Metal Facts

Gold

Gold is the metal that never goes out of style. The earliest gold jewelry dates from around 6,000 years ago. The color of gold jewelry is determined by alloying other metals to pure 24 karat gold.
Gold’s purity is measured in karats:
• 24 karat gold is 100% pure
• 18 karat gold is 75% pure gold bars and coins

• 14 karat gold has 58.5% gold content
• 10 karat gold has 41.6% content

Yellow gold is the most natural, warm and sensual color.
White gold is created by alloying pure gold with zinc, palladium and silver and requires rhodium plating after refinishing.
Copper is combined with pure gold to make a pink or rose gold statement.
Gold is rich and it is practical. Celebrate the glory of gold and let its beauty express your style.

Platinum

Platinum is distinct from all other metals - it is rare, pure and precious; its name is derived from the Spanish term “platina”, which is literally translated into “little silver”. It is ideal for those whose skin in sensitive to jewelry. The distinct, natural white tone is incomparable, and a soft patina paints the jewelry item with an antique hue as time passes. Observe platinum’s weight and study its texture. This hypoallergenic metal will not react to the body’s natural chemicals, so it never tarnishes or changes color.

• Platinum is 95% or 92% pure
Platinum Rough

FUN FACTS

• The frame of the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, manufactured for her coronation as Consort of King George VI, is made of platinum. It was the first British crown to made of this particular metal.
• Of the 245 tons of platinum sold in 2010, 113 tons were used for vehicle emissions control devices (4%); 76 tons for jewelry (31%); and the remaining 35.5 tons went to various other minor applications

Palladium

Palladium is a white metal that lives in the family of Platinum group metals. It is mined in some of the same places as platinum and shares similar qualities. Palladium is precious and pure, so you can make a close comparison of its relation to platinum.

• Palladium is naturally white, therefore it requires no rhodium plating
• Palladium is hypo-allergenic
• Palladium retains its luster
• Palladium is proportionally much lighter than platinum.
• Palladium itself has been used as a precious metal in jewelry since 1939, as an alternative to platinum

FUN FACT

• William Hyde Wollaston noted the discovery of a new noble metal in July 1802 in his lab-book and named it palladium in August of the same year. It was named by Wollaston in 1802 after the asteroid Pallas, which had been discovered two months earlier.

• World demand for palladium increased from 100 tons in 1990 to nearly 300 tons in 2000

• In 2007, Russia was the top producer of palladium, with a 44% world share, followed by South Africa with 40%. Canada with 6% and the U.S. with 5% .

Argentium Sterling Silver

Many of J. Thomas Jewelers' custom creations use Argentium Sterling Silver. Argentium Sterling Silver is a naturally hard metal, which lends itself to greater strength than regular sterling silver. It is durable and can be considered problem-free by most sterling silver standards. Sterling Silver Cuff

• Argentium Sterling Silver is 92.5% pure
• Finished jewelry made with Argentium Silver is harder and more durable than traditional sterling silver.
• Stays bright and beautiful for years
• Highly tarnish resistant - so its shine is long lasting.
• Cleaning with warm water and a mild detergent is all that is required to maintain its appearance.

Smudges can easily be removed by using a soft dry cloth.
• Argentium Silver is a “green metal” - friendly to the environment.

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