Precious Metals

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Platinum

Platinum (pronounced /plætɪnəm/)Platinum's wear and tarnish resistance characteristics are well suited for making fine jewelry. Platinum is more precious than gold. The price of platinum changes along with its availability, but its price is normally much more than twice the price of gold. In the 18th century, platinum's rarity made King Louis XV of France declare it the only metal fit for a king. Platinum is a very rare metal 30 times rarer than gold. The word platinum comes from the Spanish word platina, meaning "little silver."

Gold

(pronounced /ɡoʊld/) is a highly sought-after precious metal.  It must pass an assay test to one of five standards to be officially called Gold. Those standards are: 9 carat (375 parts of pure gold per 1000 parts), 14 carat (585 parts of pure gold per 1000 parts), 18 carat (750 parts of pure gold per 1000 parts), 22 carat (916 parts of pure gold per 1000 parts), 24 carat (1000 parts of pure gold). Gold is very soft and one gram could be beaten into a 1metre square sheet. Other metals such as platinum, copper or pure silver can be added to pure gold to create coloured golds ie white, red or rose and green.

Silver

Silver (pronounced /ˈsɪlvɚ/) Silver is a very ductile and malleable (slightly harder than gold) monovalent coinage metal with a brilliant white metallic luster that can take a high degree of polish. It is used for larger works  ie teasets and Dinner services as well as jewellery.