Gold vermeil tarnishes and fades over time because the underlying sterling silver base oxidizes when exposed to air, moisture, and chemicals. While gold itself doesn’t tarnish, the porous gold layer allows sulfur to reach the silver beneath, causing discoloration. Gold vermeil isn’t waterproof and shouldn’t get wet when you can avoid it. Water seeps through … Read more
Sterling silver is a real silver alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. The term “sterling” originated from 12th-century England’s “Easterling” silver coins valued for their durability. To calculate sterling silver’s melt value, multiply the item’s weight by the current silver spot price, then by 0.925. However, sterling silver collectibles often … Read more
Rose gold tarnishes due to copper oxidation when exposed to moisture and oxygen. Tarnished rose gold appears darker, muted, and more reddish-brown with a vintage patina. Lower karat rose gold tarnishes faster: 10k (41.7% gold) tarnishes quickest, followed by 14k (58.3% gold), while 18k (75% gold) tarnishes slowest due to higher pure gold content. Rose … Read more
White gold doesn’t technically tarnish, but it does discolor over time with wear. The rhodium plating that gives white gold its bright white appearance gradually wears away, revealing the natural pale yellowish white gold alloy underneath. This discoloration happens in patches as the rhodium coating flakes off unevenly. Both plated and unplated white gold (in … Read more
Argentium silver is a modern silver alloy created in 1990 by Peter Johns, a professor of silversmithing at Middlesex University in England. It contains 93.5-96% pure silver plus germanium, making it more valuable and superior to traditional sterling silver’s 92.5% purity. The name comes from the Latin word “argentum” meaning silver. Germanium acts as an … Read more
Rose gold is a pink-hued gold alloy created by combining pure 24k yellow gold with copper. Silver is optionally added to lighten the shade. Professional jewelers make rose gold through a seven-step process: mixing the metals, heating them above 1,900°F in a furnace, stirring thoroughly for homogeneity, casting into ingots, cooling to solidify, and finally … Read more
900 silver is a silver alloy containing 90% pure silver and 10% other metals (typically copper). This silver alloy is known as “coin silver” because it was used in U.S. coinage from 1792-1964. 900 silver is non-magnetic, hypoallergenic (unless allergic to copper/silver), and can be tested using an eraser which leaves black marks when rubbed … Read more
Rose gold is real gold. It’s an alloy of yellow gold, copper that gives it its pinkish-red hue and small amounts of silver added to increase strength and durability. Rose gold is commonly available in 14k and 18k variants, with 14k having a more pronounced pink hue due to higher copper content. Rose gold isn’t … Read more
Sterling silver flatware sets are valued for their beauty and durability. They contain 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Their melt value depends on weight and current silver prices, calculated by multiplying weight by spot price and 0.925. Antique sets from prestigious makers like Tiffany or Gorham command higher prices as collectibles. … Read more
Britannia silver is a high-purity silver alloy named after Britain’s female personification. It contains 95.8% silver and 4.2% copper. It’s softer and purer than sterling silver, making it ideal for intricate jewelry and silverware designs. This silver alloy is non-magnetic, hypoallergenic, and marked with a “958” hallmark. While historically used for British wrought plate, Britannia … Read more