In modern society, you can increasingly meet the concepts of "surgical steel" and "stainless steel." We are talking about high-quality alloys, where the presence of precious metals is 40-30%. This material is also called ligature. Alloys differ from pure precious metals in high strength and resistance to environmental influences.
What it is?
The main component of expensive alloys are silver, gold or platinum (GOST 30649-99). Additional elements are zinc, copper, cadmium and palladium. As a rule, their percentage is small. Alloys with the addition of surgical steel, chromium and nickel are used to make jewelry.
Alloys from titanium. The composition is used for the manufacture of jewelry, which is characterized by a long service life and durability. However, their cost is quite high.
Where is it used?
Hypoallergenic jewelry alloy is used in the manufacture of original and stylish jewelry. We are talking about rings, earrings, pendants, cufflinks and tiaras. Additional elements allow you to adjust the initial parameters of precious metals: color, hardness, ductility and strength. For example, a combination of gold and nickel gives the jewelry a light, shiny shade. This combination allows you to get white gold. As for base alloys, two well-known options are worth mentioning: cupronickel and nickel silver. They are often confused with noble silver. In addition to the original jewelry, jewelry items, figurines, various figures and cups are created from jewelry steel.
Gold leaf (thin layers) is often used by masters to cover domes (churches), frames for icons and body crosses.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of jewelry steel, which is used to create jewelry, are the following characteristics:
- hypoallergenic;
- differs in resistance to external factors;
- affordable cost;
- universality - jewelry made of jewelry alloy is relevant for women and men of different ages.
However, there are still disadvantages. For example, some jewelry, getting into an aggressive environment, darkens. Also, over time, products created from a hypoallergenic alloy wear out and break. Food vinegar, aggressive detergents and drinks containing alcohol have a detrimental effect on the bijouterie alloy. It is not recommended to allow contact with manganese products, since it is instantly "absorbed", and it is almost impossible to wash it. Also, if there is nickel in the composition, the risk of an allergic reaction increases.
Note that in the past century, many jewelers widely used jewelry alloy, which included lead. Today, this item is strictly prohibited. The reason is the negative effect of this metal on the human body.
Varieties
In modern jewelry, there are several combinations that have certain characteristics and properties. The following alloys are among the most popular.
- Silver. Argentum in its pure form is prone to oxidation and darkens over time. In this regard, jewelers often use combinations of silver with copper, aluminum and nickel to make various products. As for samples, these alloys have the following hallmarks: 875, 960, 830 and 925. As a rule, most silver alloys are prone to plaque, so they undergo various types of processing.
- Gold. This option is one of the most expensive and luxurious. The composition of such a material includes: gold, cadmium, nickel, zinc and platinum. Nickel and copper help the precious material gain high strength. Silver allows gold to acquire an amazing luster. In modern jewelry, alloys with gold, gallium and aluminum have appeared. These alloys have an original lilac or purple hue. A speck of silver allows you to get the product a grayish tone. At high rates of steel, blue gold is obtained. The reddish tint of the jewelry alloy gives the “synthesis” of silver with cadmium. The following tests are considered the most popular: 585, 986 and 750. Gold alloys are distinguished by their presentable appearance, beautiful shine and durability.
Today, alloys of white, red and yellow shades are very popular.
- Platinum. A luxurious option designed for connoisseurs of noble white shine. This composition is characterized by high ductility and a long service life. It contains rhodium, copper and cobalt. It is these inclusions that allow platinum to maintain a presentable appearance and strength for a long time. Products have samples: 850, 950 and 900.
Caring for jewelry made of jewelry alloy can hardly be called difficult. DResidually regularly wipe products with a flannel or cotton cloth. To reduce the risk of jewelry breaking removed before sports training and repair work (especially during painting). It is undesirable to allow the jewelry to come into contact with sea or chlorinated water.
Earrings and rings must not be cleaned with aggressive detergents or with liquids containing acidic substances.. The easiest way is to cleanse with the usual chalk. It is enough to gently rub a product made of a jewelry alloy, and remove the residues with a damp cloth.
The following video provides more information about jewelry alloys.
