The Properties of Silver, Gold & Copper Metals in Jewelry
Gold, silver and copper all score from 2 to 3.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means that all are soft and malleable enough for jewelry making. Of the three, gold is the only metal that does not change its appearance over time; this makes it suitable for long-term wear jewelry, such as wedding and engagement rings. As Earth metals, each has unique healing and metaphysical properties as well. Does this Spark an idea?
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Hardness Properties
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Gold is so soft and light that it must be mixed with another metal to strengthen it enough for jewelry formation. Nine and 10 carats contain approximately 37.5 percent gold. Fourteen carats contain 58.5 percent gold and 18-carat jewelry is 75 percent gold. Nine and 10 carat jewelry are the hardest and most durable.
Silver is equally soft but is heavy enough for jewelry formation without an alloy addition. Fine silver jewelry is 99.9 percent pure while sterling silver has a 75 part copper alloy for strength. Copper is the heaviest of the three. Pure copper jewelry can be made. When mixed with tin alloys, it becomes bronze. With zinc alloys copper becomes brass.
Beauty and Durability
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Chemical properties of gold permanently resist rust and tarnish making it prized among jewelry makers. The arrangement of gold's electrons are responsible for the lustrous yellow color. Yellow and rose gold colors do not change, fade or chip. White gold requires silver alloys that result in a gray finish. White gold jewelry is often plated with rhodium and platinum for a whiter look. Unlike gold, silver oxidizes and turns black over time. It is cheaper to purchase but more expensive to repair or resize than gold. Copper is sought after for its orange hues. Oxidation turns it green. As with silver, it must be polished to maintain its natural color.
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Healing Properties
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Gold is non-toxic and benign to human body systems. For this reason, gold has been used in invasive jewelry adornments such as teeth caps, nose rings and earrings. Pure silver jewelry is also worn invasively and has been used to purify water. Silver-fortified water his drunk to kill bacteria, bolster health immunity and balance hormones. Copper jewelry is commonly worn to relieve arthritis pain. Copper is also worn to conduct energy, enable proper glandular functioning and improve blood circulation.
Metaphysical Properties
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Gold adornments are metaphysically associated with the sun. The sun represents power and warmth and gold jewelry is believed to project these characteristics in the wearer. Silver is associated with the moon. Moon power is considered to be calming and cooling. Long-term wear produces perseverance and patience in the wearer. Metaphysicists also believe that silver amplifies the affects of any gemstones that are set in silver and deflects negativity. Shimmerlings recommends wearing a silver bracelet around the wrist of your dominant hand to receive channeled information. Copper is associated with the planet Venus and as such has been worn to attract love. It is also believed to amplify psychic communication.
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