What metals are used in jewelry

What are jewelry alloys and where are they used?

Precious metals, in addition to their high prices, have technical disadvantages. In their pure form, gold, silver and platinum are soft, the surface quickly loses its shine. According to experts, it is more profitable to use jewelry alloys for the production of costume jewelry, because these are expensive metals, but with additives that improve their qualities.

Jewelry alloy is used to make jewelry. It does not differ in appearance from gold of various types, however, it is cheaper because it does not include expensive metals in its composition, but is only coated with them.

Jewelry alloy decoration

What is jewelry alloy

Gold jewelry alloys are the most common , but many people do not know what they are and what elements are included in their composition . Their main component is gold, the content of which varies between 75–98%. The following additional components can be used: silver, copper, palladium, platinum. By adding additional metals, you can make an alloy with any shade - from red to light yellow, greenish.

Jewelry alloys are used to make expensive jewelry. They are used to make products with precious stones:

• rings;
• necklace;
• earrings;
• tiaras;
• tie clips;
• cufflinks

Ferrous metals, iron-carbon alloys with additions of chromium and nickel, are not considered jewelry, but they are used to make cheap products that imitate white gold and platinum. Stainless steel and surgical steel began to be used for the manufacture of various accessories with the advent of modern, grunge, and punk styles in youth fashion. The alloy does not darken from moisture and does not cause allergies.

Alloy composition

Costume jewelry is made from compounds of non-ferrous metals. Outwardly, they do not differ from gold or platinum and even repeat their shade. Such jewelry alloy requires the same care as jewelry. It is resistant to moisture, but reacts with cosmetics and iodine. According to technical characteristics, the material is durable, easy to weld and process.

The coating on all groups of jewelry alloys is made of the same metals - galvanic gold, rhodium.

In the production of jewelry alloys, in addition to gold, the following can be used:

• platinum;
• silver;
• cadmium;
• palladium;
• copper;
• zinc.

Basically, the amount of additives does not exceed 10%. The exception is silver. The greater its composition, the more plastic and lighter the alloy becomes. When the silver content exceeds 30%, gold becomes light, whitish-yellow, with a greenish tint.

gold in the alloy is indicated by the fineness in parts per thousand.
Fineness 916 means 91.6% gold, the rest is ligature. The numbers 999 indicate a chemically pure substance. PRECIOUS METALS AND ALLOYS.
TYPES OF COATINGS Composition based on copper, zinc and brass imitates gold. Depending on the proportion of components, it can be from red-red to yellow.

Tin-based jewelry alloy is widely used for making jewelry in platinum and white gold. The technology has ancient roots. The following are added as alloying substances:

• copper for ductility;
• antimony for brightness;
• aluminum for shine and strength.

Lead and nickel present in older products are prohibited by the International Standard. They cause allergies. To reduce the cost of the material, zinc is added to it.

Rings made of different metals

Alloy coating

Jewelry based on tin and non-ferrous metals is coated with a thin layer of gold, silver and platinum. The spraying thickness is thousandths of mm. As a result, costume jewelry takes on the appearance of a product made from noble materials and is protected from oxidation.

To add shine, strength, and aesthetic appearance, jewelry is coated with:

Gold alloy is soft, easily damaged by hard objects, and darkens from water and other substances. Platinum quickly loses its luster without a protective coating. Only rhodium is stable, hard, does not react to moisture, fats, acids and does not lose its shine over time.

The cost of rhodium is significantly higher than other noble metals. It is very hard and difficult to process. To protect products made from jewelry and gold alloys, rhodium coating is used. The coating is produced in galvanic baths.

Eloxal is sometimes used as a material for making jewelry. But more often it is used as a reliable and decorative protective coating. Sputtering of aluminum oxide - Al2O3 is first laid down in a thin layer. Then, as its thickness increases, it becomes porous. It holds paint poured into voids firmly, at the molecular level. This allows you not only to cover the product with a protective layer, but also to give it any color. After pressing, the surface begins to shine.

Varnish is mainly used to cover cheap items made from jewelry alloy and silver. The transparent layer does not allow moisture and other destructive substances to pass through and retains its shine. The coating lasts for a short time, several months, until it wears off.

Appearance

925 silver is called Sterling. It contains a ligature of 7.5% copper. Metals combine at a temperature of 894–900⁰. The alloy has the appearance of white gold or platinum, is easily processed, and takes on any shape. If desired, you can make blackening by replacing copper with germanium. The surface is smooth, shiny, and does not lose its appearance for a long time.

It is impossible to distinguish 925 silver from white gold externally. Products made from both materials are plated with rhodium, they have the same color and shine. You have to look at the mark. There is no such thing as 925 gold. If there is no marking, ask the seller for a certificate. Sterling silver is about half the price of gold.

Adding a small amount of alloy changes the properties of metals. They become more flexible and stronger. This allows you to create products with small details and filigree patterns. Externally, only a specialist can distinguish between a precious metal and a jewelry alloy .

Varieties

Jewelry alloy contains various components. For the manufacture of costume jewelry and other items, the following is usually used:

• bronze;
• brass;
• cupronickel;
• pewter;
• nickel silver.

Bronze is a compound of copper and zinc. It has a reddish red gold color. To impart various qualities, it is alloyed with aluminum, beryllium, silicon, and phosphorus.

Bronze is an alloy of two components of copper and zinc without additives. To produce the material, pure copper and galmey, zinc ore, are used. It is characterized by high strength and hardness.

Cupronickel is a complex alloy that contains non-ferrous metal:

• copper;
• manganese;
• iron;
• nickel.

Looks like silver. It is characterized by high hardness and strength. Requires constant care as it gets dark quickly.

Pewter is a tin-based alloy. The soft and pliable material is easily coated with silver and gold.

Nickel silver, a three-component alloy, consists of: zinc, copper, nickel. It is resistant to moisture and has a beautiful yellowish tint.

Where is it used?

Bronze is in demand in industry for the manufacture of gaskets, fittings, and decorative door handles. Cups and dishes are cast from it, and elements for window grilles and railings are made. Some countries use coins made of bronze.

Gears, decorative elements for furniture facades, taps, and O-rings are made from brass. Jewelry : chains, rings, earrings, bracelets and other accessories.

Cutlery, dishes, jugs, and dishes are made from cupronickel. Jewelry is often made in silver.

Replicas of items made from precious metals and various costume jewelry coated with precious metals are made from pewter alloys.

Medals and other awards are stamped from nickel silver. Alloys are used for the manufacture of parts of medical equipment and precision instruments. Nickel silver is used to make jewelry, guitar frets, and tableware. Often confused with cupronickel.

Advantages and disadvantages

As a result of combining various materials, the jewelry alloy acquires the necessary qualities. The appearance of the products allows you to produce jewelry with an expensive look at a budget price. Alloys made of non-ferrous metals are in demand in industry.

The main disadvantage of products made from jewelry alloys is the fragility of the coating. You need to handle rings and chains with care and constantly look after them. When the thin film wears off, the material begins to oxidize and deteriorate.

Source: https://metalloy.ru/splavy/yuvelirnye

Zinc alloy

Judging by archaeological finds made in India, China and Greece, humanity has been using zinc to produce various products since about the 7th century. Tools, jewelry and even weapons were made using zinc alloys, but people learned to separate zinc from impurities only 300 years ago. The metal ore contains less than 5% zinc.

Dangerous zinc impurities

It is necessary to separate zinc from impurities not only because of their effect on the working qualities of the metal, but also because many of them are harmful to humans.

Most often, zinc-containing ores contain impurities of the following metals:

• tin,
• cadmium,
• lead,
• iron,
• copper,
• arsenic,
• antimony.

The presence of most of these impurities makes zinc castings more durable, but negatively affects their ductility, resistance to corrosion and makes them more brittle and brittle.

• The presence of tin makes the alloy too brittle;
• The presence of cadmium reduces ductility;
• Lead promotes dissolution in acids;
• Iron inclusions make the alloy harder, but make the alloy less strong and complicate the melting process;
• The presence of copper also makes the alloy harder, but on the contrary improves the quality of casting, although it reduces ductility and resistance to corrosion;
• The presence of arsenic makes the alloy more brittle and less ductile;
• When a zinc alloy with an admixture of antimony is heated, the edges of the casting crack and the ductility decreases.

Types of zinc alloys and their properties

Alloys with various metals: copper, magnesium, aluminum, nickel are easily soldered and welded, have a lower melting point and are better poured into molds. Each of these metals affects the properties of the alloy in its own way and is used in different industries.

According to their purpose, zinc alloys are divided into the following types:

1. Deformable. Approximately 15% aluminum, 5% copper and less than 1% magnesium, similar in properties to brass, manufactured using fill or semi-continuous casting and subsequent production of sheet or rod material;
2. Foundries. They are obtained by adding no more than 3.5-4% copper and aluminum and a small amount (approximately 0.05%) magnesium to the metal, they are characterized by good fluidity and do not interact with the material of the casting mold, they are manufactured using injection molding or casting into molds;
3. Anti-friction. They contain more than 10% aluminum, about 5% copper and less than 0.1% magnesium, they are widely used in the manufacture of bearings, due to the low coefficient of friction, they are manufactured using injection molding;
4. Solders. Used for soldering aluminum. Depending on the brand, they may include aluminum, copper, cadmium, silver, lead and other metals, which are characterized by high strength and ductility, but are susceptible to corrosion;
5. Typographical. They contain up to 7.5% aluminum, slightly less than 2% magnesium and up to 4.5% copper, are durable and pour well into molds, and are used for casting typographic fonts;
6. Protective. They contain less than 1% aluminum and small amounts of magnesium or silicon, resist corrosion well in humid environments, and are used as protective metals in many industries.

Among the common and well-known zinc alloys are:

1. Brass. Zinc-copper alloy. Copper is the main component. Depending on the copper content, green, yellow and golden brass are distinguished. At temperatures above 300°C, brass may become deformed. There are also multi-component brasses; they are obtained by adding a number of other metals to the alloy.
2. TsAM. An alloy of zinc, aluminum and copper with a small amount of magnesium. They have a low melting point, cast well and make stronger products. The group of copper-zinc alloys with the addition of magnesium and aluminum used in industry is designated by the abbreviation TsAM. They melt at a relatively low temperature, and therefore pour well into molds. Products made from TsAM group alloys are much stronger.
3. Virenium is an alloy of copper and zinc with a small addition of nickel.

The influence of various metals on the properties of the alloy

Copper-zinc alloys are increasingly used in the manufacture of various industrial products, and the presence of metals such as magnesium, aluminum, and nickel improves their performance.

They are easier to process by soldering and welding, have a lower melting point and are better poured into molds. Each of these metals affects its properties in its own way and is used in different industries.

Is zinc alloy in jewelry harmful?

In their appearance, such jewelry resembles precious metals, so they are widely used in the jewelry industry. They are often used to make jewelry. Jewelry made from zinc alloys looks quite expensive, but due to its ease of processing, it is easy to manufacture.

There is a special zinc alloy that is used only for making jewelry; it is called “costume jewelry”; in the passport for jewelry there is even a mark “zinc alloy for costume jewelry.”

Brass or tombak (golden brass) is most often used in the production of costume jewelry; it is less susceptible to corrosion, therefore it is used in the production of more expensive jewelry. Jewelry made from an alloy of copper and zinc with the addition of aluminum looks very similar to silver.

For the manufacture of jewelry, zinc is used, purified from nickel, lead and other metals hazardous to humans. The passport for such jewelry must include a note indicating the absence of harmful impurities in the alloy from which it is made. Therefore, we can talk about the absolute safety of such jewelry for the people wearing them.

Does zinc alloy rust or not?

To prevent rust, jewelry containing zinc is treated with a special protective compound, and such jewelry can last quite a long time.

Is it getting dark or not?

True, zinc, interacting with atmospheric oxygen and various household liquids, including water, is susceptible to oxidation even at normal temperatures, which contributes to the darkening of zinc alloy products. Such jewelry can leave marks on clothing and skin, so they require additional care.

Also, to prevent oxidation, some manufacturers electroplate zinc products with gold or silver, but such treatment significantly increases the cost of jewelry.

Zinc deposits are quite common on earth, and despite its low content in ore and the difficulty of purifying it from impurities, the zinc obtained from it and its alloys with other metals are increasingly used in various industries.

Source: https://prompriem.ru/splavyi/cinkovyj.html

Metals, alloys and coatings used in the production of costume jewelry

To make jewelry, alloys of the following non-ferrous metals are used: tin, brass, copper, nickel, and some types of technical steels. The color of the product depends on which metal predominates.

TIN

If there is a lot of tin in the alloy, then the output is matte shades of gray. Such alloys are light, but not strong and brittle. Products of Chinese origin demonstrate similar quality.

When copper predominates in the alloy, the color turns out to be more brown, and the metal has an antique effect. A large presence of copper is typical for Czech jewelry.

When buying jewelry, do not forget that for copper compounds, oxidation in air is a natural process. Copper products darken over time, so they need to be cleaned regularly.

Methods for cleaning copper products include rubbing the surface with a soft cloth until polished. Never use solutions containing cleaning agents.

Similarly, brass is used, which is essentially a copper-based alloy. Products made of brass have yellowish-green shades with an admixture of gray. The color is somewhat similar to bronze, but may vary due to other components. Brass has found application in the manufacture of decorative elements in the antique style by Czech manufacturers.

Aluminum is also favored by jewelry manufacturers from the Czech Republic. It is close in color to steel, just as glossy and shiny. Steel added to alloys increases strength. Used in the production of fashion jewelry.

Nickel is an almost black metal. Easily oxidized. When contained in large proportions in the alloy, it can cause allergies. For this reason, many women refuse to wear Chinese-made jewelry.

Note that the basis for the jewelry of Czech companies was the tombak jewelry alloy (90% copper and about 10% zinc). It is characterized by a high degree of resistance to corrosion processes, as well as increased ductility. It does not contain nickel, which is dangerous to the body. Typically, earrings are made with studs made of titanium, which is a medical material that does not cause allergies.

All products manufactured in the Czech Republic are tested in accordance with Czech state standards.

 Galvanic baths

In the production of costume jewelry, galvanic baths are used. This coating is applied in special electrolytic baths with solutions of gold salts, while current is passed through. As a result of this electrochemical process, one metal is deposited on another.

These types of coatings have increased wear resistance, in contrast to foiling, spraying, and painting. This advantage is achieved through interatomic bonding. Only alloys of two metals can be stronger.

Galvanic coating is more durable and can give the decoration durability. For such coatings, copper is the most successful component, since the metal is not dangerous to the body. In terms of chemical and physical properties, this is the best option for coating precious metals. Galvanic coating has two more important advantages - aesthetics and cost-effectiveness.

 Plating with precious metals gives the products the appearance of jewelry, adding value to them in terms of design. The presence of precious metals in such small quantities, according to the legislation of the Russian Federation, does not give the status of “jewelry”, therefore they are not subject to special accounting and rules of circulation in the Russian Federation.

The percentage of gold content is very small (less than 20 microns), which does not lead to an increase in price. That is, the buyer takes almost a piece of jewelry at the price of costume jewelry.

The galvanic layer can disappear only together with the metal. This means that if there is mechanical damage, a copper layer will appear. Scratches and chips are also not desirable.

How to distinguish galvanic coating from other types?

The very boundary between the copper and gold layers is almost impossible to distinguish. Even if you deliberately scratch the product, for example, with pliers, you will not see this edge with the naked eye, since the metals interpenetrate each other. The same cannot be said about spraying or foiling.

Types of coatings

• containing rhodium, palladium, osmium (in expensive Czech and Italian collections, and the Jenavi collection);
• containing ruthenium (Korean and Italian collections);
• containing nickel (mainly Chinese jewelry);
• containing copper, bronze and brass (Italy and Czech Republic).

Only expensive Jenavi collections and costume jewelry of Czech and Italian origin are characterized by the presence of a galvanic layer of gold or silver from 0.1 to 0.3 microns. Such things do not darken with everyday wear and do not react with other elements from the air.

Silver

Not susceptible to oxidation even at elevated temperatures. It is worth noting that a thin film can appear during oxidation by oxygen plasma or ozone under the influence of UV rays. At high humidity with the presence of sulfur in the air, a dark coating can form. That is, the darkening of silver products is natural.

It is impossible to prevent blackening. You just need to constantly take care of your silver product and follow the tips for storing it. For example, silver items should not be placed next to an egg. Such proximity will turn silver black.

 How to clean silver-plated jewelry fittings

To clean silver-plated components, do not use abrasives. Only 925 sterling silver can be rubbed with force. But silver-plated fittings require more careful handling. Under mechanical stress, the silver plating layer can wear away and expose the base alloy.

To make silver-plated components shine again, there are several ways:

1. Blackened silver-plated fittings should be rubbed with a cloth designed for polishing jewelry. You can use flannel or cloth.
2. To clean the patina on antique silver fittings, you can use a mild soap solution, followed by rubbing dry with a soft cotton cloth.
3. You should not soak all the elements or the product with the solution at once.

   Try it first on a small area on an inconspicuous side, in case the product is not suitable.

Keep an eye on your jewelry and try to keep it in order!

Source: http://xn----dtbhcprkgsh3m.xn--p1ai/metally_v_bizhuternyh_splavah

What is jewelry made from and what is its value?

This word was used to describe counterfeit jewelry, but now this concept has a noble meaning, since costume jewelry is a separate class of jewelry and accessories. If we delve a little deeper into history, in the USSR there was no word “costume jewelry wholesale,” although there was the word “haberdashery,” which covered a wider range of products and goods, depending on their origin (plastic, jewelry haberdashery, leather goods).

Alloys for jewelry are alloys of non-ferrous metals with noble ones. They are used to make costume jewelry, as well as some jewelry. When adding any new elements to an existing alloy, the original appearance of the products is achieved. The resulting decorations are harder, stronger and more ductile, they are better welded and connected in the future.

Cupronickel. An alloy of copper, iron, nickel and manganese. The alloy of nickel and copper was known back in the 3rd century BC. e. Cupronickel silver looks like silver

Bronze. An alloy based on zinc and copper with different components. In the old days, tools, jewelry, weapons, and household items were made from zinc. In the Bronze Age, this metal was valued as silver and gold. Modern bronze alloy is a high-tech material that is alloyed with nickel, aluminum, zinc, beryllium, silicon, phosphorus, producing a metal with different chemical and physical characteristics, from which costume jewelry is made wholesale cheap in Moscow.

Nickel silver. An alloy of copper with zinc and nickel. With a large volume of nickel in its composition, the alloy has a white color with a bluish tint, as well as high resistance to corrosion. It is used in industry for the manufacture of medical instruments, parts of precision instruments, as well as for state awards and jewelry.

Similar to cupronickel, nickel silver is similar to silver, although much cheaper.
Pewter. Tin based alloy. In jewelry production, pewter is nickel and lead free. Silver and gilding work well on pewter products. By the way, jewelry made from this alloy was found in an Egyptian tomb in 1450 BC. e.

Brass. An alloy based on zinc and copper with various additives. As a rule, it has a yellowish tint. In the 19th century in Russia, brass was used as counterfeit gold.

Electroplating is the most common type of gilding of costume jewelry. This is a thin layer of metal that is applied to the surface of the product using galvanization. As a rule, silver, gold, and rhodium are used for coating.

“Artemal” - http://artemal.ru/ - offers costume jewelry at reasonable prices on favorable terms. The company produces products using modern equipment, as well as high-quality raw materials, so Artemal specialists guarantee reliability, durability of appearance, and durability of the products. In addition, the company provides a 5-year guarantee for gold plating.

Source: https://www.brd24.com/article/a-31838.html

Zinc alloy: special properties and main varieties

Thanks to archaeological excavations, it was discovered that zinc products began to be used around the 7th century AD. This metal was very common due to a number of useful properties. Zinc alloy can be made from various substances, which determine its characteristics. This material is used in various industries, including jewelry.

Properties and characteristics of zinc and zinc alloys

The characteristics of zinc alloys are largely determined by the properties of zinc. This metal is bluish in color, is not found in its pure form, and usually contains impurities that change its properties. Pure metal is obtained as a result of several reactions.

Zinc has the following chemical properties:

• When heated, it reacts with hydrogen sulfide and water to release hydrogen.
• Does not react with nitrogen and carbon.
• It reacts with alkalis to form zinc acid salts - zincates.

Zinc is a very durable material. Its ductility increases when heated. If it is heated by more than 210 degrees, this may change its shape. At low temperatures the substance melts.

What does zinc alloy look like?

The amount of impurities depends on the methods of metal extraction, the characteristics of its processing and the zinc grade. Most often you can find impurities in the form of nickel, chlorine, fluorine and lead. Usually, when creating zinc alloys, pure zinc is used, since the presence of impurities degrades the quality of the material:

• tin makes the alloy too brittle and brittle;
• in the presence of cadmium, the ductility of the material decreases;
• lead increases intercrystalline corrosion of the material and promotes its dissolution in acids;
• the presence of iron increases the hardness of alloys, but reduces their ductility;
• Arsenic causes the alloy to become brittle and non-ductile.

Therefore, to improve the characteristics of zinc alloys, zinc is first purified from impurities. And then they use pure metal, which is alloyed with various components.

Advantages and disadvantages

Most zinc alloys have the following advantages:

• they are very durable and are not damaged by mechanical stress;
• resistant to corrosion;
• have good casting qualities and can be used to create even small elements;
• Over time, they practically do not age.

However, even small amounts of impurities worsen the characteristics of the alloy. They lead to a decrease in melting point, swelling, and contribute to the appearance of cracks. Therefore, zinc alloys must be created in compliance with all technologies, and the amount of impurities in them should not exceed 0.005%.

Many people ask whether zinc alloys darken or not? This is another drawback of the material. Zinc alloys may darken over time. Moreover, the darkening usually spreads over the entire surface of the material. This is caused by the formation of an oxide film on the surface of the material. It forms at room temperature after contact with air or water. Therefore, to avoid this, electroplating is required.

Types of zinc alloys

Zinc can be alloyed with various substances, which will determine the properties of the resulting material. Alloying pure zinc with copper, aluminum and tin can improve its performance. The resulting composition will be of higher quality than the pure substance.

Copper and zinc

The copper-zinc alloy is called brass. This alloy has been known for a very long time. It was first made by alloying zinc ore and copper. It was only in the 18th century that an alloy of copper and zinc metal was first created.

Moreover, both components can be taken in different proportions. As a result, several types of brass are distinguished:

• Green. Contains 60% copper and 40% zinc.
• Golden. It contains 75% copper and 25% zinc.
• Yellow. Contains 67% copper and 33% zinc.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc

Brass lends itself well to pressure processing. It is characterized by high mechanical properties and good corrosion resistance. But in air, in salt water and carbon dioxide solutions, brass is unstable and quickly becomes covered with a dark oxygen film.

Externally, brass looks more beautiful than copper and is characterized by better corrosion resistance. But as the temperature rises, the intensity of corrosion also increases. It can be triggered by high air humidity, the presence of ammonia or sulfur dioxide. Therefore, to prevent corrosion, the material is subjected to low-temperature firing.

Brasses do not lose their properties when the temperature drops. This allows them to be used as a structural material. But at high temperatures (more than 200 degrees), phenomena of brittleness of brass can be observed.

Tin and zinc

The alloy of zinc and tin is characterized by high protective properties. Does zinc alloy with tin rust or not? This material is very resistant to corrosion. An alloy with 20-25% zinc and 75-80% tin has the best anti-corrosion properties.

Therefore, it can be used in conditions of high humidity, and its appearance will not deteriorate over time. The higher the zinc content in the alloy, the lower its corrosion resistance.

If the alloy contains 50% or more zinc, its corrosion resistance is close to that of pure zinc.

The alloy of tin and zinc has the following advantages:

• It is very ductile and can be easily soldered.
• The polishing of the deposit lasts for a long time.
• Has high corrosion resistance.

Due to the presence of the above properties, an alloy of tin and zinc is usually used in the electrical and radio industries. Products made from it are very durable and resistant to external influences.

Aluminum and zinc

Most often, an alloy of zinc, aluminum and copper is created, which is called TsAM. It also contains a small amount of magnesium.

This alloy has a low melting point and is easy to cast. Products made from it are very durable and resistant to the environment.

There are several high-quality zinc-aluminum alloys, which are designated TsAM 4-1, TsAM 4-3, TsAM 10-5 and others. They contain approximately the same amount of aluminum, but different amounts of magnesium, nickel and copper. The cost of an alloy of aluminum and zinc is lower than that of tin and zinc. Therefore, products made from it are much cheaper.

Scope of application

Zinc alloys are widely used. They are used in the following industries:

• In the automotive industry. Door handles, mirrors, and parts for car interior decoration are made from zinc alloys.
• When creating jewelry. Zinc is alloyed with gold, thereby increasing its ductility and malleability. This makes it easy to connect small parts to each other.
• In medicine. Zinc alloys are used to make medical furniture and devices. And zinc oxide is a good antiseptic, so it is added to various ointments and medicines.

Zinc alloy is used in automobile manufacturing

Thus, zinc and its compounds are used in many fields. But the substance is most widely used in the automotive industry.

Types of zinc alloys by purpose

According to their intended purpose, zinc alloys can be of several types:

• Deformable. 15% - aluminum, 5% - copper, more than 1% - magnesium. It is made in the form of sheets or rods. The properties are similar to brass.
• Foundries. They are made by adding 3-4% copper and aluminum to zinc, as well as 0.05% magnesium. They have good fluidity. Therefore, they are manufactured through injection molding or mold casting.
• Anti-friction. They contain 10% aluminum, 5% copper and 0.1% magnesium. Manufactured by injection molding. They have a low coefficient of friction and are used in the automotive industry.
• Solders. They are used for soldering aluminum parts. Usually include impurities - metals. This increases their strength.
• Typographic. They contain 7.5% aluminum, 2% magnesium and approximately 4% copper. Such alloys are very durable and cast well into molds.
• Protective. They contain no more than 1% aluminum and a tiny amount of silicon and magnesium. Resistant to corrosion even in damp environments. Therefore, such alloys are used as protective materials.

Zinc alloys have proven themselves well and are widely used. But when creating them, proportions must be accurately taken into account, otherwise poor quality material will be obtained.

Zinc alloy in jewelry

Externally, zinc alloys resemble noble metals. Therefore, they are used in costume jewelry to create inexpensive jewelry. Zinc alloy jewelry looks expensive but is easy to create.

Is zinc alloy harmful? In fact, it has no effect on the human body. But, nevertheless, it is better to purchase good quality jewelry. Usually, a special alloy is used to create jewelry, which is called costume jewelry. The most commonly used is brass or an alloy with aluminum. Externally, such products resemble gold and silver.

Is zinc alloy harmful in jewelry? No, so you can safely buy products made from it. After all, if it had a negative impact, making jewelry from it would be prohibited.

Thus, zinc and zinc alloys are widely available. They are used in medicine, automotive industry and even in jewelry. These are high-quality and sustainable materials that practically do not change under the influence of environmental conditions.

Source: https://1nerudnyi.ru/tsinkovyj-splav-01/

How to choose the right accessories for jewelry

Creating exclusive items by hand has become a fashion trend. An author's work, existing in a single copy, emphasizes advantages, adds mystery, helps self-expression, and also looks stylish in any outfit.

In addition, such decoration can be a wonderful gift for a loved one. After all, everything that is done with warmth and love brings happiness and prosperity.

The good thing about homemade jewelry is that it is always exclusive, affordable, and can be created from almost any natural or artificial material.

Everything that catches the eye of an experienced craftswoman can be used to create an unusual thing: shells and pebbles brought from the sea, pearls, beads made of wood, polymer clay or glass, natural stones, silk ribbons, leather laces and multi-colored feathers.

Fittings are an important connecting link, and sometimes the price for them is much higher than for other spare parts. However, it directly determines whether the finished product as a whole will look expensive or cheap, and how long it will last. In order for a hand-made item to please its owner or owner for a long time, the selection of all its components must be taken very responsibly.

What kind of accessories are there?

To assemble and secure everything necessary together, functional and decorative fittings are used, which, depending on the purpose and application, are divided into the following groups:

1. Connecting is a large group that includes various fastening rings, connectors, clasps, fasteners, carabiners, screw pins, and nails.
2. Separating - elements in the form of small cylinders, figures, tubes, which are placed between the parts to fix them or secure them to a fishing line, cord, or elastic band.
3. Masking - allows you to carefully hide fasteners, knots and decorate the ends of the laces; this also includes various eyelets and caps for beads.
4. Auxiliary - serves for additional decoration, this includes all kinds of pendants, medallions, frames.
5. Bases for assembly on which beads, beads, stones are strung: fishing line for various purposes, nylon threads, cords, cables, memory wire, latex or silicone rubber bands.
6. Simple and figured blanks for rings, bracelets, brooches, hairpins, combs, headbands.
7. Earring bases: round, smoothly curved, hooks with locks, loops, studs with clasp.

What are they made from?

All raw materials for jewelry are subject to a number of mandatory requirements: absence of toxic substances, harmlessness, resistance to corrosion, long-term preservation of good appearance.

For production, various alloys are used that are light and durable: alpaca, nickel silver, tombac, tin, aluminum, steel and many others, less often drills bronze and precious minerals. Plastic and acrylic are also very popular.

1. Nickel;
   • nickel-containing - found everywhere - with the addition of tin, zinc, aluminum and others - the most common ones are most often found both in large shopping centers and in small departments, and purchasing them is not a problem, so craftswomen buy them, besides they are cheap. Their disadvantages include: lack of originality, fragility, they fade, break, lose color, in addition, sometimes they contain dangerous impurities and cause allergies. They are no longer used in Europe, but they are not prohibited by Russian legislation.

Despite all these disadvantages, they are in great demand, especially among novice needlewomen.

• in contrast to the previous version, a new one has been developed that does not cause an allergic reaction and is completely safe for health. Most of the products in our online store are made from this alloy.
2. Branded alloys, independently developed by large companies, have excellent consumer characteristics. Their composition is not disclosed, but it is reliably known that they do not contain harmful substances, they are safe for allergy sufferers and retain their original appearance for a long time.
3. Stainless steel, from which all medical instruments and prostheses are made (otherwise known as “surgical”), and used in the manufacture of costume jewelry, may contain some additives. It is dark gray in color, a little shiny, but during use, small scratches make it matte. It is characterized by hardness, good corrosion resistance, it does not react with the body, is non-toxic, does not darken and is easy to clean. Earrings and chains made of stainless steel are beautiful and suitable for people with allergies to gold, silver and copper components.
4. Cupronickel has been used since ancient times. Its special characteristics are increased strength and anti-corrosion resistance; it will not rust either in air or in sea water. Things made from it last for many years, but due to the nickel content in it, it is completely unsuitable for people with allergies. Dark gray, silver and gilded cupronickel are available for sale. The silver-plated surface has antiseptic properties. Gilding is done using sputtering or the plating method; in the second case, it is more resistant to abrasion and lasts a long time, even with constant and careless wearing.
5. Copper and bronze have been used in the manufacture of luxury goods since ancient times. Now they are worked with mainly by hand, so they rarely go on sale and their prices are very high. With prolonged contact with the skin, they fade and leave marks on the skin.
6. Noble metals are rarely used in their pure form; they are alloyed with others to extend the service life of various fasteners.
   Although 925 sterling silver is also used independently, the base for earrings is often made from it. It is highly valued for its beauty and usefulness. Those applied by spraying give the appropriate shade, a beautiful shine, and those applied by the galvanic method also ensure durability, and also increase its value, since a thicker gold or silver layer is applied, and the thicker it is, the better. To avoid damaging it, you must clean it very carefully with a dry, clean, soft cloth. The rhodium-plated surface is silver-white, looks like it has been polished, it shines brightly, is particularly smooth and attractive, does not darken, and is not dangerous. Such products are more expensive than regular ones, but you can find them in any specialized store. They have only one drawback - the coating wears off over time, most quickly in the bonding areas, so when working with it, increased care is required so as not to scratch the rhodium layer. With constant wear, in harsh conditions, it can withstand about 4 months; in normal conditions, with careful care and irregular wear, the item can be worn for years.
7. Modern synthetic materials plastic and acrylic or organic glass are cheap, quite common, but not strong enough, endowed with many properties important for creativity, depending on the additives included, they are easy to paint and have a rich range of colors. Plastic and acrylic decorative elements are good for light, airy, weightless decorations, as they do not weigh down the finished work at all.

Useful tips

Each composition described above has its pros and cons. When choosing, you need to clearly understand why exactly this or that item may be needed, so that everything looks harmonious and combines not only in color, but also in style.

For ordinary everyday beads, rings, brooches, bracelets, and earrings, medium-priced, non-hazardous alloys without nickel and lead are recommended.

For special and ceremonial models, for example, from natural stones and pearls or evening sets from an elegant necklace and ring, it is recommended to choose good, expensive blanks.

For stringing heavy glass beads and semi-precious stones, which have narrow holes and sharp edges, steel wire is excellent.

At the initial stage of your creative path, you should use cheap nickel and plastic parts, because a lot of things will be spoiled, broken and thrown away, you need to be prepared for this and not be upset if something doesn’t work out the first and even the second and third time .

To get good at it, you will have to practice a lot, and the more pendants, rings, pendants, key rings, and bracelets you collect, the sooner you will gain experience. Therefore, at the entry level it is better to purchase inexpensive components.

Then, when experience and sales appear, you can move to another price category.

Many people often have allergies, so you should not hide what the work is made of. To avoid problems with allergies, you can, for example, insert silver earrings into earrings made of any metal, which will come into contact with your ears, and then even an allergy sufferer can wear them. But be sure to clarify this question before selling.

Brief overview of suppliers and manufacturers

Chinese fittings are very diverse and are most widely represented on the market. It is divided into three large subgroups:

1. Low grade, with poor paint and detailing, often using nickel. Low cost.
2. Good quality, made from safe raw materials, well painted and detailed. Wears well. With an average price tag. This is exactly what is offered on our website.
3. A very high level, which is most often sold in stores under the guise of American or Korean. It has all the characteristics of the previous one, but is even better designed.

South Korean - famous for its unique appearance, thanks to shining inserts of cubic zirconia, precise elaboration of small details. Basically, high-quality brass, rhodium, gold and silver are used for production. Our market offers a wide selection of accessories from South Korea. Often, Chinese products are sold under the guise of Korean products. You should be very careful here.

Suppliers from the United States of America are represented by several brands, including:

• "TierraCast" is the most popular of all available on the Russian market. It is made from tin, without adding lead. The earrings contain only hypoallergenic components: niobium and titanium. TierraCast uses 22-karat gold, oxidized brass, and copper for cladding and sputtering;
• What sets Questbeads apart is that it offers collections that focus on specific themes, such as animal, insect, and human pendants.

American has an individual design and a certain style. Here the emphasis is often on the popularity of a topic. The cost of such things is much higher than that of Chinese or Korean manufacturers.

Where to buy

Our online store has a large assortment of various products from Chinese manufacturers. We work with large factories, without intermediaries, thanks to which we can guarantee our customers the safety of goods.

The catalog contains a wide selection of connectors, holders, beads and other things. All products have one thing in common – quality. Which is very important for any craftswoman, because high quality is your reputation.

Have fun creating!

You may also be interested in:
Jewelry making techniques
World of harmony
Using color compositions

Source: https://jbizhu.ru/blog/kak-pravilno-vybrat-furnituru-dlya-bizhuterii/

Alloys of precious metals in jewelry - Useful materials on the corporate website "Russian Gems"

Modern gold and silver products are not 100% pure precious metal. This is due to the physical and chemical properties of the ore, which is too soft to hold its shape on its own. At the same time, you should not confuse what a jewelry alloy and an option for jewelry mean. The first mostly includes precious metals, and to create the second, simple metals that do not have high value are taken as a basis.

To understand what jewelry alloy means, it is enough to know that no gold jewelry is 100% made of gold ore. Typically the elements included are silver, copper, platinum, zinc, cadmium and nickel. The more platinum and silver in the gold mixture, the whiter the jewelry. And copper gives a red tint, giving the jewelry the necessary strength.

Gold turns purple when aluminum and gallium are included. A blue tint is obtained by adding rubidium and indium. The bright blue color comes from steel inclusions. And green is obtained using a combination of cadmium and silver.

Scientists are still experimenting with incorporating different metals into the gold “solution” to create unique shades. At the same time, the optimal content of pure gold for jewelry is considered to be 58.5%.

Features of silver for jewelry

Do you think what silver jewelry alloy is made of? It most often includes silver, aluminum and nickel . Moreover, auxiliary components are needed not only to increase the strength index, but also to reduce metal oxidation. Pure ore quickly turns black due to interaction with oxygen.

Interesting fact. Silver jewelry alloy was invented more than 6,000 years ago. Already in Ancient India, silver jewelry was very popular. And in Rus', women specially wore silver rings on their hands, since it was believed that this metal kills germs during milking of cows.

Modern silver “solution” has high plasticity and melts at a temperature of +960.5 ⁰С. The metal is characterized by high thermal and electrical conductivity.

Samples and markings

Not only gold and silver are used to create unique jewelry. The most popular alloys in jewelry include:

1. Gold options are 958, 750, 585, 500 and 375. Such products may include copper, silver, zinc and other impurities to obtain the desired shade. Melting hardness depends on the auxiliary components. For example, if you include aluminum in a ratio of 78.5% to 21.5%, you get a purple-violet hue known among jewelers as “Amethyst Gold.”
2. Alloys of silver, copper and other components. The optimal hallmarks in jewelry are 925, 875 and 916. In industry, options with 999, 960, 830 and 800 markings are used. The plasticity and thermal conductivity of silver underlies its widespread use in the creation of radio components.
3. Platinum alloys have a purity of 950, 900 and 850. This noble metal is highly resistant to corrosion. “Pure” platinum jewelry is valued even more than gold options.
4. Alloys with palladium are only gaining popularity among buyers and jewelers. This precious metal comes in 850 or 500 fineness and has a unique matte white color. At the same time, palladium does not cause allergies, unlike gold, which may contain nickel.

The list of alloys used in jewelry shows metric standards. They are considered generally recognized in Russia. The introduction of such marking dates back to 1927. The system is based on the percentage of pure precious metal relative to the total weight of the alloy.

What metals are used in jewelry

Precious metal alloys for jewelry are strictly marked, and their quality is monitored at the state level. But to make jewelry, various metals are used, decorating them with silver and gold plating or semi-precious stones. The cost of such products is much less, so they are often purchased by young people for a daily change of style.

The main metal “mixtures” used to create designer jewelry include:

1. Cupronickel is an alloy of copper, nickel, manganese and iron. The unique composition was known to jewelers back in the 3rd century BC, and it was then called “white copper.” Most often, unique dishes and bracelets are made from this metal.
2. Bronze is made from a mixture of tin and copper. Such glory was in demand during the Bronze Age. It was during that period that weapons, jewelry, dishes and household items were poured into their fusion. Modern bronze alloys are high-tech materials that are “diluted” with zinc, nickel, aluminum, phosphorus and other components to obtain unique properties.
3. Nickel silver is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc. A large amount of nickel gives a beautiful white color, somewhat reminiscent of natural silver. Often, state awards and medals are made from this material. It is also often used to produce beautiful jewelry filigree and enamel.
4. Pewter is a tin-based material. Jewelry made from this metal does not contain lead or nickel and therefore does not cause allergic reactions. The alloy is ideal for casting and is easy to process. The material was first discovered in an Egyptian tomb whose founding dates back to 1450 BC.
5. Brass is a popular material for creating jewelry and plumbing products. It is obtained by a mixture of copper, zinc and auxiliary components. Brass was already known in Ancient Rome.

To make costume jewelry look like items made from a precious alloy, a special coating (galvanic) is applied to it. This is a common method of gilding, allowing the use of a minimum amount of precious metals to create beauty and shine.

How to choose jewelry by alloy

The use of various alloys in jewelry is very wide, so it is often difficult to understand all the tags and samples. If you want to get a really expensive and high-quality product, pay attention to the following nuances:

1. The optimal gold content in the alloy is 58.5%, as indicated by gold standard 585. Such products do not turn black and do not lose their shine. In addition to the sample, in a rectangular recess there should be a stamp next to it with the image of the profile of a woman in a kokoshnik. This marking is required for domestic jewelry.
2. The most valuable silver alloy is 925 standard, where silver is 92.5%. Such products do not bend or melt. They can turn black with constant contact with water. Therefore, it is better to store silver rings and earrings separately in a box, removing them during water procedures and sleep.
3. Platinum alloy is not as popular, but if you find it in a jewelry store, look at the shape of the recess under the sample. It should be a polygon with numbers in the center. The optimal samples for jewelry are 900 and 950.

Important! In addition to the sample and mark on the product itself, a tag must be attached to the jewelry. It contains a lot of information about the manufacturer and supplier. And also, starting from 2020, a special barcode will be applied that will tell the entire “history” of the product.

Tips for allergy sufferers

A little secret from jewelers. If you are allergic to gold, it is most likely caused by the presence of nickel in your jewelry. To avoid ruining your mood by not being able to wear jewelry, pay attention to platinum alloys. They are as beautiful and expensive as gold. Among them there are jewelry with diamonds, sapphires and other gems.

If finances allow, you can buy palladium products. They are distinguished by their strength and durability. And they are also decorated with precious stones. And if palladium and platinum are beyond your means, you can choose openwork silver items. There are a lot of them in all jewelry stores in the country.

What should be on the tag

Regardless of the type of jewelry alloy, each item must be accompanied by a tag attached to a tear-resistant fishing line or thread with the manufacturer’s seal. The label itself contains information about the type of metal, the number of carats in the gemstones and where they were mined. Additionally, the processing option and production date can be specified.

Source: https://russam.ru/stati/o_juvelirnyh_izdelijah/p21504-splavy_dragotsennyh_metallov_v_juvelirnyh_izdelijah/

Metals used in jewelry

To paraphrase Marilyn Monroe, jewelry is a woman's best friend. Fine jewelry is created using a variety of metals—some well known and some not so well known.

The most common types of metals used in jewelry are gold, silver and platinum .
Other metals used in costume jewelry include titanium and stainless steel.

Gold alloys used in jewelry from 10K to 21K, while platinum alloys range from 90% pure to 95% pure. Silver in the form of sterling silver is primarily used in jewelry .

                                GOLD

Since ancient times, the exquisite beauty of gold has taken a place of pride as the favorite metal for jewelry . Its inner beauty and warmth have made it the most desirable of all metals. The earliest gold jewelry dates back to the Sumerian civilization around 3000 BC. Over the years, gold has inspired craftsmen to create jewelry that was second to none.

Pure gold 24K gold. Karat (K) is the gold content of the metal. This is the ratio of pure gold to other metals that make up the final metal. In some countries Carat is also known as Carat (Ct). 24K gold is soft and malleable, and cannot be used for jewelry .

14K gold has 14 parts out of 24 pure gold and the rest some other metals. The higher the proportion of gold in the final metal, the more expensive it will be.

18K gold is 75% (18/24) pure gold , with the rest being composed of various metals that give the finished metal its unique appearance and color.

Gold jewelry is made from an alloy of gold and other metals such as silver , copper, nickel and zinc. The metal used in the alloy determines the color of gold. In fact, pure gold is yellow in color. Metal is added to make an alloy and give it a different shade:

* Yellow gold is an alloy of pure gold, silver and copper or zinc.
Metals are mixed in a given ratio. * White gold is an alloy of pure gold and white metals such as nickel, silver and palladium. It is actually grayish in color and is plated with rhodium to give it a whiter appearance.

Nickel, today, is not preferred as many people are allergic to it.
* Rose gold is an alloy of pure gold and copper in greater proportion.
The reddish tint is due to an increase in the proportion of copper in the alloy. * Green gold is obtained by leaving the copper alloy, and simply having pure gold and silver.

18K gold will have 75% pure gold and 25% silver.

SILVER

For thousands of years, Silver has been used for jewelry and decorations. The first major source of mined silver is the Anatolia region, modern Türkiye. The Chaldeans are believed to have processed silver ore around 2500 BC. e..Asia Minor and the Greek islands were the center of silver craftsmanship.

Silver is a popular metal for jewelry, but is softer than gold , platinum and titanium, and does not have the hardness of other metals. Silver, for jewelry, is used in the form of sterling silver.

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper and is one of the most popular metals in the jewelry trade.

Silver is strong and durable, and is therefore a popular metal for rings, necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks, buckles, jewelry and more.

Sterling silver jewelry can be casual and comfortable, while simultaneously displaying its timeless elegance, Silver's pure white color suits all skin tones and casts a pleasant glow on the wearer's complexion.

Silver is best used for jewelry that is not worn every day. It is prone to tarnishing and turning into a blackish color.

Of course, it can be restored to its original condition with a good hand polishing using cleaning products.

Gilding and cupronickel are some other silver alloys used in jewelry .

Vermeil is a combination that has an internal core of pure sterling silver and an external solid plating of finely crafted 14k gold.

This combination looks good and feels and wears just like pure gold. Jewelry made from other metals can also be silver plated. This is a process in which another metal is simply coated with a layer of silver.

PLATINUM

Platinum was used by pre-Columbian Indians for a long time. Rings and jewelry over 2,000 years old have been found in South America. It has also been found in objects dating back to 700 BC. in Egypt.

A white metal, platinum can be used in jewelry in its pure form - 95% pure. In most countries, jewelry has a minimum purity of 85%. It is extremely durable and white and does not require rhodium like gold to appear white.

Platinum is more expensive than gold and costs twice as much as gold!

Source: https://watch100.ru/metally-ispolzuemye-v-yuvelirnyx-izdeliyax/

Jewelry made of steel and alloys: which metal is better?

It’s definitely worth putting an equal sign between costume jewelry and alloys. If only because numerous jewelry today is made from alloys. It is quite inexpensive and accessible. Alloys are easy to obtain, and the products are cheap, but strong and durable. What any manufacturer needs.

Our company also creates similar jewelry. We have made some progress in this matter. Our products are valued, they are bought and worn with pleasure, as evidenced by the numerous reviews that we regularly receive.

What alloys do we use in jewelry?

Our company uses various materials in the manufacture of jewelry from alloys:

1. steel jewelry;
2. metal;
3. made of brass;
4. jewelry metal;
5. zinc alloy;
6. medical steel.

We purchase all raw materials from trusted suppliers. The materials are provided with quality certificates, which we also have in stock. We pay a lot of attention to the original raw materials so that our jewelry not only exists, but brings joy to the person who wears it.

Steel jewelry

It's no secret that sometimes steel jewelry causes an allergic reaction in people. This is due to the fact that the raw material is considered “heavy” in the literal and figurative sense of the word. We cannot guarantee that steel jewelry will not cause irritation. Therefore, before placing an order, consult an allergist.

Metal jewelry

Metal jewelry sometimes has the same effect. This happens rarely, so we use metal for jewelry quite often and without unnecessary fears. Such products are bought by women and men. The jewelry looks fashionable and stylish.

Read more about jewelry coatings.

Brass jewelry

Brass jewelry also attracts attention. The material is considered expensive, in fact, that’s what it looks like. It is worn to social gatherings and parties.

We produce a lot of brass products and they always find their client. We work using innovative technologies that allow us to say that our brass is truly first-class.

Whatever metal you choose to make jewelry from, we guarantee that it will be of high quality. Provided that you order the goods from us. Otherwise, of course, we cannot promise anything.   

Jewelry metal in costume jewelry

Today, the so-called jewelry metal for jewelry is very common. It looks like a precious one. It will be difficult for a non-professional in the field to distinguish such jewelry from precious ones, although they are much cheaper.

But these are not scary to lose or damage. In any case, there will be less disappointment than losing your gold jewelry. Is not it? We have jewelry available in gold alloys.

These jewelry really resemble gold and are rightfully called precious jewelry. The only difference is the price!

Find out more about silver jewelry and gold jewelry, or, as they are also called, gold-plated.

Jewelry alloy: what is it, types, features

The appearance, strength and service life of jewelry largely depend on the metal and jewelry alloy from which the product is made. Platinum, silver and gold in their pure form are soft, and therefore quickly lose their bright shine and beauty. For this reason, craftsmen use jewelry compositions that are a mixture of precious metals with specific additives that improve quality and durability.

Jewelry alloy - what is it?

In most cases, the main component of jewelry alloys is gold, silver or platinum. Additional elements included in the composition include:

• palladium;
• copper;
• cadmium;
• zinc.

Typically, the indicators of all kinds of auxiliary elements are up to 10%

differ from pure precious metals in their to adverse external factors.

Jewelry alloys are used to make expensive jewelry: rings, earrings, tiaras, pendants, cufflinks with precious stones. Inclusions of nickel, chromium, and surgical steel are used to make jewelry.

There are several main types of jewelry combinations that have specific properties and characteristics.

What are jewelry alloys?

Silver

Silver in its pure form tends to oxidize and often darkens. For this reason, jewelers use the following additives to make silver alloy:

Silver jewelry is valued for its beauty and noble shine. Silver alloys first appeared 6000 years ago in Egypt.

Silver jewelry alloy

According to current standards, the following types of silver alloys exist:

1. 875 sample . It has a low melting point, which is why it is used for the manufacture of products using a linear method. It lends itself well to forging and chasing, which makes it very popular among jewelers.
2. 960 sample. This alloy consists of more than 90% silver. In jewelry practice it is used extremely rarely, mainly for the manufacture of thin, filigree jewelry.
3. 800, 830 sample . They have almost identical properties. They have a slightly yellowish tint and tend to oxidize. Used for making cutlery and souvenirs.
4. 925 sample. Jewelry is most often made from this alloy. The product has a characteristic shine, easily takes the desired shape and retains it for a long time.

Most silver alloys are prone to plaque formation and are therefore subject to various types of surface treatments.

Gold

Gold alloys are the most valuable and expensive and are used for making jewelry. The composition includes the following components:

• cadmium;
• gold;
• nickel;
• zinc;
• copper;
• silver;
• platinum.

Copper and nickel give the gold alloy its strength. Platinum and silver are a light, noble shade.

Gold jewelry made of jewelry alloy

As a result of numerous experiments, gold jewelry alloys with the addition of gallium and aluminum appeared, giving the metal violet and purple shades.

The inclusion of silver and steel makes it possible to obtain gray gold alloys. With increased steel values, blue gold is obtained.

Silver in combination with cadmium gives a beautiful greenish tint to gold jewelry alloy.

Recently, various jewelry made from brown gold have become very popular.

It is obtained by adding copper to a gold alloy, followed by specific chemical treatment.

According to existing standards, the following types of gold alloys are presented:

1. 585 sample. Contains at least 59% gold and is the most popular among jewelers. It is characterized by high levels of strength, hardness, and does not fade. It has a wide range of shades depending on the inclusion of other metals (nickel, silver, zinc).
2. 958 sample. The most expensive composition, including more than 96% gold. It has a pronounced yellow tint and is resistant to adverse external factors. Used to make wedding rings and expensive jewelry with precious stones.
3. 375, 500 samples. They belong to the category of gold-containing alloys, which include high levels of copper and silver. It fades quickly and is almost never used in jewelry.
4. 750 sample. Contains more than 75% gold with the addition of copper, platinum, silver and palladium. The alloy is distinguished by its strength, durability, and beautiful shine, which is why it is very popular.

Today, the most popular gold alloys are white, red and yellow.

Platinum

Platinum jewelry alloy is valued for its brilliance and noble white hue. It is characterized by strength, ductility, and a long service life. Resistant to alkali and acid.

Platinum is quite rare in nature, so alloys containing gold and silver are used in jewelry

The composition of the platinum alloy includes the following elements:

• rhodium – gives additional strength;
• copper – increases the hardness of the alloy;
• cobalt – improves the casting properties of platinum.

Additional components help jewelry maintain its shine, strength and beauty over time.

There are the following types of platinum jewelry alloys:

1. 850th sample. Contains 85% platinum. It fades quickly, and therefore is rarely used for making jewelry.
2. 950 sample. 95% pure platinum. This type of alloy is most popular in jewelry, although products made from this material are quite expensive.
3. 900th sample. Contains 90% platinum. It differs from 950 in less shine and a duller shade, but is often used for making various jewelry and products with precious stones.

Platinum alloy jewelry

Knowledge about the features of various jewelry alloys will help you choose the highest quality product that will not lose its original appearance and aesthetic properties for many decades!

More interesting information on the topic in the video:

Source: https://sunmag.me/ukrasheniya/yuvelirnyj-splav.html