| Category | Key Examples | Core Features |
|---|---|---|
| Precious Metals | Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd) | High ductility, resistance to corrosion (except silver’s tarnish), and intrinsic value tied to purity. |
| Gemstones | Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Colored Topaz | Valued by the "4Cs" (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight) for diamonds; color intensity and origin matter for colored stones. |
| Organic Materials | Pearl, Coral, Amber, Ivory (banned in most regions) | Formed by living organisms; pearls rely on luster, shape, and surface quality. |
Gold: Measured in karats (K). 24K = 99.9% pure gold (soft, rarely used for jewelry); 18K (75% pure), 14K (58.3% pure) are common for durability.
Silver: Marked as "925" (Sterling Silver, 92.5% pure silver + 7.5% alloy) to prevent tarnishing and increase hardness.
Platinum: Stamped "Pt950" (95% pure platinum) or "Pt900" (90% pure); denser and more scratch-resistant than gold.
Cut: Determines a diamond’s brilliance (light reflection). Grades range from "Excellent" (ideal light performance) to "Poor" (wastes light).
Color: For white diamonds, graded from "D" (colorless, most valuable) to "Z" (light yellow). Colored diamonds (e.g., pink, blue) are valued for intense, uniform hues.
Clarity: Measures internal flaws ("inclusions") and surface blemishes. Grades: FL (Flawless, no visible flaws under 10x magnification) → SI (Slightly Included) → I (Included, visible to the naked eye).
Carat Weight: 1 carat (ct) = 0.2 grams. Value rises exponentially with carat (a 2ct diamond is far pricier than two 1ct diamonds of similar quality).
Casting: Melting metal and pouring it into a mold (used for mass-produced, complex designs like engagement rings).
Filigree: Twisting thin metal wires into delicate patterns (traditional craft, seen in antique or artisanal jewelry).
Enameling: Fusing colored glass powder onto metal (adds vivid color; "cloisonné" is a high-end enameling technique).
Setting: Securing gemstones to metal. Common types:
Prong Setting: 4-6 metal prongs hold the gem (maximizes light exposure for diamonds).
Bezel Setting: A metal rim wraps around the gem (offers better protection, popular for daily-wear jewelry).
Pavé Setting: Tiny gemstones are set closely together (creates a "sparkling surface" effect).
Precious Metals: Avoid contact with chemicals (perfume, lotion, chlorine). Clean silver with a specialized silver polish; gold/platinum can be washed with warm soapy water.
Gemstones: Diamonds are hard (Mohs scale 10) but can chip if hit; avoid wearing diamond jewelry during heavy work. Soft stones (e.g., emerald, pearl, Mohs scale 3-7) need gentle cleaning with a soft cloth—never use ultrasonic cleaners.
Storage: Keep jewelry separate in soft pouches or a divided box to prevent scratching. Pearls should be stored away from direct sunlight to avoid drying out.