Here are some types of jewelry
Solid Gold
Pure gold is 24kt (or 24 karat), however it is extremely soft.  Most pieces of solid gold are sold in 18kt, 14kt, or 10kt.  This allows the metal to still contain the benefits of solid gold yet the durability to last generations.

Gold Filled
Gold filled jewelry is the next best jewelry to solid gold.  Gold filled jewelry is manufactured by laminating a sheet of gold over a base metal.  The total amount of gold must be at least 5% of the total weight of the piece.  Most pieces we sell are 18kt gold over sterling silver.  Gold filled jewelry will last for many years and is a good quality metal.  For many individuals, the piece will last a lifetime.  For those who perhaps perspire more than average or wear the piece everyday and in the shower, the gold may eventually wear away leaving the base metal exposed.

Gold Plated
Gold plated jewelry has less quality then gold filled jewelry.  Although there are many different processes of gold plating, basically gold plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold on top of a base metal.  Electroplated pieces have at least 7 millionths of an inch of gold on significant surfaces.  Gold plated items do not carry the same quality as solid gold or gold filled items.

Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, normally containing 2/3 copper and 1/3 zinc.

Sterling Silver
When a metal is designated as sterling silver, then it minimally 92.5% pure silver.  Such high quality silver will tarnish.  Routine cleaning is essential to maintaining the luster of pure silver.  Most sterling silver pendants have a “Sterling” or “925” stamp on the back to signify the quality.

Pewter
Pewter is a tin alloy originally consisting of tin with a little lead, although now more often tin with copper, antimony, or bismuth.  Pewter has a slightly dull look, and can never be polished to the fine luster of sterling silver.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy of steel containing at least 10% chromium that makes the alloy resistant to corrosion or rusting associated with exposure to water and moist air.  Stainless steel is stronger than sterling silver and pewter, so most pendants we sell come with a standard stainless steel chain.

Filed under: Jewelry Types