IRA-eligible gold is IRS-approved gold bullion that meets specific purity standards for inclusion in a gold IRA account. Gold bars and rounds must be 99.5% pure and produced by an IRA-approved mint, while gold coins must also be 99.5% pure, come with authenticity certificates, be in mint condition, and remain in original packaging. The best … Read more
IRA-eligible silver is IRS-approved silver bullion that meets specific purity standards for inclusion in a silver IRA account. Silver coins and bars must be at least 99.9% pure and come from national government mints or accredited organizations like COMEX, LBMA, or sovereign mints. Non-proof coins must be in uncirculated condition without damage, while bars must … 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
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
Rose gold patina is a natural darkening process caused by copper oxidation in the rose gold alloy when exposed to oxygen and moisture. Unlike tarnish, patina is often considered desirable as it adds vintage character and depth to rose gold jewelry rather than creating unsightly discoloration. Lower karat rose gold (10k, 14k) patinates faster than … 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