noble appearance.
- Silver processed like gun metal. At the same time, the appearance of the product begins to resemble weapons-grade steel. It is used in massive, heavy, mainly men's jewelry.
- Silver with gilding. It is characterized by the fragility of the coating and requires special storage conditions and infrequent wear.
- Partial gilding of silver items “with diamond edges”. It differs from the previous version in the absence of coating in places of contact with the body and on the locking part. A more durable variety.
- Silver with soldered gold plates and inserts. This version of mixed materials in the product is the most durable and is not subject to abrasion.
If you want to make a spectacular gift, turn your attention to platinum products. Read The best platinum jewelry - TOP 5 world brands →
What details to focus on when purchasing
What you need to check when choosing jewelry:
- First of all, the product must have a sample. The numbers embossed in the metal indicate the amount of silver in the alloy from which the jewelry is made. Products with 925 purity, which contain 92.5% pure silver, are considered the highest quality, reliable and durable. This percentage is called the sterling standard.
- In addition to the sample, the authenticity of the jewelry is confirmed by a stamp. In Russia it looks like an image of a woman wearing a kokoshnik.
- Availability of a certificate and other documentation. When purchasing jewelry in specialized stores, all documents are given to you in person. You should not take risks purchasing silver from dubious places or from hand to hand.
- The price of jewelry cannot be too low. You can focus on the price of silver according to the Central Bank. The finished product, for which the cost of manufacturing is added to the cost of the material, cannot be cheaper than this level.
How to determine the authenticity of silver
There are several ways to find out if you're really digging the silver jewelry. At the same time, you do not need a chemical laboratory - it is easy and simple to carry out the test right in the store:
- Silver has a high level of thermal conductivity. If you rub it in your hands or bring it to something hot, it will quickly heat up.
- Touching the surface with any sharp object should not leave any visible marks.
- With intense friction, a large amount of excess impurities will leave marks on the skin.
Checking using additional tools:
- Alcohol solution of iodine. The drop will not affect the silver item in any way; other jewelry may change color - this depends on the presence of zinc in the impurities
- Sulfuric ointment. Silver darkens when exposed to sulfur - this is how it is oxidized.
- Lapis (silver nitrate) in pencil. A low-quality product will darken under its influence.
- Chalk (calcium carbonate). If you run regular school chalk across the surface, a black line will appear on the fake decoration.
Also read The best gold jewelry - TOP Russian manufacturers →
Choosing jewelry depending on external data
There are some simple recommendations on how to choose a piece of jewelry that will truly adorn its owner.
Earrings
Earrings should be chosen based on your face shape. The large size and round shape of the earrings will suit a long face, and vice versa. Well-defined cheekbones and a sharp chin will go well with geometric shapes in jewelry. Also pay attention to the color of your eyes so that the color of the jewelry matches it.
Chains
First of all, the length and weave are determined. The length of a women's chain should be, on average, twice the circumference of the neck, approximately 45 cm. At the same time, short wide models are suitable for women with a long neck, and long and narrow models are suitable for those with a short neck. Men's chains are more massive, about 55 cm long. Weaving is a matter of taste, however, a young woman should not choose an overly pretentious option. In addition, complex weaves are difficult to repair.
Read The best gold jewelry - TOP 10 global manufacturers →
Bracelets
When choosing, you should pay attention to the size of the wrist and hands in general. A wide wrist requires a wide bracelet, possibly with inlay. You should definitely check whether the stones are well secured and whether they do not move in the grooves when pressed. A narrow, skinny wrist can be emphasized with a narrow bracelet, although oversized bracelets can look just as good - it depends on the look. When trying on, the bracelet should not fit tightly to the skin and squeeze the hand.
Rings
Match the rings to the length of your fingers and phalanges. The longer the length, the more massive the jewelry you can afford.
The rating includes the TOP 5 manufacturers of silver jewelry. Brand recognition, cost and quality of products, as well as customer reviews are taken into account.
5 – Amorem
A Russian company that quickly gained popularity, created in 2012. Their most recognizable product was initially rope bracelets with silver inserts. However, now the brand is promoted and has a large assortment for all groups of the population.
- Products are tested, 925 silver is used
- The basis of the concept is jewelry with meaning
buyers 3.73.
| pros | Minuses |
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4 - Jewelry Palace
This brand is registered in Beijing, China. The store specializes in online sales around the world through AliExpress. The assortment includes a huge selection of all kinds of silver jewelry and sets.
- Made using 925 sterling silver, there is an imprint
- The scale of production in China is extremely large, you can always find the jewelry you like
buyers 4.15.
| pros | Minuses |
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3 – Sokolov
The history of this Russian brand goes back more than 25 years. In 1993, the creators registered the Diamant brand, which in 2014 transformed into Sokolov.
- Products are made exclusively from 925 standard bank metal
- The jewelry has manufacturer's code and hallmark stamps.
- Modern European technologies are used in the creation
buyers 4.39.
| pros | Minuses |
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2 - PANDORA
This company was founded in Denmark in 1982. This brand became world famous for its bracelet model with removable elements (charms), allowing the buyer to create his own unique piece of jewelry. A representative office in Russia was opened nine years ago.
- The company's production is located in Thailand
- There are currently more than 800 charms in the collection
buyers 4.43.
| pros | Minuses |
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1 - Tiffany&Co
The history of the Tiffany jewelry company goes back more than 180 years; it was created in the USA in 1837. Over the many decades of its existence, the company has had both ups and downs, but today this brand is considered almost the most recognizable in the world.
- The first company in history to use 925 sterling silver as the basis for jewelry
- Several jewelry collections are released annually, all of them are unique.
- The company was one of the first to acquire its own style - the brand’s famous turquoise-blue hue is registered as a trademark
buyers 4.86.
| pros | Minuses |
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Source: https://mtop.info/women/luchshie-ukrasheniya-iz-serebra/
