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
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
This guide explains the key IRS rules governing Gold IRAs, including taxation, eligible investments, storage requirements, contributions, and withdrawals. Traditional Gold IRA distributions are taxed as ordinary income, while qualified Roth Gold IRA withdrawals are tax-free. Only IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium meeting strict purity standards may be held, and all assets must remain … Read more
Is Pure White Gold Hypoallergenic? No, pure white gold isn’t hypoallergenic. Because pure white gold doesn’t exist. You can’t mine raw white gold and you can’t make 24K white gold from it. Pure, 24K white gold doesn’t exist and 24K gold is actually pure, yellow gold. Is 18K White Gold Hypoallergenic? What about 14K … 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
Is it Possible to be Allergic to Rhodium? Yes, it’s possible to be allergic to rhodium, though it’s very rare. Rhodium allergies are so rare that for the long time the prevalent thought in the scientific community was that they don’t exist. However, a recent study showed that there’re rare individuals who’re sensitive to … Read more
Is Pure Rose Gold Hypoallergenic? No, pure rose gold isn’t hypoallergenic. Because pure rose gold doesn’t exist. Rose gold is an alloy of yellow gold and other metals, mainly copper. Copper gives rose gold its pinkish-red hue. The more copper the rose gold alloy has, the redder the final jewelry product is and the more … 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
Pure 24K yellow gold is hypoallergenic and rarely causes allergic reactions, but it’s too soft for jewelry and is typically alloyed with other metals. The lower the gold purity, the greater the risk of skin irritation because alloys may contain nickel, copper, or silver, with nickel being the most common allergen. Higher-karat alloys such as … Read more
Gold hallmarks are small stamps on gold items that show purity, origin, and authenticity. They commonly indicate karat or fineness, maker, assay office, and date. Gold bullion usually carries hallmarks showing weight, purity, and manufacturer, but hallmarks alone do not guarantee authenticity. Gold jewelry, gold-plated items, and gold vermeil may not always have hallmarks due … Read more