Metal Glossary
We use several different types of metal at Oreb Lram. In all of our jewelry
details, we describe what type of metal each clasp and earring hook is made of. Below is a brief description of metal types, even those not used by Oreb Lram.
- 24 K gold
Karat is the measured fineness of gold. Pure gold is 24K. 14 K gold is 14/24 pure gold with the balance being alloy. The more gold, the more of a darker yellow the metal is. We use 14 K gold on request and it is the standard fineness used for jewelry in the USA. 14 K and 18 K can be requested and both are durable and long lasting. These are usually allergy safe for most people
- 14 K gold filled
Made by mixing layers of gold alloy with a base metal, most often brass. It can be worn by most without reactions. It is long lasting.
- Plated- As in, gold-plated, silver-plated, and nickel-plated
Done by a standard of .15 to .25 mils of thickness of gold, silver, or nickel plated onto a base metal. Plated items can be chipped, exposing this base metal which may cause metal allergies.
- Finished
Gold-finish and silver-finish are made of a base metal (brass or steel) and then are electroplated with a non-standardized thickness of gold or silver. We wouldn't recommend this for person's with metal allergies. Electroplating comes off with wear.
- Nibonium
A relatively new metal designed by NASA to protect aerospace vehicles from extreme conditions. It is hypo-allergic metal that is naturally gray. This naturally gray color is certified hypo-allergenic and the metal of choice for those with metal allergies. When nibonium is anodized it changes color (navy, sky blue, purple, pink, and green) and cannot be guaranteed to be metal safe. It has a long life.
- Surgical steel
A steel alloy that is often used in jewely applications. Most people can wear it comfortably. However if you have a metal allergy, it should be avoided. It may contain Nickel. It is durable. We have found in some cases that those that are allergic to everything, can often wear surgical steel.
- Sterling silver
A silver alloy that contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. It can be wore by most. Sterling silver does tarnish with time. To clean, use a polishing cloth or sprinkle a fair amount of dry baking powder on a soft cloth and hold it in the palm of your hand. Rub carefully to avoid scratching stones or glass components. When done, shake the powder off.
- White gold
It is 14/24 pure gold mixed with an alloy, usually Nickel and or/Palldium. This metal should be avoided if you are sensitive to Nickel. Rose gold is done the same way, save Nickel is replaced with Copper to give it a rosy appearance.
