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Gold and Platinum: An IntroductionGold is extremely rare - It is estimated that all the
gold ever mined would fit underneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
- Gold is beautiful - Jewelers
throughout history have preferred gold to all other metals for its warm
golden color. The metal also takes well to alloying with other metals,
which has allowed metalsmiths to create a rainbow of shades for gold.
- Gold is durable - The
sheer amount of gold jewelry, coins and artifacts from ancient cultures on
display in the world's museums is a testament to the metal's enduring
beauty. It is extremely heavy, with one cubic foot weighing half a ton.
Although pure gold is relatively soft, it becomes exceptionally strong
when alloyed with other metals to give it strength and durability.
- Gold is pure - Because
of this purity, it is not affected by air, heat or moisture and is
resistant to tarnish.
- Gold is extremely
malleable - Gold is so easy to work with that a single ounce can be
drawn out into an unbroken strand approximately 60 miles long. It can be
melted or shaped to create any design.
The actual purity of gold is measured by karatage in 24ths, meaning 24 karat gold is 100% pure gold. 18-Karat is 75% gold, 14-Karat is 58% gold, and 10-Karat is 41% gold. The color of gold is determined by two factors: the type of metal alloys included in it and the percentage of each metal alloy. Yellow gold is made by mixing pure gold with alloy metals such as copper and
zinc. White gold is an alloy of gold and at least one white metal, usually nickel or palladium. Rose gold gets its color from a larger proportion of copper in the metal alloy. This gives the gold a beautiful pink color.
Gold Care: Keep your gold jewelry away from harsh chemicals such as chlorine and cleaning fluids. This will reduce daily abrasions and prolong luster. To clean gold jewelry, use a mixture of warm water and detergent-free soap. Wash gold gently with a soft-bristled brush. Store gold pieces separately in soft cloth bags or original boxes to protect them from the exposure to harsh daily elements.
Platinum: The
most appealing characteristic of platinum is its durability. Each time other
metals are scratched or polished, a tiny bit of metal is lost. A scratch in platinum may leave a
mark on the metal, but it will not readily chip or
splinter. Platinum can scratch and will develop
a patina from wear. Some people prefer this look, unique to platinum. For guaranteed quality in platinum, look for the
marks 950 Plat or Plat. Soak platinum in a mild solution of soap and warm water
and gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush to maintain the its luster. Spend a Little Time at The Castle and Save a Lot of Money
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