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Gold
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Pure Gold is precious metal which has been long valued as a currency and still valued in jewellery. It is very soft. Gold is alloyed to another metal/s to make it harder and less expensive. The colour of the gold changes according to the other metals used. |
| 24k Gold |
100% gold |
| 22k Gold |
91.7% gold |
| 9k Gold |
37.5% gold |
| Vermeil |
Sterling silver which is gold-plated with 24ct gold. |
Rolled Gold
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A laminate of gold and brass, fused by heating under pressure. The result is rolled into sheets and makes long lasting jewellery components. |
Gold filled
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A base metal plated with gold, the whole of which must be at least 1/20th gold by weight. |
| Gold-plated |
A thin layer of gold, plated on to a base metal (often brass). |
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Silver
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Silver occurs naturally as grains, nuggets or wiry formations. On exposure to the oxygen in the air it changes colour. The oxygen reacts with the silver to form a layer of black silver oxide on the surface. Because of this, silver is alloyed with other metals; this also makes the silver harder and more durable. |
| Karen Hilltribe Silver |
99% to 99.5% silver with some solder to join the silver together. It is not often hallmarked as such. Handmade beads. |
| Thai Silver |
Typically 97% silver but not hallmarked as such. Handmade beads. |
| Bali Silver |
This is sterling silver not often hallmarked. Normally the beads are handmade. |
Sterling Silver
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is 92.5% pure silver with usually with some copper alloy - often hallmarked as 925. Often denoted StS in catalogues. |
| Silver-Plated |
A thin layer of silver, plated on to a base metal (often brass). |
Tibetan Silver
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This does not necesarily contain silver, but is often silvery metal. The silver percentage can vary from 0% - 75%. Check the content before buying!
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To buy jewellery featuring precious metals, view our luxury jewellery range.
You can also commission your own special silver jewellery, integrating Sterling Silver, Bali Silver, Thai Silver or Karen Hilltribe Silver beads or fittings; likewise gold jewellery can be commissioned using 9 carat Gold, Vermeil, Rolled Gold or Gold Filled beads or findings. Please ask for a price, availability and timescale if you wish to use 24 carat gold beads or fittings. We do not keep these in stock, and may have to source some of them.
For other jewellery information view
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