Metals Used in Jewelry Making

What does it all mean?


Sterling Silver:

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925.


925 Silver:

As above.  An alloy of 92.5 percent silver with copper or another metal.


Silver Plated:

Describes something that has a thin coating of the metal silver applied to it


Gold Plated:

Gold plating is a method of depositing a thin layer of gold onto the surface of another metal, most often copper or silver (to make silver-gilt), by chemical or electrochemical means.

9K Gold, 10K Gold, 14K Gold, 18K Gold:


Jewellery is commonly made using 9k, 10k, 14k and 18k gold.

When buying an expensive diamond ring we recommend using 18k gold given that the saving you will make on the overall cost of the diamond ring by choosing 9k gold is not significant.

Conversely, when buying a small diamond or gemstone ring then the type of gold is important as its cost may be a significant proportion of the overall cost of the diamond or gemstone ring. 

The other consideration is one of appearance. Generally speaking 18k yellow gold is more yellow than 9k yellow gold. 

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