Pure gold (24k) is chemically inert and will never turn green or discolor skin. However, lower purity gold jewelry can cause green staining because it contains metals like copper, silver, and nickel, and these oxidize when exposed to moisture, sweat and skin acids. Gold-plated jewelry is most prone to turning green once the thin gold … Read more
Looking for a safe US-based gold investment company to open your new precious metals IRA? Looking for the best company to help you get it done correctly, securely and without hassle? My guide to the top gold investment companies in the US for 2026 will tell you everything you need to know. In a hurry? … Read more
Soviet silver hallmarks were official stamps guaranteeing silver purity, origin, and age in the USSR. Until 1927, they followed Imperial Russian standards using the Kokoshnik (woman’s head in headdress). A new system adopted in 1927 featured a worker holding a hammer, Greek letters indicating assay offices, and purity numbers. In June 1958, the design changed … Read more
Red gold is a real gold alloy created by combining yellow gold with copper and trace amounts of silver. The high copper content (higher than rose gold) gives red gold its distinctive pinkish-red hue and increases its hardness and durability. Red gold is available in 10k, 12k, 14k, and 18k variants, with 14k and 18k … Read more
Green gold is a real gold alloy made from gold and silver, with its distinctive greenish hue coming from the high silver content. Small amounts of copper, zinc, and nickel are sometimes added for durability. Green gold exists in both natural and man-made forms. The natural variety is known as electrum, historically sourced from Lydia … Read more
18k gold is a high-quality jewelry alloy containing 75% pure gold mixed with 25% other metals (copper, silver, or nickel) for improved strength and durability. It has a rich yellow color and is hypoallergenic due to its high gold content, though those sensitive to copper or nickel should choose certified nickel-free 18k gold varieties. To … Read more
Russian silver hallmarks certify purity, date, and origin using the Zolotnik system (in use from 10th century-1927). Common Russian silver standards include 84 zolotniki (.875 fineness, most common), 88 (.916), 90 (.937), 91 (.947), and 96 (.999 pure). Russian hallmarking system included four main assay offices: St. Petersburg (crossed anchor and scepter), Riga, Vilnius, and … Read more
British silver hallmarks are government-regulated stamps guaranteeing silver purity, origin, and age. Five key mark types exist: Standard Mark (Lion Passant for .925 sterling, Seated Britannia for .958), Assay Office Mark, Date Letter, Maker’s Mark, and Duty Mark (1784-1890). Currently active assay offices include London (Leopard’s Head, established in 1300s), Birmingham (Anchor, 1773), Sheffield (Crown/Tudor … Read more
American Hartford Gold lawsuits… Are there any in 2026? Are there plenty of lawsuits filed against this safe gold IRA company? Read my American Hartford Gold lawsuit guide below to find out. Lawsuit 1- THE HARTFORD GOLD GROUP LLC VS GOLD GATE CAPITAL ET AL Lawsuit 2- DANIEL BOSTON VS HARTFORD GOLD GROUP, LLC, DBA … Read more
14k gold vermeil is jewelry made by electroplating a thick layer of 14 karat gold (minimum thickness of 2.5 microns) onto sterling silver. This process creates durable, tarnish-resistant pieces that look like solid gold, but are much more affordable. 14k gold vermeil is hypoallergenic and non-magnetic due to its precious metal composition. It can get … Read more