Category Archives: Jewelry

    White Gold

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    White Gold

    by Mathew Abraham

    “White gold” is the name given to the alloy formed when gold is mixed with metals like silver, nickel and palladium. It became fashionable during the 1920s as a substitute for the more expensive platinum. It is usually of 9, 14 or 18 carats, but it can come in other grades also. While 18 carat yellow gold comprises of 75% gold and 25% copper or zinc, 18 carat white gold comprises of 75% gold and 25% silver, nickel or palladium. Hence lower carats would indicate a lesser quantity of gold in the alloy.

    If you are on the lookout for ornaments in white gold, there are some facts that you should be aware of in order to get the best value for your money. Pure 24 carat gold in its original form has a deep yellow color, and since it is very yielding and flexible, it has to be mixed with suitable other metals to make it a more stable and usable alloy. The gold content varies in each case from 33.3% (8 carats) to 91.6% (22 carats), and, depending on the metal used to form the alloy, the resultant colors range from yellow, pale yellow, deep yellow, pink (or rose) yellow, reddish yellow, greenish yellow, purple gold – which is quite rare – and white gold. Each has its own physical and chemical properties.

    White gold

    White Gold is the name given to the alloy formed when gold is mixed with metals like silver, nickel and palladium. It became fashionable during the 1920s as a substitute for the more expensive platinum. It is usually of 9, 14 or 18 carats, but it can come in other grades also. While 18 carat yellow gold comprises of 75% gold and 25% copper or zinc, 18 carat white gold comprises of 75% gold and 25% silver, nickel or palladium. Hence lower carats would indicate a lesser quantity of gold in the alloy.

    Since there is no clear cut definition of how white the white gold alloy should be, ornaments come in different shades and quality. All white metals – like palladium, platinum, nickel, silver, zinc, etc. – form a white colored alloy when added to gold. While the first three have a strong whitening effect, the second two have a milder outcome. Other whitening metals have very little impact. In the final analysis there are two main categories of white gold: the Nickel whites and the Palladium whites. 9-carat white gold has 37.5% gold content and is very white and reasonably flexible. This grade is very popular among jewelers. The range continues up to 21 carats. Make a careful study of the carats, the composition and the prices before finalizing your choice.

    Nickel White gold

    Nickel White gold alloys are quite hard and strong, but jewelry craftsmen find it quite complex to work with, especially because of the phenomenon called ‘firecracking’. The commercial variety comprises of a gold-nickel-silver-zinc alloy. Sometimes copper is added to make it more flexible, but this tends to darken the color. Rhodium plating will overcome this problem. The following table will give you an idea of the composition of some standard nickel white gold alloys:

    Gold,
    % wt     		Copper,
    % wt    		 Nickel,
    % wt     		Zinc,
    % wt     		Hardness
    Hv     		Liquidus
    °C
    18ct 752.217.35.5220960
    758.513.53.0200955
    7513.08.53.5150950
    14ct58.522.012.07.4150995
    10ct 41.732.817.18.41451085
    9ct 37.540.010.512.01301040

    Since nickel is known to cause allergic reactions in around 20% of white gold users, especially women, manufacturers of the alloy are avoiding the metal and show a marked preference for silver and palladium. In January 2000 EU countries initiated legislative measures imposing restrictions on the use of nickel in jewelry. In the USA manufacturers are required to specify whether or not their products contain nickel. You must enquire whether the white gold ornaments you are buying contain nickel or not.

    Palladium white gold

    Palladium white gold is more expensive than the nickel variety because the metal itself is more costly – in fact costlier than gold. The heavy palladium is also denser and this means the jewelry will require a higher gold content and will consequently be heavier – adding to the cost even further. Since melting temperatures are considerably higher, the manufacturing process itself is more complicated. Craftsmen add between 10 to 12% palladium to the alloy to give a quality white color to jewelry. But most commercial varieties contain only between 6 to 8 % palladium, with silver, zinc and copper added proportionately. Some grades of palladium white gold contain nickel.

    The palladium variety of white gold jewelry is available in up to 21 carats. It has a tendency to be more yielding and flexible in comparison to nickel white gold. The following table will give you an indication of some of the standard palladium white gold compositions:

    G P S C Z N Hardn
    Hv     		Liq,
    °C
    18ct75205–––1001350
    751510–––1001300
    751015–––801250
    751010.53.50.10.9951150
    756.49.95.13.51.11401040
    7515–3.0–7.01801150
    14ct 58.320614.51–1601095
    58.5532.531–1001100
    10ct41.7288.420.51.4–1601095
    9ct37.5–524.94.21.485940

    G-gold, P-palladium, S-silver, C-copper, Z-zinc, N-nickel. [In wt %]

    Other varieties of white gold

    Other Varieties have been developed as the demand for cheaper substitutes for the expensive nickel-free palladium whites is increasing. This is most evident in the EU countries. Most of the new alloys being introduced in the jewelry sector use manganese as the whitening agent. Most have a very low palladium content and some even have no palladium at all. Chromium and iron also are used as whitening agents, but these products are hard and are not easy to process.

    Most of these alternates to nickel and palladium whites are of comparatively inferior quality. They need to be plated with rhodium, as the white color is not good. They have a tendency to tarnish quickly and also to develop cracks.

    Whether you buy palladium, nickel or other varieties of white gold, in order to give the grayish colored ornaments a lighter hue, they are generally coated with rhodium, which bears a strong resemblance to platinum in color and other properties. (Platinum is heavier, denser and far more enduring than gold. It is also a lot more expensive.) The white colored rhodium coating wears out with use and you need to have your ornaments re-plated as and when necessary. Most local jewelry stores will be able to do the job for you at reasonable rates. And be sure you make your purchases from a reliable jeweler

    White Gold Jewelry

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    White Gold Jewelry

    by Ardamun

    White gold is the alloy of pure gold, and nickel, silver or palladium – the white metals. The alloy with these metals is in fact grayish and is plated with rhodium to give it a whiter look.

    White Gold Jewelry – The Jewelry for the 21st Century!

    Gold is one of the most common types of metal used in jewelry. It has a place of pride among all the other metals and is the most coveted. Since 3000 BC, from the times of the Sumerian Civilization, it has inspired craftsmen to create unmatched jewelry. Pure gold is 24K (Karat) gold and is too soft and malleable to be used for jewelry. An ounce of pure gold can be beaten to make a 300 square feet sheet! A proportion of other metals is mixed with 24K gold for jewelry. 14k gold refers to 14 parts out of 24 of pure gold and the rest some other metal. Similarly, 18k gold is 18 parts out of 24 of pure gold plus some other metal.

    Gold jewelry is an alloy of gold and other metals, such as silver, copper, nickel and zinc. Pure gold is yellow in color and the metal used in the alloy determines the color of the gold. White gold is the alloy of pure gold, and nickel, silver or palladium – the white metals. The alloy with these metals is in fact grayish and is plated with rhodium to give it a whiter look. Due to its allergic reactions, many do not prefer the alloy of gold and nickel. The color of white gold is determined by:

    • The type of metals used in it – silver, palladium, or nickel
    • The percentage of each metal in the alloy

    History of White Gold Jewelry

    In the beginning of the 20th century, jewelers were using platinum with diamonds to turn out jewelry. Platinum was then relatively unknown and very expensive. In the 1920s, white gold alloys were developed as a substitute to platinum. To meet the demand for white jewelry, many combinations of gold-palladium-nickel were used for jewelry. By the World War II, palladium based white gold was the only choice, as nickel and platinum were prohibited for non-war use. Palladium based white gold was expensive and after the war, the less expensive nickel based white gold once again became a popular choice.

    Once started as a substitute for platinum based jewelry, white gold jewelry, today, has earned its own niche. It is a fashionable and desirable choice for all, especially the younger age group. White gold jewelry is available up to 21K and is often used to enhance diamonds and other precious gemstones. Bridal jewelry, in the form of white gold jewelry is fast becoming popular.

    The Making of White Gold Jewelry

    The addition of any metal, other than copper, to a gold alloy tends to whiten it. Nickel and palladium are strong ‘bleachers’ of gold and are widely used for making white gold jewelry. This has given rise to two basic types of white gold jewelry: the Nickel whites and the Palladium whites. The nickel whites have a colder white color, whereas the palladium whites tend to have a warmer white. The normal Karat age of white gold jewelry is 14K, 18K and 21K. 21K white gold jewelry is available in palladium based white gold. You cannot get 22K white gold jewelry.

    There is no legal way to define ‘white’ for white gold jewelry and many white golds for commercial use are not ‘good’ whites. To improve the whiteness in the white gold jewelry, the normal practice is to provide a plating of Rhodium to the white gold, to enhance its whiteness. Rhodium belongs to the platinum family of metals and has a good metallic white color with high reflectivity. It is hard and has good wear properties, and so is durable. To improve the whiteness of the nickel or palladium white gold, a thin coating of rhodium is electroplated onto the alloy.

    Rhodium electroplating on white gold jewelry is legally allowed. This coating has a life of around three years, before it wears out to reveal the original white gold underneath. The white gold jewelry is electroplated again to bring it back to its pristine condition. Many users consider the color of rhodium as the normal color of white gold jewelry, as they are used to seeing this.

    Buying White Gold Jewelry

    You need to take care while buying white gold jewelry. Many women, around 12% to 15%, are allergic to nickel in their white gold jewelry. It causes skin rash and irritation. Rhodium plating may help avoid allergic reactions to some extent, but the plating does wear away after time. While buying white gold jewelry, ask your jeweler if the white gold contains nickel. Nickel free white gold jewelry is becoming more and more popular and people are turning towards palladium based white gold jewelry.

    In many European countries, nickel based white gold jewelry is being replaced by palladium based jewelry. The United States is taking a different approach and requires jewelers to label nickel based white gold jewelry as ‘nickel containing’. White gold jewelry is now advertised and sold as ‘non-allergenic’ or ‘nickel-free’. This makes sense as some palladium based white gold jewelry may contain a percentage of nickel in it. A typical palladium based 18K white gold jewelry may contain nickel from 0.9% to 7%. The higher content of nickel in the white gold increases the hardness of the metal.

    In many countries, jewelers are not legally required to tell if the jewelry is rhodium plated or not. You will not know how white is the gold alloy underneath. Though good quality white gold jewelry may not require rhodium plating, many jewelers do so to meet consumers’ expectations of the whiteness!

    Alternative White Gold Jewelry

    Palladium based white gold jewelry being expensive, there is a demand for less expensive alternatives that are nickel free. White gold alloys with magnesium addition as a main whitener is fast catching up. These magnesium based white gold jewelry are palladium free or have very low palladium content. Some white gold jewelry has chromium and iron as whiteners, though they tend to be hard. Even so, these alloys need to be rhodium plated to enhance whiteness.

    Titanium Jewelry

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    Titanium Jewelry

    by Yuman Hussain

    Titanium is a natural element which is extensively used to create exotic jewelry for both men and women. Its properties include coloration process, light weight, durability and hypoallergenic to human body making it popular among jewelry world.

    Titanium Jewelry

    Titanium is a metallic element used to create lightweight resistant alloys with symbol Ti in the periodic table .It is light weight, strong and corrosion resistant natural metal. With silvery white appearance it gives very lustrous look .It occurs in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite .One major feature of titanium is that it is very strong but light weight. Chemically and physically its properties are similar to zirconium. Discovered by William Gregor in 1791 it was rediscovered by German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth in 1795 and given the Latin name Titan meaning ‘earth’. Its commercial production started as late as 1950s when William Justin Kroll produced it by treating titanium tetrachloride with magnesium. The Kroll process is still used extensively. Titanium is found on the earth’s crust in most of the igneous rocks and minerals such as brookite, ilmenite and tianite and iron ores. Huge deposits are found in South Africa, Australia, Malaysia and America. Small deposits are also found in Scandinavia.

    Titanium in Jewelry

    Titanium is used extensively in aerospace industry and industrial products like paints, plastics and paper etc. These days Jewelry created from Titanium is increasingly attracting people to its fold. Exquisite rings, beautiful necklaces, stunning bracelets and men’s style statements like cufflinks and tie pins are exclusively designed from Titanium. Consumerism and booming economies has created demand for jewelry made in precious metals especially in Asian countries where wedding and other occasions see purchases made by people. However this has led to soaring prices of gold and platinum forcing the jewelry industry to look for alternative metals to fill this demand gap. Many up market jewelers are also actively promoting it as an alternative to the gold and Platinum. It is still trying to carve out a niche place for itself in the jewelry world.

    Titanium jewelry is crafted in different sizes and unique styles. It makes a great fashion statement as jewelry created from white metals is in great demand all over the world. The fine wedding bands made from lightweight titanium is desired by couples. You can choose from different options like pieces crafted from pure titanium and its alloys or jewelry created using precious metals like gold or silver presenting stunning contrast. The hard work and labor involved makes it expensive and exclusive. The aircraft grade titanium is generally used for making jewelry whereas Ti -6/6/2 alloy offers excellent resistance to daily wear and tears of a piece.

    Titanium is affordable than other metals and looks sophisticated and great at the same time. The hypo allergic features makes it suitable for the wearers. As some people develop allergy to certain metals like gold and silver they develop skin rashes or extreme reactions like uticaria. For such people titanium offers soothing alternative with style. It is virtually nickel free thus making it highly compatible with human body. It is also used for body piercing and implants by fashion lovers because it is considered comparatively safer than other metals.

    Titanium has both strength and durability which helps it to undertake lot of wear and tear. Titanium is harder than other precious metals. It is much stronger than gold and platinum . It is 8 to 10 times harder than gold and 5 times harder than stainless steel. Sometimes jewelry get stuck at most unusual places like in clothes, hair and simply bends or breaks but titanium can withstand rough treatment comparatively more than the other precious metals. It is fashionable and look unusual at the same time. You will not find many stores selling titanium jewelry thus making it exclusive and original. Titanium has acquired popularity with both the sexes as it has universal appeal . Jewelry created from gold or silver does not always look good on men but titanium jewelry created in style can match the personality of the wearer.

    Being a versatile metal it can undergo different finishes including heat and electricity to bring beautiful colors . Jewelers use anodizing processes to bring unusual colors to the jewelry. Since it a refractory in nature it can reacts with oxygen producing changes on the metal’s surface .When a electric current is passed through the surface it forces oxygen to produce thick oxide layer and diffused white light produces stunning colors. In fact a reportaire of colors like blue, pink, purple, turquoise and green are created using controlled electrical exposure. However it is very time consuming and laborious activity pushing up the cost of the jewelry. This coloration process allows craftsmen to experiment with designs in ladies jewelry which is both unique and trendy. For rings, titanium is often inlaid with different metals and set with precious stones like diamond to create brilliant masterpieces.

    The price of jewelry depend upon many factors like weight and width of the piece. If it has more metal then it will be priced high. The single piece without any precious gemstones will be priced lower than which has precious stones as embellishments .The quality of titanium used in jewelry is another important factor determining the price .Titanium mixed with gold and platinum or black titanium are valuable and priced much higher.

    Care for Titanium jewelry

    • Titanium jewelry can be worn roughly so polish it regularly to keep it sparkling new.
    • Do not scratch the surface of the piece. Clean it with soft cloth.
    • Jewelry may fade or become dull over a period of time. To restore the beautiful colors and shine you simply have to wash it with soap and warm water and pat dry with soft towel or tissue paper.
    • Avoid harsh chemicals or alcohol to clean the surface.
    • Adhere to the advice given by the jeweler to maintain your piece.

    How to buy Titanium jewelry

    • Buy from a reputed jewelry store which offers buy back or return policy.
    • Buy only marked jewelry to get highest quality.
    • Do not forget to check the craftsmanship piece should look smooth and good from both the sides without any rough edges.

    Conclusion

    Titanium has many wonderful attributes making it suitable for jewelry. It is durable, strong with lustrous looks to ensure its popularity among the jewelry lovers.

    If you are looking for something which is stunning and different then give a try to Titanium jewelry.

    Imitation Jewelry

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    Imitation Jewelry

    by Madubanti Rudra

    Want to look stunningly stylish, but on a tight budget? Never mind, you can also give the Hollywood starts a run for their money with your sense of dressing! No, for that you don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket; it is possible to create magic with inexpensive imitation jewelries! Only you have to learn how to use them to their best effects. The guide below reveals the tricks.

    A Brief Guide to Imitation Jewelry

    Roam around in the streets of Milan or have a stroll on the beautiful Paris promenades, or walk around in the corners of New York— no matter which part of the world you are in, you will come to notice an unmistakable fetish for jewelries among the womenfolk all over the world. But these fashion conscious twenty first century women like to interpret the concept of jewelry from a stand point much different from their previous generations. For today’s women, jewelries are no longer synonymous with the assets that can be bought once in a five or six years only to be kept at the bank vaults in anticipation for a big occasion.

    imitation jewelryFor today’s generation of independent women, jewelries are one of the major day to day accessories that complete your looks and perfectly reflect your personality. Then from the perspective of style, the perfect coordination—between different accessories and between accessories and apparels—- has become utmost important. And this is where the relevance of imitation jewelries lies. Everyday in all walks of your lives—starting from the corporate battle ground to the disco at the end of the day—you run the pressure of appearing just perfect and only one or two classic pieces of jewelries can not render that perfection. You have to mix and match continuously to get into different get ups suitable for the particular occasions. And the imitation jewelries come to your great help in your endeavor of constant experimentation with your look and field. So it is only natural that the craving for imitation jewelries has spread like wildfire among the women all over the world transcending the barriers of age or nationalities.

    What is Imitation Jewelry

    Before analyzing the reasons behind this rage, let’s first try to explain what is actually meant by the term, imitation jewelry. In any discussion about the imitation jewelries we often unconsciously use the word ‘fake jewelries’ But this is somewhat an over simplified account; a wrong expression. It will be just to define imitation jewelries as the inexpensive versions of the real pieces that use valuable metals and gemstones.The imitation jewelries retain the appeal of real jewelries sans its exuberant price tag. For example in place of platinum, it may use some other inexpensive white metal, or can use laboratory produced gemstones in place of the natural ones. Another case in the point is the immense popularity of the American diamonds that are actually glass, but cut and polished in a way to give you the illusion of real diamond, and you get this sheen and shine in half the price of the real diamond.

    Thus the imitation jewelries become the flawless replicas of those exquisite pieces of Tiffany or Cartier that give a definitive lift to your all round persona, but you don’t have to break the bank to get that killer look.

    Well, it is a well accepted fact, that imitation jewelry can not become your best friend in the sense, the traditional high value jewelries can. Yet millions of women all over the world are embracing imitation jewelries as their first choice. Why? There are myriad reasons behind this phenomenon.

    Imitation Jewelries: Cost Effective!

    For the twenty first century fashionistas, imitation Jewelries are the most cost efficient solution to keep pace with the latest fashion trends. Who does not know that fashion is created just to be replaced by some other trend in the next season! If you are not a Julia Roberts or Catherine Zeta Zones, it will be perhaps difficult for you to keep your jewelry wardrobe continuously updated with very expensive real jewelries from the big fashion Houses. But the imitation jewelries add variety and volume to your collection without requiring you to break your bank. These replicated jewelries fulfill your dream of adorning your neckline with an exquisite Louis Vuitton necklace or help you set the party on fire with a very feminine Chanel piece.

    The real jewelries have somewhat limited usage in a world, where women have to spend most of their time in the professional circuit. Because of the exorbitant price, you can not buy a lot of them to match your every apparel. On the other hand the range of color and design of imitation jewelry is limited only by your own imagination; a littler bit of colored strings, a few beads, some pieces of glass and bric bacs like these can open up a vista of beautiful trinkets to enhance your feminine charm as well as to help you look trendy.

    What is hot designs / brands?

    A glamorous Paris Hilton style or a simple but nice look of Jenifer Aniston or is it the sophistication- coated nice looks that is the signature style of Angelina Jolie that swipe you off your feet? Well, if you thought you have that spark to appear even more gorgeous than these glam divas….well you are absolutely right! Only you have to be a bit of strategist to mix and match your imitation jewelries. After all, a piece of jewelry makes the final statement that can actually make or break your looks. So you have to be careful about what you are picking up.

    Lariats

    All of us secretly envy the Hollywood glam dolls when they walk on to the stage flaunting their nice neckline adorned with exquisite lariats. Its value lies in its versatility: let them dangle down or tie them round twice or thrice to turn into a choker…lariats offer you the most elegant accessory to complement sophisticated daytime apparel or a chic evening wear.

    Drop Earrings

    While shopping for your imitation jewelries, keep in mind chandelier earrings are passé; the long drop earrings or stiletto earrings are the in things. Be it your skirt suits or be it casual jeans…these simple ear accessories add a new dimension to your sense of dressing.

    Bracelets

    Keep it simple through sleek wrist chains. For more fun, flaunt charm bracelets with colorful charms. You can even layer your charm or link bracelets with other bangles for a bolder effect.

    Buying tips for imitation jewelry

    No matter whether you want to go traditional way or want to opt for online shopping, you have to keep in mind certain point before buying your imitation jewelries.* Always compare the price before making any sort of commitments. If you want to buy your trinkets from your local market, do some window shopping to learn about the current jewelry trends.
    * It is even better if you decide to make your purchase online; in addition to Amazon or e-bay, you can find plenty of other websites selling fashion jewelries. Go to your favorite search engine, type the keyword, ‘imitation jewelry manufacturers’ and you will get to find directories listing thousands of imitation jewelry manufacturers all round the globe.
    * However, while shopping online make sure of the reliability of the seller. Never make any deal with such sellers who do not provide you with contact information. Also check with the refund or return policies and shipment policy.
    * Do not compromise on quality for price; make sure of the type of the metal used in it so that it does not cause allergy or irritation.

    So achieve the red carpet style of the glamorous celebrities this coming spring by building up your enormous collection of imitation jewelries. Nothing can offer you this fabulous combination of style, wear ability and durability for such an affordable price.

    Titanium Jewellery buying guide

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    Titanium Jewellery buying guide

    by Shalina Khemlani

    Titanium, a natural element featuring a silver-grayish-white color is used for several purposes! Unintentionally discovered in the year 1791, this metal is extensively used to make durable goods such as aircraft, and some of the sporting goods which would mainly consist of golf clubs, automobile parts, watches, and certainly adorable selection of rings. Deriving from the Titans of Greek mythology, titanium is one of the metals that is in particular known for its tremendous strength. Even though it competes amongst some of the most enticing metals such as gold and platinum, it has still taken its own stand and has been a preferences for hordes of people!

    Titanium, a natural element featuring a silver-grayish-white color is used for several purposes! Unintentionally discovered in the year 1791, this metal is extensively used to make durable goods such as aircraft, and some of the sporting goods which would mainly consist of golf clubs, automobile parts, watches, and certainly adorable selection of rings. Deriving from the Titans of Greek mythology, titanium is one of the metals that is in particular known for its tremendous strength. Even though it competes amongst some of the most enticing metals such as gold and platinum, it has still taken its own stand and has been a preferences for hordes of people!

    Titanium JewelleryTitanium is one of the most biocompatible metals that does not cause any sort of pain, rashes or discolorations to the human skin. Moreover it is also appreciated for not rusting or getting moldy and rotting after a few years down the line. It has positively proved its qualities of being an exceptional and perfect metal for jewellery for over years now. Titanium metal unlike other does not lose its color for years together. The Titanium jewellery available is quite feasible and economical as it is not one of the precious metals.

    When it comes to the titanium rings it may not be as popular as the gold or platinum ones. It’s quite apparent because of the advantage that gold and platinum possess. However on the other hand, Titanium rings attains features such as durable, lightweight, sturdy, produce no allergic reactions, and extremely reasonably priced. Much lighter than metals such as gold or platinum, titanium rings also have an extremely comfortable feel after you put them on. Titanium is particularly known for its sturdiness, in point of fact it is much stronger than steel and hence maintains its shape as far as rings are concerned. These days’ men seem to be going over-enthusiastic about buying titanium rings as it reveals an extra masculine feel to it. The best thing is that it comes in colors like black which is one of the standard colors for men!

    Getting into the technical aspects, titanium is segregated on the basis of diverse grades. The aircraft grade is a very strong and durable sort of titanium. There is also unadulterated commercial titanium, which contains a lesser amount of sturdiness and is used to produce several other products. People generally invest in jewellery so that it can be worn lifelong and keeping in mind this thought, most manufacturers generally opt for the higher grades of titanium.

    Titanium is also known for offering an out of the ordinary selection of colors which other metals simply cannot match! From blue, purple, blue moon, to night sky and black rainbow colors are some of the most desired among the lot. Titanium jewellery mainly encompasses of titanium rings, jewellery for men and women that is exclusively created out of aircraft grade titanium. In order to take care of your precious and priceless titanium jewellery avoid rubbing against the surface, since the color is an visual phenomenon, and after it getting scratched against any surface it might lose its shine and appear dull or faded. What you could simply do is wash down the pieces in temperate soapy water or alcohol and dry with a very soft paper towel. Presenting the most inimitable and distinctive blends of exquisiteness, strength, light weight and bio-compatibility; titanium jewellery is certainly one of the most sought after metal. Titanium is now growing at a rapid speed in the category of jewellery. It has ventured into domains such as the sports section where it is extensively used to make parts of bicycles, tennis rackets, and golf clubs. Apart from the jewellery and sports equipments it has also successfully managed to make a special mark in the marine hardware, and computer cases territory! Titanium metal is now coming to represent a new standard for excellence. It is considered to have a highest standard of fineness and quality.

    Titanium jewellery offers matchless and unsurpassed trendy rich grey tones that are in general provided by platinum except that titanium offers it at a more striking price. The latest research conducted concluded that Titanium has set its foot as the forefront in the designer jewellery group of people. It is a proven fact that by far no metal has been able to capture the market so swiftly and create such a remarkable rise in regard as titanium.

    Titanium is a multi faceted substance that has already locked its future in a progressively soaring market. Where other materials have not yet managed to make the grade, Titanium is by now proved itself as one of the real solutions. At the outset, titanium was absolutely used in aerospace; but in the present era it has captured a wide range of applications.

    AMBER EARRING BUYING GUIDE

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    by Binashaji

    Amber is the stone of choice if you love large stones. Amber is very light and even big stones will not burden your ears. Amber is a honey-coloured stone created naturally. This resin has been found in all parts of the world – Africa, Poland, Russia to name a few.

    Danglers or studs. Small one or large ones. With silver or gold. Triangular or Round. Earrings bring out the special beauty in every woman – delicately small or large contemporary ones, your earrings can convey a million words. Whether you love earrings only in your earlobes or all along the length of your ears. Earrings make you look attractive. To change your look, all you have to do is change your earrings. If you wear studs all the time, try wearing danglers to attract some attention. At home or outside, earrings are an essential in every woman’s life.

    Amber is the stone of choice if you love large stones. Amber is very light and even big stones will not burden your ears. Amber is a honey-coloured stone created naturally. This resin has been found in all parts of the world – Africa, Poland, Russia to name a few. Found in the ocean, inside earth and on trees, this resin has fascinated people even in the 17th century and in the 21st century, amber is being used not just for Jewellery but for Aromatherapy, Anti-bacterial products, Perfumes and even in Medicines.

    Long gold earrings with amber stones are perfect foil for tall women and can be worn with any hairstyle – whether a upswept hairdo or long, loose hair. Long Amber earrings can the catch the eye, moving delicately with a tilt of the head. Amber contains succinite acid, which has anti-bacterial properties and finally science has acknowledged what our ancestors thousands of years ago knew. That Amber is a healing stone. The warmth of Amber can help calm nerves, and even baby-teethers made of amber have been found. Amber is a soft stone and has a hardness of only 2.5 on the mohs scale. This property means that Amber is very light, even floating on salt water. Because it is so light, the amber from the ocean is often found washed up on seashores.

    Amber in the ocean has a natural polish given by the waves and amber found in the earth has a coating, which needs to be removed. A thin golden hoop with a single amber drop or even a thick band with amber embedded along the circumference, amber looks great. Amber earrings can form part of an entire ensemble or just use a pair to make a difference in your appearance just like your hairstyle. With earrings adorning the length of the ear and not just the earlobes, tiny amber drops can be used as studs along the length of the ear with bigger stones at the lobes. So, you can have Amber earrings in a range of sizes – small to large to danglers with stones at the end or even small amber stones put together to make an amber dangler. There are a million different variations and choosing amber earrings, which are perfect can be a fun experience.

    Imitations of Amber are plenty and if you do not know how the differentiate Amber, it can be easy to pick up imitation amber. Amber is a light stone and floats on sea water, this is a very easy way to check if the amber is authentic. You can also rub the amber, warm amber smells of fresh pine trees and also attracts small pieces of paper due to static electricity.

    If you are buying an expensive pair of earrings, insist on a Certificate of Authenticity for the stone from the jeweler. Most jewelers will oblige. Always buy from a trusted source, unless you want to earrings to complement your pair of blue jeans – in that case, you can pick up a several different earrings different shapes and sizes for a couple of dollars.

    Store your Amber earrings separately away from other Jewellery. Amber is a soft resin and breaks easily. Across centuries, all races and peoples have believed in the power of Amber and held onto Amber as a lucky charm. This delicate resin which has captured a sliver of sunshine, millions of years ago can add positive energy in your life.

    PEARL EARRINGS

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    by Seema Susheel

    The pearl is been a popular gem from ancient times and is the symbol of peace and purity. The kings and queens have adorned pearl and many kingdoms became richer with acquisition of pearls from another. The pearls are used in its natural form and it’s not mined or cut and polished but has beautified many people throughout the world with its gleam.

    It’s a dream to own a pearl jewelry be it earrings, bracelet or a locket. The purity and shine of a pearl is spell bounding and a cherished possession, so to gift a loved one a pearl jewelry will bring joy to any special moment. World over pearl is a precious gem which is most popular and admired. The natural form in which it’s formed is an interesting fact. Developing in the heart of a sea shell, it doesn’t need any cutting or polishing, its rare, lustrous, beautiful and possession of a lifetime.

    Pearl earring style
    Pearl EarringsYou have chosen to buy a pearl earring for yourself or as a gift for someone special you need to have some information before you make the pearl beauty your own. A pearl earring buying guide would make things easy for you.
    First of all choosing to buy a pearl earring you need to decide on which style or design of earring will suite the best. The pearl studs set in gold, white gold, silver or platinum is the best bet when your buy is a surprise gift. The pearl studs big or small suits every individual dark or fair and suits every outfit, formal attire to an evening wear or a trekking outfit. The studs will never go out of fashion. You can also go for elaborate pearl hangings. There are many choices and designs to suit every person’s character and lifestyle.

    Choosing the right pearl
    Once you have decided the earring style you have to choose the pearl. There are many varieties available like the natural sea water pearl, fresh water pearl, cultured pearl etc. The sea water pearls are the costliest but in any case pearls are not as costly as a diamond so it’s affordable jewelry for all. The pearls are cream or white in color but are also available in pink, grey and black colors. The usual shape of the pearl is round like a sphere that is the natural and best shape of the pearl. The perfectly round pearl is rare and hence is priced high. The most important factor you must consider while buying pearl is its surface quality. The pearls surface quality should be smooth and fine with no granules or dents in the body. The fine textured perfectly round pearl is of the finest quality. The pearls are also found in other irregular shapes. Chosen to buy an earring you should go for a round shape as that’s the best to enhance the beauty of the person who wears it. The pearl will stand out best on a yellow gold setting. The shape and size of the pair of earring should be similar. As in buying diamond we take care of size, cut, color, carat etc. While buying pearl you will have to take care of the size, shape, color and the surface quality.

    Pearl is popular from the ancient times
    The pearl is been a popular gem from ancient times and is the symbol of peace and purity. The kings and queens have adorned pearl and many kingdoms became richer with acquisition of pearls from another. The pearls are used in its natural form and it’s not mined or cut and polished but has beautified many people throughout the world with its gleam. There is a forever growing demand for pearls and hence it’s been cultured and grown in many countries. There are different varieties with different prizes available to suite every buying category. To own a gem of such grandeur is a proud moment and to make this moment comfortable you have to choose the right place to buy the pearl earrings.

    Where to go shopping
    You could buy the pearl earring in the many websites available on the net. There are many options and vast information available on the net that will make your purchase comfortable and easy. You choose the style compare the prizes and place an order. In a matter of days your purchase will reach your address. This saves time and many times money as you could get a good bargain for a good quality item. For a more personal experience you could walk in to a jewelry shop, taking care to choose a genuine gems dealer. The jeweler who specializes in making pearl jewelry. Here you would get hands on experience of the pearl jewelry you are buying. You can make a choice with the wide range the shop offers or if nothing suites your style could place an order to make the ear ring. You can ask the jeweler the background of the pearl – questions like where it is from, different ranges and how much they cost. Choose the pearl variety, the size and the kind of setting required, the entire design and the total cost. The cost of the pearl, the cost of the gold and the making charges. Once you have bought the earring you should be satisfied by the cost and the quality of the jewel. The pearl earring is a valuable gift to be cherished and admired a lifetime and passed on generation to generation, hence the quality should not be compromised.

    Pearl is pretty, precious and an everlasting fashion statement.
    According to ancient times the pearl is supposed to bring peace to the wearer and has been extensively used in all kinds of jewelry from ages. The pearl is the most sought after gem after diamond. Hence it’s every woman’s dream to own pearl jewelry. You are gifting the exquisite pearl earrings to your loved one and she will remember you and this special day whenever she will wear the pearl earrings. The pearl earring can be gifted on any special day like anniversary, valentines or birthday. The lady will almost always wear the earrings even if she has not put on her necklace or bracelet, hence your gift will not be an occasional wear and put away in the locker. The aura associated with a pearl makes this gift a joy for the one who gives and an exhilarating experience for the one who gets it.

    Diamond Stud Earrings buying tips

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    Diamond Stud Earrings buying tips

    by Ardamun

    The idea is to buy the brightest diamond stud earrings at a cost that is within your budget. You should not worry too much about Clarity and Color. You should concentrate more on Carat weight and Cut.

    Summary: The idea is to buy the brightest diamond stud earrings at a cost that is within your budget. You should not worry too much about Clarity and Color. You should concentrate more on Carat weight and Cut.

    Diamond Stud Earrings

    Diamond Stud Earrings – Facts and Buying Tips

    For simplicity and appearance, there is nothing to beat the elegance of
    diamond stud earrings. They are a bare minimum piece of fashion jewelry a
    woman, who loves diamonds, should possess. And now comes the crunch. Buying
    diamond stud earrings brings forth the question – the beauty of diamonds or
    the cost. When buying diamond earrings, just follow one simple rule: Buy
    what you can easily afford.

    Diamond Stud EarringsOf course, there is no disputing the fact that the best quality diamonds are
    more brilliant and sparkling, and they cost more too! When buying diamonds,
    you evaluate based on the Four Cs. These are Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut.
    These are the basic facts when buying diamonds. However, do these matter
    when you are buying diamond stud earrings? No one is going to look too
    closely at them. At least, no one goes around with a magnifying glass
    looking for the inclusions in the diamonds of your diamond stud earrings!

    The idea is to buy the brightest diamond stud earrings at a cost that is
    within your budget. You should not worry too much about Clarity and Color.
    You should concentrate more on Carat weight and Cut. These will make your
    diamonds in your stud earrings look bigger and sparkling. For example:
    Diamonds with I1 clarity in your stud earrings is not a bad choice if you
    can get larger diamonds. Any woman would go for a pair of 1 ctTW diamond
    stud earrings with I1 clarity than for one with a 1/2 ct TW of higher
    clarity! (ct TW = Carat Total Weight of the diamonds in the pair of
    earrings).

    Diamond Stud Earrings – Diamond Facts

    Let us look briefly at the diamond facts when buying them. Evaluation of
    diamonds is done based on the four Cs – Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut.

    * Carat – A carat is a measure of weight of diamonds and other precious
    gemstones, and equals 200 milligrams. It is a major factor in determining
    the value of a diamond. However, the value of two diamonds of the same carat
    weight is necessarily not the same. This depends on other factors, as well.
    In addition, the diamonds of the same carat weight are necessarily not of
    equal size. The size will depend on the type of cut given to the diamond.
    For stud earrings, depending on your choice and budget, you can ideally go
    for 0.25 ctTW up to 3.00 ctTW.
    * Color – It varies from colorless to light yellow, with the transition from
    one color to the next very subtle to be distinguishable. The color grading
    standard varies from D-F: Colorless, perfect to almost perfect, to K-M:
    Noticeable yellow, not for large size diamond purchases.
    * Clarity – Diamonds of the highest quality are devoid of flaws – free from
    internal or external inclusions. This measure of flaws is its clarity.
    Trained gemologists study the diamonds under 10x magnification to determine
    their clarity. Small inclusions are acceptable and in no way mar its beauty
    or affect its durability. The clarity scale ranges from FL – flawless to I2,
    I3 – inclusions visible to the bare eye with black spots and black
    inclusions.
    * Cut – It contributes the most towards the beauty of the diamond and has
    not much significant influence on its price! The cut is responsible for how
    well the diamond handles light. Most diamonds are round cut with 58 facets,
    and better the cut, the more sparkling the diamond. The way the diamond is
    cut allows the diamond to make the best use of the light through it.

    How to go About Buying Diamond Stud Earrings

    Women love to wear diamonds, and on their stud earrings they look bright and
    sparkling. If your budget allows you to only go for lower quality diamonds
    for your stud earrings, do not let it concern you. The difference in the
    quality of diamonds comes across only when they are examined under a
    microscope. Remember, it is the cut that lends sparkle to the diamonds in
    your earrings.

    An excellently cut diamond, with a color range of G-H or even I-J, and with
    clarity of SI1 – SI2 will be well within your budget. This selection when
    mounted in white gold or platinum stud earrings will give a colorless
    appearance. This will produce the same sparkle as those costing thousands of
    dollars more. As per the experts, there is a three-fold reason:

    * It is the excellent cut that adds to the diamonds’ sparkle.
    * Most agree that when mounted, G-H or I-J colors appear colorless.
    Therefore, there is no need to spend more on a diamond with a color range of
    D-F, especially if you have a limited budget.
    * A diamond with SI2 clarity has slight flaws that are not visible to the
    naked eye. These definitely cost much less than the diamonds of higher
    clarity.

    You can get excellent bargains in diamond stud earrings if you compromise
    slightly on clarity and color, as long as the cut is excellent. After all,
    the pair of stud earrings is small and no one would know the difference! If
    you are constrained by budget, do not let the slightly lower quality of
    diamonds deter you. Any woman would be happy to buy a diamond of a higher
    carat weight of slightly lower clarity than one of a lesser carat with
    excellent clarity.

    Diamond stud earrings make perfect gifts as long as there are no visible
    inclusions in the diamonds, and are as near colorless as possible – when
    mounted. Of course, if budget is no constraint at all, go for diamond stud
    earrings with clarity of FL and color grading of D-F!

    Contrary to popular belief, diamonds are no longer ‘woman’s best friend.’
    Style is eternal, and men are known to make a style statement with diamond
    stud earrings, as well. The strength of diamond stud earrings lies in their
    universal unisex appeal. In the western culture, diamonds stand for
    fearlessness and virtue, and symbolize eternal love. They make beautiful
    gifts to loved ones.

    A Word of Caution

    When purchasing your diamond stud earrings, ensure that your diamonds are
    not Conflict Diamonds. Conflict diamonds come from areas controlled by
    forces opposed to legitimate governments. They are sold on the black market
    and support bloody wars that victimize children, and help aid brutal acts of
    aggression.

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    Mens Earrings

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    Mens Earrings

    by Ritika Changrani

    Earrings for men are a huge fashion statement today. It makes a man stand out boldly in a crowd. A wide choice in earrings is now available ranging from the most expensive diamonds to funky costume jewelry.

    Men and Jewelry …the terms don’t go together as per most people, right?
    But today, men argue that if a woman can wear pants why can’t men wear
    jewelry?!

    Men have adorned jewelry from time immemorial but it is not accepted by many
    even today. Early man wore brass earrings and anklets. In the medieval world
    jewelry for men was limited to cufflinks and tiepins. However, today men
    have forayed into the terrain of earrings with boldness.

    It began with piercing one ear, but earrings in both ears is not uncommon
    today. It has become a fashion statement that makes a person stand out in a
    crowd. Philip Michael Thomas, the famous actor, named the earring as a
    “symbol of kings and royalty”.

    Several men today have pierced their ears but are hesitant to show it off.
    There are some who wear earrings only at close parties and never at work.
    But times are changing and men have begun to realize this. More and more men
    are coming out into the open with their preferences. Traditional notions are
    being ignored as the definition of a stylish man undergoes changes. As aptly
    put by a photo editor, “It’s not the physical pain of getting your ear
    pierced. It’s the act of breaking out and wearing one.”

    Contrary to popular belief, there exists a wide range of earrings for men.
    They can choose from an assortment of studs or hoops and can even have their
    own custom – made earring to make a fashion statement. Simple diamond studs
    look spectacular, whether worn in a single ear or both ears. Gold hoops of
    varying sizes can also be worn for that unique look. If diamonds and gold
    are not up your alley, go for alternative costume jewelry. Such earrings are
    extremely popular especially with the teenage generation. One can easily
    have a large collection to suit all types of occasions and to complement any
    outfit, be it a business suit or beachwear.

    An office code however, should be kept in mind while selecting earrings. If
    you choose to wear funky hip earrings at a board meeting, it is bound to be
    looked down upon. Be very selective in your earrings as it is extension of
    you, it says a lot about your personality.

    One of the chief things to be considered is the fact that whether you should
    wear earrings in one ear or both ears. If in one ear, which one, the left or
    the right? There are no set rules that you have to follow for this. Just go
    with your instincts. If you think, earrings on both ears is a little too
    much, get one ear pierced for starters. Then if you enjoy it and more
    importantly, are comfortable with it, you can go ahead with the second one.
    You may also choose to wear multiple earrings in one ear only. As mentioned
    earlier, the only rule is…there are no rules. Go ahead and do exactly what
    you want to.

    Men With EarringsIf you are a little confused about getting your ear pierced, about how it
    will suit you etc. you can wear some of the magnetic or clip on earrings
    available in the market. Magnetic studs are all the rage, as you need not
    have your ear pierced to look hip. Spring hoops as well as clip on earrings
    are also interesting options that you can look into. You can sport that look
    just for one party, if that is what you want.

    If you have permanently pierced your ears, you can have your own collection
    of earrings…who said men can’t have any such collection? You will be
    spoiled for choice when you see the varieties available in men’s earrings.
    If budget is not a problem, diamonds and other precious stones like emeralds
    and sapphires are must – haves. Simple gold or even platinum hoops must
    feature in your box. And of course, a couple of funky earrings won’t go
    amiss either. When you are looking for shock value or even a pleasant
    change, these can come in handy.

    If creativity is your thing, then go ahead and design your own earring and
    have it made as per your requirements. You can rest assured then that nobody
    else will be sporting anything like it, ever. You can even be a trendsetter
    because when people appreciate a style, they have a tendency to imitate.

    Here are some examples to convince you that earrings are not only for women,
    but also definitely for men :

    – CBS news Anchor Ed Bradley sports an earring off – camera as well as at
    parties.
    – Gregory Hines, the famous actor, singer, dancer and choreographer wears a
    wide variety of earrings ranging from stud to hoops to many others
    – Howard Hewett and Tony Terry, both singers wear distinctive earrings
    – Indian actor, Salman Khan wears a range of funky earrings

    In spite of such in – your – face examples, men’s earrings do cause a stir.
    Now it is up to the man to take it positively or not. The most important
    thing is whether you are comfortable with it or not. If wearing an earring
    is definitely your thing, then don’t let anybody’s misgivings alter your
    decision.

    Early Egyptian and Indian Kings wore lots of jewelry that included earrings.
    And the earrings were not small but in the form of long and heavy danglers.
    This past fashion has made a comeback as a haute couture style and is now
    definitely here to stay.

    And if you are still thinking that your boss may frown on your earring or
    your elders may object to it…Well, they’ll get used to it!

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    Metals Used in Jewelry

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    Metals Used in Jewelry

    by Ardamun

    The most common types of metals used in jewelry are gold, silver and platinum. Other metals used include titanium, and stainless steel. Gold alloys used in jewelry range from 10K to 21K, whereas platinum alloys are 90% pure to 95% pure. Silver in the form of Sterling Silver is mostly used in jewelry.

    To paraphrase Marilyn Monroe – jewelry is women’s best friend. Exquisite jewelry is created using a variety of metals – some well known and some not so well known. The most common types of metals used in jewelry are gold, silver and platinum. Other metals used include titanium, and stainless steel. Gold alloys used in jewelry range from 10K to 21K, whereas platinum alloys are 90% pure to 95% pure. Silver in the form of Sterling Silver is mostly used in jewelry.

    Gold

    Since ancient times, the exquisite beauty of gold has claimed a place of pride as the favorite metal for jewelry. Its intrinsic beauty and warmth has made it the most coveted of all metals. The earliest gold jewelry dates back from the Sumer Civilization around 3000 BC. Over the years, gold has inspired craftsmen to create jewelry that has been unmatched.

    Pure gold is 24K gold. Karat (K) is the gold content of the metal. It is the proportion of pure gold to the other metals that make up the final metal. In some countries, Karat is also known as Carat (ct). 24K gold is soft and malleable, and cannot be used for jewelry. An ounce of pure gold can be beaten to make a 300 square feet sheet. A 14K gold has 14 parts out of 24 of pure gold and the rest is some other metal. The higher the proportion of gold in the final metal, the more expensive it will be. An 18K gold is 75% (18/24) pure gold and the balance is made up of different metals that give the final metal its unique appearance and colors.

    Gold jewelry is made up of an alloy of gold and other metals, such as silver, copper, nickel and zinc. The metal used in the alloy determines the color of gold. Actually, pure gold is yellow in color. The metal added to make the alloy gives it a different hue:

    * Yellow gold is the alloy of pure gold, silver, and copper or zinc. The metals are mixed in a predetermined proportion.
    * White gold is the alloy of pure gold and white metals, such as nickel, silver and palladium. It is actually grayish in color and is plated with rhodium to give it a whiter look. Nickel, today, is not preferred as many people are allergic to it.
    * Rose gold is the alloy of pure gold and copper in a greater proportion. The reddish hue is due to the increased proportion of copper in the alloy.
    * Green gold is obtained by leaving copper out of the alloy and just having pure gold and silver. 18K gold would have 75% pure gold and 25% silver.

    Silver

    For thousands of years Silver has been used for jewelry and ornaments. The first major source of mined silver is the area of Anatolia, modern Turkey. The Chaldeans are considered to have processed silver ore around 2500 BC. Asia Minor and the Greek islands were the center of silver craftsmanship.

    Silver is a popular metal for jewelry, but is softer than gold, platinum, and titanium, and does not have the hardness of other metals. Silver, for jewelry, is used in the form of Sterling Silver. Sterling Silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper and is one of the most popular metals in the jewelry trade. Sterling Silver is durable and long lasting, and so is a popular metal for rings, necklaces, bracelets, cuff links, belt buckles, body jewelry and much more.

    Sterling Silver jewelry can be casual and comfortable, and simultaneously display its timeless elegance. Silver’s pure white color suits all skin tones and throws a pleasant glow onto the wearer’s complexion. Silver is best used for jewelry that is not worn every day. It is prone to tarnishing and turns blackish. Of course, it can regain its pristine condition after a good hand polish, using cleaning solutions.

    Vermeil and German silver are some other silver alloys used in jewelry. Vermeil is a combination having the inside core of pure sterling silver and the outside is a solid coating of finely crafted 14 karat gold. This combination looks, feels, and lasts exactly like pure gold. Jewelry made with other metals can also be silver-plated. This is a process where the other metal is just coated with a layer of silver.

    Platinum

    Platinum has been used by pre-Columbian Indians for a long time. Rings and ornaments more than 2000 years old have been found in South America. It has also been found in objects dating from 700 BC in Egypt. A white metal, platinum can be used in jewelry in its pure form – 95% pure. In most countries the jewelry has a minimum purity of 85%. It is extremely durable and white and does not require rhodium plating, as gold does, to appear white. Platinum is more expensive than gold and costs up to twice as much as gold!

    To enhance its characteristics and durability, platinum is alloyed with copper and cobalt along with ‘platinum group’ metals, such as palladium, rhodium and iridium. The main advantage of platinum as a metal for jewelry is its resistance to tarnish and its strength. Pure platinum melts at 1769 degrees Celsius and so is quite demanding as a metal for jewelry.

    Ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum together make up the platinum group of metals. Platinum is alloyed with the other metals of this group to be made into jewelry.

    Titanium

    Titanium is found in abundance in nature but in conjunction with other elements, such as Ilmenite and Rutile. It was not known to exist until it was discovered in impure form in 1791, and pure titanium was manufactured in 1910. It is the hardest natural metal known to man and is three times as strong as steel and stronger than gold, silver and platinum. Still, it is very light in weight. Its unique factors, such as strength, scratch resistance and light weight lends itself as a good metal for jewelry. Its ability to be colored easily is another factor for its popularity as a metal for jewelry.

    Stainless Steel

    It is a hard and durable metal, and is not a traditional jewelry metal. It is more popularly used to design dress jewelry and men’s bracelets. Unlike traditional alloys that are poured into molds, stainless steel jewelry is hand-cut from a solid piece of steel leaving no seams, or weak spots. Jewelry made from stainless steel does not tarnish or rust.