The Complete Guide to Precious Metal Jewelry: Selection & Care
At VirtuCasa, we believe understanding precious metals is key to building a meaningful jewelry collection. This guide covers everything from metal properties to professional maintenance.
1. Understanding Precious Metals
1.1 Metal Properties Comparison
Precious metals offer unique characteristics for jewelry making:
| Metal | Symbol | Melting Point (°C) | Density (g/cm³) | Mohs Hardness | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Au | 1064 | 19.32 | 2.5 | Corrosion-resistant, highly malleable |
| Silver | Ag | 960 | 10.5 | 2.7 | Moderate corrosion resistance, excellent malleability |
| Platinum | Pt | 1774 | 21.45 | 4.3 | Extremely durable, hypoallergenic |
| Palladium | Pd | 1550 | 12.0 | 4.8 | Lightweight, tarnish-resistant |
Fun Fact: Platinum’s high density makes it feel substantially heavier than other metals of similar size.
1.2 Purity Standards (China GB 11887)
Understanding karat systems is essential for quality assessment:
Gold Alloys:
- 9K (375‰) – Most durable for active wear
- 14K (585‰) – Balance of durability and richness
- 18K (750‰) – Premium jewelry standard
- 22K (916‰) – Traditional high-purity
- 24K (990‰+) – Pure gold (softer, for special pieces)
Other Metals:
- Platinum: 850‰-990‰ (950‰ most common)
- Palladium: 500‰-990‰
- Silver: 800‰-990‰ (925 sterling most popular)
Pro Tip: “足” (zú) marking indicates highest purity (≥990‰) in Chinese standards.
2. Smart Shopping Guide
2.1 Verification Essentials
Always check for:
- Lab certificates (from GIA, NGTC, etc.)
- Hallmarks (maker’s mark, metal purity, stone weight)
- Physical inspection points (see checklist below)
Jewelry Quality Checklist:
☐ Smooth surfaces without tool marks
☐ Secure stone settings (no wobbling)
☐ Comfortable clasps/mechanisms
☐ Consistent chain/bracelet links
☐ Proper earring post alignment
2.2 Purchase Protections
- Immediate weighing: Verify against certificate
- Detailed receipts must include:
- Item description
- Metal purity
- Stone specifications (if applicable)
- Purchase date
- Seller authentication
VirtuCasa Recommendation: Shop at authorized dealers providing lifetime authentication services.
3. Professional Care & Maintenance
3.1 Preventing Physical Damage
- Activity Guide:
- 🚫 Housework/gardening
- 🚫 Sports/gym
- ✅ Office wear
- ✅ Social occasions
- Storage Solutions:
- Individual soft pouches
- Compartmentalized boxes
- Anti-tarnish strips for silver
3.2 Chemical Protection
Danger Zones:
- Mercury (thermometers): Causes gold whitening
- Sulfur (rubber, eggs): Tarnishes silver
- Chlorine (pools): Damages all metals
- Cosmetics: Abrasives scratch surfaces
Cleaning Schedule:
- Weekly: Soft brush + mild soap water
- Monthly: Professional inspection
- Annually: Deep cleaning & rhodium plating (for white gold)
Emergency Care: For mercury exposure (gold whitening), immediately seek professional polishing – never attempt DIY fixes.
VirtuCasa’s Metal Guarantee
All our precious metal jewelry includes:
- Free initial authenticity certificate
- Discounted annual inspections
- Lifetime metal purity verification
- Access to our jewelry care hotline
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