What is jewelry made of?

What is jewelry made of?

Jewelery has for many centuries been a sign of wealth, status and style. But what is the jewelery actually made of and how do we best maintain it?

In this post, we will go in depth with the different materials used to make jewellery, and answer some common questions about jewelery cleaning and maintenance.

Materials used to make jewelry

Jewelry can be made from a wide variety of materials, each with its own characteristics and aesthetic qualities. The most common materials include:

1. Precious metals:

a. Gold:

Gold is one of the oldest and most popular materials for jewelry. It is available in different carats which indicate the purity of the gold. an example is 24 carat gold is 99.9% pure, 18 carat contains 75% gold and 25% other metals such as silver or copper.

b. Silver:

Silver is a shiny metal that is also widely used in jewelry. Sterling silver typically contains 92.5% pure silver (hence the name sterling 925) and 7.5% copper to improve durability.

c. Platinum:

Platinum is a super durable and rare metal that is almost exclusively used to make luxury jewelry. It is known for its natural white color and resistance to oxidation and corrosion.

2. Precious stones:

a. Diamonds:

Diamonds are one of the most luxurious gemstones available. They come in different colors, sizes and qualities and are known for their beauty and lustrous quality.

b. Sapphires, rubies and emeralds:

These colored gemstones are popular choices for jewelry and are known for their unique colors and brilliance.

3. Non-precious metals:

a. Copper and brass:

These metals are often used to create unique and trendy jewelry. They can patina over time and give the jewelery a vintage or antique look.

b. Stainless steel:

Stainless steel is durable and corrosion resistant, making it an ideal option for jewelry that must withstand daily use.

Can you clean jewelry with vinegar?

Vinegar is a common household item used for cleaning, but it is important to understand that it is not suitable for all types of jewelry. Vinegar can be too acidic and aggressive for certain materials such as silver and pearls. To clean jewelry with vinegar, follow these steps:

1. Dissolve one part vinegar in three parts water.
2. Immerse the jewelry in the mixture for a few minutes.
3. Use a soft brush or a toothbrush to gently remove dirt and stains.
4. Rinse the jewelery thoroughly in cold water and dry it gently with a soft cloth.

Always remember to avoid using vinegar on delicate jewellery, and be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations if in doubt.

Can you clean jewelry with baking soda?

Baking soda is a milder cleaner than vinegar and can be used to clean jewelry made from materials such as silver and gold. Here is a method for cleaning jewelry with baking soda:

1. Make a paste by mixing baking powder with water until it becomes a thick consistency.
2. Apply the paste to the piece of jewelry and rub gently with a soft brush or a toothbrush.
3. Rinse the jewelery thoroughly with cold water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Again, it's important to be careful when using baking soda and avoid using it on delicate gemstones or pearls.

Can silver withstand water?

Silver is a metal that can actually tolerate water well, but it is very important to take certain precautions to avoid corrosion and discoloration of the jewellery. If your silver jewelry comes into contact with water, be sure to dry your silver jewelry thoroughly with a soft cloth to remove moisture. Also, avoid exposing silver to salt water, as this can cause corrosion. In short, silver is not super fond of water.

Which jewelery can withstand water?

Not all jewelery is suitable for exposure to water. Materials such as leather and wood can be damaged or deformed by water. In addition, jewelery with delicate gemstones, such as opals or pearls, avoid contact with water, as it can damage the stones.

Jewelry made of stainless steel, platinum, gold and silver is generally more resistant to water and can be worn during daily activities such as washing hands and showering. However, to preserve their beauty and shine, it is still recommended to avoid unnecessary exposure